California County Seats Map - CCCarto

California has several county seats that are both photogenic and tourist-friendly, featuring charming courthouses, historic clock towers, bandstands, and scenic parks with rivers and streams. Here are some notable ones:

1. Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara County)
• Courthouse: The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is renowned for its Spanish-Moorish architecture and lush sunken gardens; clock tower views are panoramic.
• Parks and Coast: Alameda Park, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden; close to the Santa Barbara Channel and beaches.

2. Santa Rosa (Sonoma County)
• Courthouse: Old Courthouse Square anchors downtown; courts are at the Sonoma County Hall of Justice nearby.
• Parks and Streams: Prince Memorial Greenway along Santa Rosa Creek; Howarth Park & Spring Lake.

3. Nevada City (Nevada County)
• Courthouse: Historic Nevada County Courthouse above Broad Street; gold-rush era streetscapes.
• Parks and Rivers: Close to the South Yuba River & Pioneer Park.

4. Auburn (Placer County)
• Courthouse: Iconic hilltop Placer County Courthouse (museum inside) with classic dome and steps.
• Parks and Rivers: American River confluence & Auburn State Recreation Area vistas.

5. San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo County)
• Courthouse: County Government Center / Superior Court near Mission Plaza; walkable historic core.
• Parks and Rivers: Mission Plaza on San Luis Creek; Cerro San Luis & Bishop Peak nearby.

Population Size of Counties

• Largest County by Population: Los Angeles County is the largest by population, with over 10 million residents.
• Smallest County by Population: Alpine County is the smallest by population, with fewer than 2,000 residents.


These county seats and their surroundings offer a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, making them ideal for tourists seeking picturesque settings.