Gualala, California

Gualala is yet another popular tourist destination in California especially during the summer because of the fine sand, clean salt air and amazing seafoods. Although tourists pronounce the name as “gwa-la-la,” locals call it “wa-la-la,” derived from “ah kha wa la lee,” a Kashaya Pomo Indian phrase which means “Where the water flows down.” Since it is just a small community, you can still get budget-friendly hotel discounts from Surf Inn and Breakers Inn. You can also do a lot of activities such as kayaking in the Gualala River or exploring the Redwood forests.