11 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in California
Of all the states in the US, California might well be the most popular and influential due to all the films Hollywood has churned out for the globe. Among the sights and sets of those international and famous movies you love are the most charming small towns you ought to visit in California. In wine-making towns like Ojai and St. Helena, you will see endless swathes of vineyards across rolling hills and fertile valleys. In nature-brimming villages like Idyllwild and Wrightwood, you will be mesmerized by the dynamic depths of the Californian wilderness. And in history-wealthy settlements like San Juan Capistrano and Solvang, you will be immersed in the diversely cultural aspects of the Gold State. Go out and strike gold in the most charming towns to visit in California.
Ojai
Once you spend a long time in the town of Ojai, you won’t feel like saying goodbye. Only 66 miles from Santa Clarita, Ojai is renowned for its luxurious wine from the Topa Mountain Winery. Venture into the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and the Los Padres National Forest for a grand appreciation of the Californian wildlife. Navigate the scenic hikes and trails all over the Topatopa Mountains, or undertake exciting horseback rides through the Ventura River Valley and the Enchanted Forest. Find opportunities to participate or observe local events like the Ojai Music Festival, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, and the Wine Festival every June at Lake Casitas. For learners of history, seek your knowledge at the Ojay Valley Museum for a deeper understanding of the Chumash people who once roamed the area. Or you can browse books at the largest independent outdoor bookstore in the US, Bart’s Books. When all the exploration gets you weary, settle down at the Ojai Valley Inn or the Caravan Outpost.
Los Alamos
Not to be mistaken with the famous Los Alamos of New Mexico where the atomic bomb was created, the town of Los Alamos in the Santa Ynez Valley of California has its own bombastic flares to keep you mesmerized. Founded in 1876 by two ranchers and so named from the Spanish word “cottonwood” that still dominate the area, Los Alamos entices wine aficionados with savory nectar from Bedford Winery and Martian Ranch & Vineyard. Try not to get too tipsy in the Californian nectar, because you will need all the clarity and energy to explore the Gaviota State Park or learn of the town’s history at the Los Alamos History Museum. You can also consider trekking through the vastly popular Santa Fe National Forests or taking a dip at Cachuma Lake. When it comes to festivities, the Old Days Festival is a glorious occasion in the last week of September to honor the historic foundations of the town. Only 46 miles from Santa Barbara, travelers can enjoy the accommodations of the historic Union Hotel, Skyview Los Alamos, or the Alamo Motel.
Idyllwild
Want an ideal getaway from the heat of Los Angeles? Then travel two hours to the idyllic wilds of Idyillwild. Also known as Idyllwild-Pine Cove, the town welcomes travelers and gives them impeccable access to the Mount San Jacinto State Park, an unchanged region rife with mountainous trails and soothing camping grounds. Commence your adventure at the Idyllwild Nature Center, or go straight for the extreme side of the Californian wilderness by undertaking the Tahquitz and Suicide Rock Climbing challenges. Go further by participating in a mountain bike race at the Spring Challenge, or keep things smooth and mellow at the “Jazz in the Pine” festival around July. Lastly, when the idyllic wilderness in the San Jacinto Mountains lulls you to sleep, spend your starry nights at Idyllwild Buckhouse, Silver Pines Lodge, the Fireside Inn, or Idyllwild Inn.
San Juan Capistrano
Two hours away from Idyllwild, and situated on California’s coast, San Juan Capistrano has barely changed since its Spanish inception in 1776. So named after Saint John of Capistrano, the town represents the Spanish colonial side of California, especially with its historic displays and exhibits at the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum and Acjachemen Cultural Center. The ruins of the Mission San Juan Capistrano—destroyed by an earthquake in 1812—can still be admired today. Try not to miss out the large flocks of swallows flying out of the ruins on St. John’s Day (October 31) and returning on St. Joseph’s Day (March 19).
A flavorful mixture of Mexican, Spanish, Acjachemen, and Californian cultures compose San Juan Capistrano. The San Juan Capistrano Basilica and the Los Rios District, the oldest neighborhood in California, are locations that best exemplify the hybridity of diverse and differing peoples. For those who wish to occupy their time in San Juan Capistrano, first book rooms at the Inn at the Mission, Beachwood Village, or Capistrano Surfside Inn.
Wrightwood
Feel right at home in Wrightwood, an elevated and exalted far cry from the Californian heat. Situated 6,000 feet on the snowy slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, Wrightwood is a perfect resort for skiing and snowboarding at the Mountain High ski resort. In a mountainous landscape once roamed by the Yuharetum (meaning “people of the pines”) or Serrano (Spanish for “mountaineer”), the town has experienced many changes in its past. From being Spanish missions to becoming a Mormon colony, Wrightwood is now home to numerous hiking trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the town on its way from Mexico to Canada. One can plough the waters of Jackson Lake or walk through several canyons in the area like Acorn Canyon, Lone Pine Canyon, Mine Gulch, and Slover Canyon. Remember to keep yourselves warm in lodgings like the Harrison, Silverbear Cottage, and All Pine Inn.
Solvang
A stereotypical image of Californians is that of beachgoing or movie-loving surfer dudes or gals. But in the Danish town of Solvang, you will be greeted by a different kind of Californian whose ancestry hails from the Old World. While walking down Copenhagen Street, you will be transported into a spitting image of Denmark right in the West Coast of America. The Solvang Danish Days in September are a particularly perfect time to visit the town as the Old World artisan marketplace purveys many unique crafts and delicacies, not to mention an enthralling Viking reenactment.
Elsewhere, the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art preserves a collection of interactive exhibits illustrating Solvang’s culture and history. Furthermore, the Wilding Museum of Art and Nature inspires future generations of conservationists and artists to protect and respect nature. Once nighttime settles on "The Danish Capital of America," lounge at the Vinland Hotel and Lounge, The Hadsten Solvang, King Frederik Inn, or The Landsby.
Avalon
Avalon, mysterious Avalon—but not the one fabled in the legends of King Arthur and Merlin. Rather, Avalon is a quaint little town on Santa Catalina Island. There are a number of mystical and magical sites to explore in Avalon. The historic Catalina Casino was where Hollywood’s elite gathered to play and gamble, while the Wrigley Memorial Botanical Garden perfumes people in memories and floral wonders. Along Front Street are several architectural beauties such as the Serpentine Wall. One can even have a bird of prey land on your arm thanks to the Catalina Falconry Experience.
Since Santa Catalina Island is one of many islands in the Channel Islands, Avalon is home to a plethora of beachside attractions such as the Descanso Beach Club, one of the last private beaches in California open to the public. The Lovers Cove Marine Preserve contains unique creatures native to California’s waters, and the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History showcases the local talents and legends of Avalon. If you require rest at night or in the hot glare of the sun, rest up at either the Bellanca, Atwater, Pavilion, or Aurora hotels.
Julian
As a premier resort in the splendid Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian welcomes visitors to a heaping bundle of apples, apple pies, and historic ties to gold. Approximately 60 miles from San Diego, Julian was originally a gold-mining colony before it ripened into the Apple Capital of California. For years, locals and foreigners have plucked fresh, juicy apples from the Calico Ranch Orchard, while the rest have ventured into the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve to admire the natural scenery.
While taking bites from those lovely apples, take a walk through the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Salton Sea. When it comes to history, the Julian Pioneer Museum and the Eagle and High Peak Mine give tourists a proper glimpse into Julian’s gold-digging enterprise. And because Julian is an international dark sky community, visitors can be entreated to the starry spine of the night at the Starfest festival on August. But if you would rather sleep than stay awake at night, the Orchard Hill, Apple Tree Inn, and Tucker Peak Lodge have comfortable beds for you.
Sausalito
Just a ten-minute drive from the golden city of San Francisco and on the northern terminus of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito contains all the majesty and sublimity of the big city in a smaller slice. From the expansive hiking and trekking trails of Marin Headlands to the serene biomes of Muir Woods, there is no shortage of engaging activities to discover in Sausalito. Take panoramic photos of the San Franciscan skyline in multiple Golden Gate view points like Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove Campground, or Lime Point Historic Lighthouse. Tour the former establishment of the legendary Sally Stanford or dive into the town’s maritime past at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Seek out the hidden alley of Princess Court on Princess Street for the local art galleries and boutiques, and perhaps see adorable marine mammals at the Marine Mammal Center. But before all this, book a room at the Casa Madrona, Inn Above Tide, or Cavallo Point Lodge.
St. Helena
Many people come to California for the star-sparkling wine the state produces. Fortunately, the spirited town of St. Helena is a remarkably bountiful manufacturer and provider of these Californian products. Located deep in the fertile Napa Valley and around an hour and thirty minutes from Sacramento, one can be entreated to cooking demonstrations and vineyard tours at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone. Close by, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park provides milling demonstrations through its formidable 36-foot water wheel and grist mill from the 1800s.
When it concerns the wine-making history of the area, the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum has all the exhibits you will need to appreciate the fine wine. On the other hand, the Napa Valley Museum provides a more objective and generalized history lesson of St. Helena, while the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum chronicles the life and works of the famous author. To top it all off, one can take hot air balloon rides to view the entire Napa Valley uncontested. So sample the finest wines in the finest establishments such as the Harvest Inn, Alila Napa Valley, or The Ink House.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is, technically, by the Pacific Ocean on the Monterey Peninsula and about 75 miles from San Jose. Many secrets await in this seaside town, especially the seven secret courtyards each with their unique mysteries and enigmas to unlock. Carmel Beach provides a bracing and relaxing ambiance as you soak in the salty seawaters of the Pacific and Monterey Bay. Meanwhile, the Carmel Mission houses a historic library detailing the trials and tribulations of the town for your curious perusal.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is riddled with the fairytale cottages and galleries in its village center, and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is home to various sea animals and a whaling museum to enhance awareness. Elsewhere, the Carmel River State Beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. On April 28, either watch or participate in the annual Big Sur International Marathon, an activity that allows one to cross the famous bridge called Big Sur. Or you can admire masterful works from the Carmel Art Festival from May 17 to 19. There are many more events and attractions to enjoy in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and some of the best lodgings like La Playa Hotel, Carmel Beach Hotel, and Carriage House Inn have all the necessities that will make you want for nothing.
In Conclusion
Not all that glitters is gold, and in the Gold State of California, the most glittering things you can treasure are the most charming towns you will be grateful to visit. Lounge in the waters of the Pacific at Carmel-by-the-Sea and on the mystical island town of Avalon. Ascend the mighty mountains at Julian and Wrightwood, or entertain yourself with Danish delights at Solvang. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and into the stupendous town of Sausalito. Most importantly, start crossing your map with Xs in your journey through the state, and hold on to the memories and experiences you can treasure from California’s most charming small towns.
