13 Prettiest Towns In Southern California
There’s so much to see and so much to do in Southern California. Although plenty of people instantly think of Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area when thinking of Southern California, there’s obviously more to the area than that. There are smaller towns in Southern California that deserve just as much clout and attention for all the things they offer. these small towns are special, memorable, and quaint in all the best ways. For example, lovely places like Avalon, Wrightwood, and Los Alamos have tons to offer. These are just a few of the small towns where visitors can thoroughly enjoy the ambiance of Southern California without feeling overcrowded or surrounded by too many city dwellers.
Avalon
Making a stop in Avalon, California creates plenty of chances for alluring photo opportunities. Avalon is picturesque, which means you’ll find endless backdrops for all the social media posts your heart desires – if that’s your thing. There isn’t an ounce of chaotic energy spread in the small town of Avalon among its 3,313 residents.
As far as Santa Catalina Island goes, Avalon is the only incorporated town. Watching dolphins swim through the water is possible in Avalon if you book a boat tour reservation while you’re there. The Wrigley Memorial Botanical Garden located on the very edge of Avalon is another one of the town’s intriguing draws.
Wrightwood
Wrightwood, California has 4,568 residents living there today. This particular town is considered highly charming due to its friendly atmosphere and relaxed vibe. It’s located in the San Gabriel Mountains, which means there will certainly be enough distance between you and any ongoing bustling city life while you’re there.
One of the most exciting stops to make in Wrightwood is the Mountain High Ski Resort. If skiing isn’t exactly your favorite thing to do, it’s still pleasurable to admire such breathtaking views from above. Some of the events to take place in Wrightwood annually include a Garden Tour every June, an event called Mountaineer Days every July, and the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Run every August.
Los Alamos
If you’re looking for a small piece of history in Southern California, Los Alamos is the best town to visit. There are only 1,343 residents living there today, despite all of its beauty and charm. Los Alamos is certainly thought of as a hidden gem in California since there aren’t many people who actually know about it.
Two ranchers founded Los Alamos back in 1876, and ever since, it’s been labeled a fabulous destination for winos and foodies. Some of the wine-tasting and craft beer stops to make in Los Alamos include Babi’s Beer Emporium and Casa Dumetz. As far as restaurants go, Bob’s Well Bread Bakery is full of delicious pastries and meals to order.
Ojai
Ojai is a small town in southern California with only 7,540 residents living there today. This town will leave you feeling undeniably calm based on how blissfully peaceful it is. If you’re currently dealing with any daily stressors, a short visit to Ojai might just clear all of that up. The reason why? There are gorgeous sites to see including calm rivers, lush greenery, and spectacular hills.
This is the type of town that will motivate you to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a meal outside in nature. There are so many fun activities to try in Ojai including golf courses, wine-tasting venues, biking trails, and horse riding paths.
San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano has 34,548 residents living there today. Although this small town in Southern California might not have been on your radar before, it’s high time to do some exploration. It will take you an hour to reach Los Angeles from San Juan Capistrano, and an hour to reach San Diego. Still, this small town has a lot to offer since it was founded back in 1776. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society keeps visitors informed by offering weekly tours of the entire district.
Anyone coming from out of town won’t be confused about the surrounding area for long thanks to that organization. Some of the missions located in San Juan Capistrano housed Native Americans during their process of converting to Catholicism.
Solvang
Solvang is a Southern California small town with 5,986 residents who call it home. Since it was founded by Danish individuals, it still holds true to a lot of that cultural energy. When you spend time in Solvang, it will remind you of one of the most popular amusement parks in the world… Disneyland. The buildings are built to model Scandinavian-style structures. They also stand out for being eccentrically colorful. As far as food goes, Danish meal options are abundant.
Even though this small town is located in Southern California, be prepared to chow down on some of the most delicious Danish treats while you’re there. This includes puff pastries covered in powdered sugar and jelly.
Julian
With only 1,332 residents living there today, Julian, California is one of the most charming small towns in the state. It offers a rustic vibe with loads of stunning history. If you’re the type of person who prefers outdoor adventures, Julian is perfect for you. There are breathtaking mountains covered in hiking trails throughout the town. Visitors can exercise while admiring the beauty of the land surrounding them.
There are plenty of places to set up camping essentials if you want to spend the night underneath the stars. Starfest is an annual event that takes place in Julian since the people who live there have such a great view of the stars in the night sky. Starfest is celebrated with telescopes, group games, and delicious foods.
Joshua Tree
Most travel lovers have heard all about Joshua Tree and the exquisite beauty it offers. There are 7,398 people living there today. It is the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, which is a top stop for outdoorsy people to visit. The rock formations in Joshua Tree are rugged and the desert landscapes are spectacular.
There are 57 species of animals you might cross paths with while in Joshua Tree, including white-tailed antelope, kangaroo rats, coyotes, and ground squirrels. Obviously, it’s best to be wary of any animals who might be dangerous! Since Joshua Tree is a tourist destination, there are several restaurants and shops for all your needs.
Coronado
If the beach is calling to you more than anything else, Coronado might just be the Southern California small town for you. There are 18,702 residents living there today. Coronado is full of warm sand, ocean waves, and magnificent palm trees. The art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques in Coronado are incredibly trendy. It’s easy to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation while spending time in this charming small town, even for just a couple of days. This beautiful beach town will make you fall head over heels in love with the appearance of the horizon.
Palm Springs
Just like Coronado, Palm Springs is another beachy town you wouldn't want to miss out on while visiting Southern California. It has just as much beach access, just as many palm trees, and just as many opportunities to enjoy total relaxation. One thing Palm Springs is known for is its super hot weather. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can dip into water to cool yourself off. Palm Springs is full of stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas for visitors to enjoy. Anyone who’s dedicated to the notion of pampering themselves will easily be able to achieve that in Palm Springs.
Morro Bay
There are 10,696 people living in Morro Bay today. It’s considered one of the prettiest seaside towns in Southern California. You’ll be able to locate it just north of San Luis Obispo, which is a hugely popular college town thanks to the university located there. Some of the pleasant things you can do in Morro Bay include biking, kayaking, and dining out at one of the many delicious seafood restaurants.
There are so many beautiful sites to admire in Morro Bay that you’ll feel like you’re stepping directly into a postcard. There’s a 576-foot rock in the middle of the bay that happens to be off-limits from guests. It’s fabulous for admiring, but it’s simply not safe enough to climb.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, California is another small town worth mentioning with 8,044 residents calling it home. This coastal town is ideal for anyone who cherishes their time in the ocean. Sunbathing, fishing, swimming, and surfing are common practices for the residents of Pismo Beach. You don’t have to live in Pismo Beach to enjoy all that there is to offer, though.
Visitors make stops in Pismo Beach all the time since there are loads of enjoyable things to do. We're referring to multiple shopping options, restaurant rows, and viewpoints for picture taking.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, California currently has 9,647 people living there. The beautiful small town is located in the San Bernardino National Forest. One of the nicknames you might recognize it by is the “Alps of California.” This is the perfect small town to visit if you’re interested in outdoorsy adventures like skiing, boating, and fishing.
The art galleries in Lake Arrowhead are full of handcrafted pieces designed by talented individuals. The scenic lake views are enough to take your breath away. Lake Arrowhead happens to be one of California’s best-kept secrets. Watching the sunset or sunrise there is a truly special experience.
In Conclusion
Southern California might be thought of as a part destination thanks to Hollywood Boulevard, but these smaller towns prove otherwise. Fortunately, Southern California covers a lot of land with many different small towns scattered throughout. Your ability to scout a small town in Southern California that piques your interest and tugs on your heartstrings is an easy feat to accomplish. Whether you’re hoping for small-town vibes near the beach or small-town vibes up in the snowy mountains, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for there.
