6 Darling Small Towns in Southern California
If the approach of fall and winter has you California dreaming, it’s time to give into temptation and book a mini-break. It’s summer all year-round in the golden state where the welcome is as warm as the weather. In these darling small towns in southern California, you’ll find lots to explore and experience, from saying hi to seals to catching America’s best sunset. Time to head south and catch some rays!
Idyllwild
As the name suggests, Idyllwild is the perfect place for a tranquil retreat. A charming mountain hamlet among the San Jacinto peaks, the town is a hub for artists drawn by the beautiful scenery and is home to the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Browse local works at the Golden Pine Gallery or test your own skills on the potter's wheel at Mountain Pottery. For live entertainment, check the schedule at the Rustic Theatre which regularly hosts movie screenings, music concerts, festivals, and more. A big part of Idyllwild’s charm is its natural surroundings. Hike the trails at Idyllwild Regional Park, 202 acres of unspoilt wilderness, or challenge yourself with a climb to the summit of Mount San Jacinto and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
Carpinteria
Carpinteria is a pretty coastal town just south of Santa Barbara. The town’s beach looks out over the Pacific Ocean, with some great spots for surfers, and doesn’t just attract tourists. This is also an important seal rookery where the marine mammals come to rest and recharge. The public are asked to keep their distance from the seals but you can safely get a good view, and some amazing photos, from the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery lookout point along the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail. Back in town, visit the Carpinteria Valley Museum for a fascinating glimpse into the tiny town’s long history, from the native Chumash people through the arrival of Spanish explorers and up to present day. After journeying into the past, grab some refreshment at the Island Brewing Company, a local microbrewery serving up award-winning craft beers.
Lake Arrowhead
Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest (otherwise known as the ‘Alps’ of California), Lake Arrowhead is a mountain resort with spectacular scenery and plenty of attractions for nature lovers. Start at the SkyPark, an expansive outdoor playground with year-round biking, hiking, fishing, and climbing. The park also contains log cabin restaurants and shops for when you need time out from the trails. For beautiful views over the lake, take a trip aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen Paddle Boat which leaves from the town dock. Tours operate year-round and last about an hour. There’s always something happening in Lake Arrowhead so it’s worth checking the events calendar before your trip. Visit in September to catch the town’s annual Brewfest, see the holiday lights and Santa parade in December, or enjoy one of the many summer concerts held on weekends from May to September.
Ojai
Ojai is a quaint small town at the southern edge of the Los Padres National Forest, tucked deep into a valley in the Topatopa Mountain range. The people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful, and the town is charming but Ojai is best known for one dazzling natural attraction — its sunsets, known to locals as ‘the pink moment’. Ojai’s position in a east/west valley (rather than the usual north/south) means it’s perfectly positioned to catch the sinking sun rather than blocking it. The waning light reflected over the Topatopa Bluffs turns the landscape rosy pink, orange, and red, giving visitors quite the show.
One of the best places to catch a pink moment is the Ojai Meadows Preserve, a restored wetlands near town with 27 miles of trails. For more scenic moments, head to Lake Casitas just a short drive from Ojai, where you can picnic, camp, fish, or kayak in a gorgeous alpine lake. Don’t leave town without sampling some of the famous Ojai olive oil. The Ojai Olive Oil Company offers tastings and tours, as well as a gift shop so you can take a bottle home.
Solvang
Known as the ‘Danish capital of America’, Solvang is a little piece of Europe in the heart of Southern California. The sunny streets of this quaint village are lined with quaint shops, Danish bakeries, old world architecture, and spinning windmills. To see it in style, take the Solvang Trolley, a historic wooden streetcar pulled by horses. Must-see stops around town include the Round Tower, a replica of Copenhagan’s famous tower, the Solvang Founders Statue, the 1928 Bethania Lutheran Church, and the Bit O’ Denmark restaurant, housed in one of Solvang’s first buildings constructed in 1911. When you’re done exploring, fuel up with a tasty pastry from Birkholm’s Bakery, founded in 1951 and offering a mouthwatering array of sweet treats.
Avalon
Avalon is a waterfront community on Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles County. It’s accessible via passenger ferry from the mainland towns of Long Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Pedro. This cute, beachy destination has a very relaxed island vibe. Spend the day swimming, diving, paddleboarding, or kayaking or try something different with the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, a two hour adventure with breathtaking views over the Pacific coastline.
Back on land, visit the Catalina Museum for Art and History to catch musical performances, cultural exhibits, educational presentations, and more. The nearby Avalon Diving History Exhibit houses one of the most unique collections of vintage diving gear in the US. After exploring downtown Avalon, take a Bison Tour to see the island’s most unusual residents. In the 1920s, a herd of bison were brought over from the mainland by a film crew who were making a feature. The bison stayed and now roam wild in the island’s interior. Catalina Island Conservancy Tours take visitors to view the herd and other wildlife including Bald Eagles and the Catalina Island Fox.
See the Best of Southern California in Its Scenic Small Towns
Southern California’s darling small towns aren’t just postcard pretty. These charming communities have plenty of surprises up their sleeve, from roaming herds of bison to Danish landmarks and from olive oil tasting to paddle boat tours. Whether you’re just taking a break for the weekend, planning some family fun, or escaping south for the winter, don’t overlook these hidden gems in Southern California. This is one vacation you won’t forget in a hurry.
