6 of the Quirkiest Towns in Southern California
Southern California, a region famous for its gorgeous weather and world-renowned cities, is also home to some of the quirkiest small towns in the country. While most flock to California’s more well-known attractions like the iconic Hollywood sign or the bustling Santa Monica Pier, these towns and their locals offer a different side of the Golden State: a slice of the unordinary. From an exotic island village named after an Arthurian legend to a desert oasis-turned-ghost town, quirky is the name of the game in these 6 California communities. Whether you enjoy the unconventional or simply find yourself looking for a fresh adventure, a visit to any of these towns will have you hungry for more.
Idyllwild
Once a haven for hippies in the 60’s and 70’s, present-day Idyllwild knows a thing or two about “quirky”. If you need convincing, just ask the town’s mayor, Max, a fluffy-tailed golden retriever. He is the third 4-legged mayor of Idyllwild since 2012, and if you happen to visit this San Jacinto Mountain town, you may just get to meet this furry elected official.
Politics aside, most people come to this “Yosemite of the South” for the natural surroundings. High in the mountains, it is easy to see why Idyllwild lured so many free spirits back in the day. Whether you are traveling solo or with your family, the Idyllwild Nature Center is a great place to begin your nature journey. Check out the museum to learn more about the area's ecology before heading out on the trails to experience the flora and fauna in action. Mount San Jacinto State Park is also right on the edge of town, and has some spectacular hikes and overlooks. With 50 miles of trails across 13,000 acres of granite peaks, the views will not disappoint.
Laguna Beach
If you are looking for gorgeous sights a bit more on the tropical side, Laguna Beach epitomizes postcard views. Home to over 30 beaches and coves, this is definitely not your average coastal town, which is exactly why 6 million people come here every year. Shores like Victoria Beach, for instance, are anything but ordinary. Surrounded by massive cliffs, the main whimsy is found at a storybook tower built into the bluffs. Nicknamed “Pirate Tower” by locals, the 60 foot turret was actually built as an enclosed staircase in 1926. Although not an actual pirate relic, the weathered structure adds a remarkable drama to the scene and photographs beautifully.
A ton of the town’s other beaches carry similar quirks, like Treasure Island Beach, whose highly-photographed rock tunnel creates the perfect natural frame of the Pacific. The water here is also super mild and clean, making it a favored swimming spot. Crystal Cove State Park on the other hand, is known for its reefs, ridges, canyons, tidepools, and sandy shores. And below the swaying waves: a 1,000 acre underwater park. The kelp forest, whose giant kelp reaches heights up to 100 feet, is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, with more than 1,000 different aquatic species.
Avalon
As far as one-of-a-kind beach towns go, Avalon might just take the cake. If the name sounds familiar, you have likely heard of an island by the same title. In the infamous legend, King Arther searches for the mythical island of Avalon. It was Aldred Lord Tennyson’s depiction of this quest (in his poem “Idylls of the King”) that inspired the modern town’s name. To this day, the name hints at the fairytale beauty you will find here.
Straddling Avalon Bay, this resort community is the only incorporated town on Santa Catalina Island and its shores are divine. Crescent Ave (or Front Street, as locals call it) is the symbolic center of Avalon, alive with shops and beachside restaurants like Avalon Grille and Flx Biergarten, the first and only beer garden on the island. Right across from Avalon Grille, the bright teal Pleasure Pier is where you can depart on thrilling sea tours with the Catalina Island Company. Voyages like the Undersea Sub Expedition or Glass Bottom Boat Tour are as thrilling as they are breathtaking. Back on land, the beachside beckons you to relax after an adventure. South Beach and Middle Beach both have awesome access to the Pleasure Pier, and more than enough sand to go around.
Lake Arrowhead
Are you more of a lake trip or mountain getaway kind of person? In that case, you might prefer a visit to gorgeous Lake Arrowhead, which has the best of both. This San Bernardino Mountain town is entirely enclosed within the San Bernardino National Forest and is fondly referred to as “The Alps of Southern California.” There are dozens of trails in this vast wilderness, but the Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail is a favorite among hikers. This 4 mile hike rewards its travelers with spectacular views overlooking the mountains from a stone ledge on the “The Pinnacles Peak.”
Bear in mind, the town’s namesake reservoir is a private lake, so if you want to enjoy its waters, you will need to book a vacation rental with access. Luckily, the town is used to welcoming tourists, and there are tons of cozy cabins, along with Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa if you are looking for a more luxurious stay. On the reservoir’s southern shore, you will also find one of the town’s more unique attractions–no reservation or rental required. What appears to be a quaint, European-style hamlet is actually Lake Arrowhead Village. Tudor-style, timber-framed buildings topped with red shingled roofs are a signature here, a darling clock tower overlooking it all. Shop, dine, and savor the views of this quirky community hub.
Joshua Tree
No list of quirky California towns would be complete without Joshua Tree, a town famous for its surreal landscapes. The main facet of its zany terrain is the town’s namesake, also known for being the largest yucca in the world. Joshua trees are notoriously twisted, spindly, and definitely not your average shrub. These unusual plants are best viewed from Joshua Tree National Park, whose 300 miles of hiking paths have some of the region’s best forests. The Panorama Loop/ Morongo View trail and Willow Hole path both offer access to these whimsical woodlands, along with other striking desert terrains, from dramatic boulder landscapes to scenic mountain overlooks. Outside the park, whimsy is also alive and thriving in town attractions like the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, the World Famous Crochet Museum, and the Joshua Tree Saloon.
Niland
Niland is an artistic town of fascinating oddities and attractions impossible to find anywhere else in the world. Art lovers flock here to experience the authentic, spellbinding desert landscape along with the town’s truly one-of-a-king museums and landmarks. The Bombay Beach Ruins are one example, combining the allure of a classic ghost town with an intriguing post-apocalyptic aesthetic molded by time. The once flourishing resort town is now a shell of its past, abandoned in the 1970’s when the town was nearly flooded by the Salton Sea, sparking further ecological disasters that caused the area to become uninhabitable. Today, it is a haven for artists and photographers, transformed into a widespread outdoor museum.
Other museums like East Jesus share a similar celebration of the discarded. This 30 acre large-scale artwork collection features experimental designs that prioritize sustainability. But perhaps Niland’s most well known art installment, is Salvation Mountain. Visionary Leonard Knight spent 30 years constructing the 50 foot tall and 150 foot wide adobe clay hillside painting. The consistent theme in this masterpiece is a religious message of love, but people of all faiths can appreciate the wonders of this colorful mosaic.
Final Thoughts
While a picture-perfect Miami holiday is what we often associate with a trip to Southern California, more and more people are choosing unordinary, less-traveled paths. Even so, do not be surprised when you find how beautiful these quirky towns actually are–they are located in California, after all. Whether you replace your evergreen stroll with a Joshua tree hike or find yourself transported to the streets of a European town without stepping outside of California, there is something any adventurous traveler will appreciate in this southern end of the Golden State.
