6 Towns In Southern California That Were Frozen In Time
The history of California began long before the state officially joined the Union in 1850. Nearly 15,000 years ago, there were more than 100 Native American tribes scattered across the region’s mountains, deserts, and coastal plains. The first wave of European settlers arrived in the 1700s and, a century later, were followed by Americans heading west to seek their fortune in the gold rush. Then came the Depression era, which brought another flood of migrants from the impoverished Dust Bowl states. All this rich heritage is very much alive in Southern California’s historic communities, where a walk through downtown is like walking through the past. Visit these frozen-in-time towns to see a side of California that most tourists miss — one that captures the sunshine state’s unique character and culture.
San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded as a Spanish mission in 1776, the town of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County is home to some of California’s most fascinating historical landmarks, including Mission San Juan Capistrano. One of 21 missions built in California, this 1700s site includes the San Juan Mission Basilica, a museum, preserved adobe buildings, gardens, and a gift shop.
The Mission is in the heart of downtown, where tourists will also find the Capistrano Depot, built in 1894, and the Egan House, built in 1883 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided walking tour with the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society to explore the Los Rios Historic District further, or call into the Historical Society Museum to pick up a tour map so you can wander the sights at your leisure.
Pioneertown
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s truly frozen in time, look no further than Pioneertown, 125 miles east of Los Angeles. Originally built as a movie set in the 1940s, the town is a hyper-realistic recreation of life in the Old West, from its 1880s-style saloon to the saddlery on Mane Street that doubles as a general store.
It’s easy to spend a day enjoying Pioneertown, strolling up the dusty thoroughfare to check out quirky local businesses, including MazAmar Art Pottery, an Art Studio and Pottery Shop where one can browse works from local artists. At night, catch a show at the legendary venue, Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, or stop by The Bravados at Pioneertown Wild West Theater.
Solvang
A visit to Solvang feels more like a visit to an old-world Danish hamlet than California’s Santa Ynez Valley. This quaint town was settled by Danish immigrants in the early 1900s, and it has carefully preserved its heritage in its beautifully restored architecture and classic Danish landmarks.
Hop aboard the Solvang Trolley to take a guided tour of downtown’s most interesting attractions on a replica of an 1800s Danish streetcar. Check out the Hans Christian Andersen Museum for a fascinating look at Denmark’s most famous author, or call into the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art for exhibits that document Solvang’s history from a tiny settler community to a thriving tourist town. Tourists should end the day with a stroll through town, as each street features a rustic windmill, storefront, or land marker.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a tranquil town nestled in the timeless beauty of the Owens Valley. Surrounded by the Inyo Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range, this picturesque hamlet has a charming downtown lined with Western-style facades. Lone Pine is known as a fishing hotspot thanks to its proximity to the Golden Trout Wilderness Area. It’s also a great base from which to hike Mount Whitney or the Alabama Hills. Lone Pine’s rustic charm has also made it a popular filming destination, and the town has hosted dozens of movie productions over the decades. Discover its celluloid history at the fascinating Museum of Western Film History, a perfect day out for movie fans. Afterward, one can book a room at the Historic Dow Hotel for a comfortable night frozen in time.
Julian
Julian is a former gold mining town in the mountains east of San Diego, with stunning alpine scenery and a host of historic attractions. History enthusiasts should see the town’s mining past for themselves with a tour of two of its original mines, Eagle Mine and High Point. Guides from the Eagle Mining Company lead visitors down beneath the earth for a look at how Julian’s earliest residents earned their living. Back in town, further history awaits at the Pioneer Museum via vintage clothing, photographs, and household and mining equipment from the frontier era. One can also take a self-guided walking tour around downtown to view landmarks such as the Witch Creek School building, built in 1880 and now home to the Julian Historical Society.
Monrovia
Old Town Monrovia is a monument to the town’s long history as a bustling settlement in the San Gabriel Valley. Wandering the shady streets, you’ll see stunning examples of Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, and Spanish Colonial architecture. For information, head to the Monrovia Historical Museum housed in a historic 1925 Spanish-style building. The museum features exhibits on the town through the decades.
Enthusiasts can enjoy Monrovia’s scenic surroundings as its first settlers once did at the Monrovia Canyon Park. This park has dozens of hiking trails and a Nature Center with interactive exhibits. Also worth a visit on a sunny day is the Hillside Wilderness Preserve, which has over 4.5 miles of trails that run through unspoilt landscapes and breathtaking views.
Step Back in Time in California’s Historic Small Towns
California has long symbolized opportunity and adventure, welcoming travelers from all over the world. Throughout the Sunshine State’s long history, its diverse populations have left their mark in California’s charming and historic small towns, where centuries-old architecture provides a picturesque backdrop to modern attractions and experiences. These quaint towns, frozen in time, are a window into the past, giving visitors a chance to explore the changing faces of California through the centuries.
