6 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Southern California
Known for its easy-going party culture, Los Angeles is always among the most visited cities in America. Yet, Southern California hosts many other beautiful towns, some of which are unbelievably underappreciated. If you want to skip the big names in Southern California vacation circles, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Anaheim, there are many options you can explore — most of which see fewer crowds but are no less stunning. From Palos Verdes Estates to Palm Springs, discover six underappreciated towns to visit in Southern California.
Palos Verdes Estates
It is ironic that one of the most underappreciated towns in Southern California is just 30 minutes from Los Angeles. While close to the City of Angels, Palos Verdes Estates offers that far-away feel most vacationers often find irresistible. You can enjoy ambling through the town’s tree-lined streets and meticulously designed green spaces, sometimes mingling with boastful peacocks and popping into locally owned shops and boutiques. From December through April, a first-time visitor can witness the Pacific gray whales' annual migration, especially from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. For a filling brunch, dash to Yellow Vase, sit on the patio, order some California omelets, and just marvel at the natural landscape around. For a casual dinner, however, Nelson's has outdoor fire pits and offers unparalleled sunset vistas. Touch and smell the plants at South Coast Botanic Garden while exploring unique troll sculptures and other sensory delights. The best views, however, are to be found along the shoreline, where the cliffs and the lookouts will leave you completely blown away.
Borrego Springs
Make no mistake: Southern California is not all about breezes and beaches, although that is the image it often conjures up. This part of the state features surreal desert-scapes, especially as one goes a bit inland, leaving the rugged shoreline behind. Borrego Springs, for example, tucked away in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, reveals this unusual side of Southern California. Borrego Springs is a certified Dark Sky Community — the only one of its kind in California. Granted, it is not perfectly dark here, but the skies offer views of the heavens unavailable to millions of Californians. Plus, this town is the only one in California surrounded by a state park — and not just any park — but California’s largest state park. First-time visitors are mesmerized by the random sculptures depicting supersized prehistoric beasts, the work of famous metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda. La Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa is a great place to nest while enjoying the surreal beauty of the desert and exploring the attractions within this dreamy environment.
Paso Robles
A round of golf at the heart-ravishing Hunter Ranch, the chance to mingle with turtles at the 40-acre Barney Schwartz Park, and the opportunity to relive the pioneer days at the Pioneer Museum, where an entire floor is dedicated to vintage cars, wagons, and horse-drawn carriages — these are some of Paso Robles' offerings that are not appreciated as they should be. Nestled midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this town is a bit isolated and hence, does not get frequent mentions. Hotel Cheval is a stone's throw from the historic town square and can serve as a comfortable hideout. Then there is Sensorio, where the area’s wavy terrain is captured by blooms of ever-changing color. It is among Paso Robles’ most popular draws. In Bloom, a sophisticated eatery smack in the middle of Main Street, is known to tantalize every perceptive taste bud and deserves an hour or two.
Ojai
Set in the swoon-worthy Ojai Valley, about 33 miles east of Santa Barbara, Ojai is one of California’s most idyllic places. Visitors are often smitten by Ojai for several reasons, including the town’s intimate feel, the chance to reconnect with nature, and its rich Spanish architecture. The walkable Main Street is lined with locally-owned shops, fantastic breweries (like Topa Topa Brewing Company), and inviting restaurants, all encircled by rare Southern California beauty. Also, with over 20 miles of scenic trails, the Ojai Valley is a top-notch hiking destination. Whatever your first port of call, however, you will need to work your way to Ojai Rotie, a famous eatery that provides lovely patio dining and delicious rotisserie chicken. History buffs will want to pass the time at the Ojai Valley Museum, a quaint space that offers visitors a glimpse into the heritage of Ojai Valley. The heart-melting Lake Casitas, known for its largemouth bass, is a short drive from downtown Ojai and must not be missed on a to-do list.
Solana Beach
The standard way to kickstart one's adventure to Solana Beach is to grab a table at the Pizza Port, a favorite pizza joint conveniently located along the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic roads in the world. Work your way to the sidewalk patio, a lovely spot to savor some freshly made root beer as you people-watch and explore a delightful range of flavors. Alternatively, the strangely named Naked Cafe, which provides a slight and seductive view of the ocean, is a nice venue for a hearty breakfast. A first-time visitor can surf in the ocean, rest on the beach, or enjoy a scenic walk at Annie's Canyon Trail, a short but spectacular trail that features narrow channel walls, a lagoon, and awesome views. A well-timed detour to the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve Center will come in handy. The reserve is a migrating waterfowl habitat and adds a layer of wonder to the scenic hike. For avid shoppers, it is enough that the Cedros Avenue Design District claims to be San Diego’s hippest shopping venue.
Palm Springs
This town hosts a museum that houses one of the world's largest collections of static and flyable aircraft — spanning from WWII through the War on Terror. The nice thing about the Palm Springs Air Museum is that its hangars have no ropes, which typically restrict visitors from interacting with exhibits. But it is not just the museum. Moorten Botanical Garden — besides featuring what could be the first cactarium in the world — is home to a wide array of desert tortoises and numerous varieties of succulents. Avid golfers will have several courses to choose from, including the well-maintained Escena Golf Club, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Stay at Palm Canyon Resort, which is conveniently close to outdoor venues such as Oswit Canyon, Murray Canyon Trail, and Indian Canyons.
The Takeaway
In vacation circles, the Golden State is the poster image of paradise. When you think of a pretty beach, palm trees, soft breezes, and a beautiful sliver of soft sand — the image that comes to mind is that of California, especially popular Southern California spots such as Santa Monica, San Diego, and, of course, L.A. Yet Southern California hosts a wide array of vacation-worthy towns, some of which are no less stunning. If seeking a less-crowded adventure, Borrego Springs, Palos Verdes Estates, Paso Robles, and Ojai are among Southern California’s most underappreciated towns.
