7 Most Eccentric Towns in Southern California

Southern California is an interesting phenomenon in the United States—a place where 60℉ feels like the brink of winter and an earthquake barely raises an eyebrow. There are plenty of smaller towns throughout this region that exemplify its quirky culture, filled with odd attractions like Danish windmills, tangerine festivals, and roaming island bison. Ready to add some unexpected twists to your next vacation? These seven eccentric towns in Southern California are sure to break you out of your routine.

Solvang

Known as the "Danish Capital of America," Solvang offers an international experience without needing a passport. Within a four-block radius, visitors can appreciate four wooden windmills and several Danish bakeries. Make sure to try Danish butter cookies and the Danish Cringle from spots like Mortensen's Danish Bakery! There is plenty of Danish-style architecture to appreciate as well, like Rundetårn, meaning Round Tower in English, which is a smaller-scale replica of Copenhagen’s iconic tower. After strolling through the quaint streets of Solvang, travelers can stop by the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the only museum in the country that celebrates the work of the Danish author, who wrote well-known pieces such as “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”

Niland

With only about 600 residents, Niland often gets overlooked by travelers in Southern California. However, the town has several attractions that make it well worth the day trip. East Jesus is one of those attractions: an experimental open-air art installation covering 30 acres and entirely dedicated to large-scale artwork. The installation also serves as an art residency program, providing a refuge for artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and other creative minds. Salvation Mountain is another artistic icon in town. Standing 50 feet tall, this adobe and clay creation rises from the flat desert, adorned with painted trees, flowers, suns, waterfalls, birds, and other colorful designs. About 40 minutes from Niland, travelers will reach the Imperial Sand Dunes, an impressive expanse stretching for more than 40 miles. Once part of an ancient lake, these dunes were shaped by windblown sands, with some now towering up to 300 feet.

Idyllwild

Once recognized as one of the top art towns in the United States, Idyllwild has an impressive art scene. During the summer, the town hosts the Art in the Park series, where attendees can shop for ceramics, glass, paintings, woodworking, and jewelry while out in nature. Ever wanted to make your own pottery? Consider signing up for a class with Mountain Pottery, which will teach you how to create a piece on a pottery wheel. Granite outcrops that surround Idyllwild have also made it a popular destination for rock climbers. For a challenging climb, travelers can venture out to Tahquitz Rock. Those craving a more leisurely walk can opt for an afternoon stroll along the trails of Lake Fulmor. The Lake is also home to native species like tree frogs, Steller’s jays, dragonflies, and ground squirrels, so keep your eye out!

Ojai

Ojai is home to the iconic Pixie tangerine, a citrus fruit grown exclusively in the Ojai Valley. With a short harvest season lasting from March through May, the town celebrates this ultra-sweet tangerine each April during Ojai Pixie Month. Throughout April, travelers can try special foods and beverages prepared with the tangerine. Ojai Coffee Roasters, for example, offers a freshly squeezed Pixie Tangerine Mocha, and Agave Maria’s serves Pixie margaritas. A number of ranches and orchards offer special programs during the month of April as well, such as the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company. This riding company allows guests to enjoy a scenic ride through the Ojai Valley while snacking on fresh pixie tangerines. For a luxurious stay, visitors can reserve the Pixie package during the month of April with Ojai Valley Inn, which offers extra amenities such as a Pixie massage and special tangerine treats.

Joshua Tree

Located just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, the town of Joshua Tree serves as the ultimate base camp for exploration. The national park, spanning approximately 795,000 acres, features two deserts that converge together, creating a fascinating ecosystem. Throughout the park, visitors can appreciate forests of massive branching Yuccas, better known as Joshua Trees. Fan palm oases, giant rock formations, and gardens of cholla cacti and flowering ocotillo are also incredible sights to see. There is an interesting offbeat art community to check out in Joshua Tree as well. The Beatnik Lounge, for example, is a community center that supports local artists, where visitors can attend live performances, ranging from poetry readings to live music. Those craving a Western-style meal can grab a bite at Joshua Tree Saloon, an old-fashioned restaurant that has been serving the town since 1984.

Avalon

Roughly 50 miles from Los Angeles, Avalon is the only incorporated city on Catalina Island. Throughout the decades, presidents, movie stars, and dignitaries have visited the small town, all enchanted by the area’s beauty. Travelers can start off their visit to the famous island by visiting one of its sandy beaches. Step Beach, South Beach, and Middle Beach are all conveniently located, just steps away from the town’s restaurants, shops, and hotels. A herd of about 150 bison roams the island, left behind by a movie crew that filmed there in 1924. Today, visitors can embark on a bison expedition in the back of a Hummer to observe these majestic animals up close. Adrenaline seekers must go ziplining with the Catalina Zipline Eco Tour, which offers breathtaking ocean views from heights of up to 600 feet, zigzagging across a canyon and through eucalyptus trees.

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is situated entirely in the San Bernardino National Forest, which many Californians refer to as the “Alps of Southern California.” There is just about every recreational activity under the sun available in Lake Arrowhead. Those wanting to spend a night stargazing can visit the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society Astronomy Village, which offers periodic tours and telescope gazing experiences. Wildhaven Ranch is another unique attraction near Lake Arrowhead, a wildlife sanctuary home to a bear named Snickers along with bobcats, owls, and raccoons. Always wanted to learn to water ski? At McKenzie Water Ski School, expert instructors will have you up on skis and gliding across the water in no time.

Southern California’s Vibrant Small Towns

Although many of Southern California’s big cities often steal the spotlight, some of its smallest towns bring their own unique energy to the mix. Want to learn to water ski? These towns have you covered. Ziplining? Absolutely. Explore sprawling sand dunes? You bet. You will feel like a seasoned traveler without ever leaving the southern half of the state. After visiting these quirky spots, you will have endless stories to share!