7 of the Most Vibrant Towns in Southern California
A trip through Southern California is sure to be a sunny, refreshing, and all-round vibrant vacation. While this part of "The Golden State" is home to some of the biggest cities in the United States, it is also full of unique and stimulating small towns that are spread across spacious coastlines, spiritual deserts, in the shadows of skyscraping mountains, and even plopped on a Pacific Ocean island or two. But the energy doesn't just come from the landscape. Lively events, art and culture, tasty food, and world-class wineries all add zest to this region. The following are seven of the most enticing towns that SoCal has to offer.
La Quinta
Dubbed the "Gem of the Desert," and the "Golf Capital of the World," the resort city of La Quinta exudes an air of positivity for its residents, and many seasonal visitors. Located in Coachella Valley, just 25 miles Southeast of Palm Springs, this Riverside County community makes the most of its maximal sunshine, and minimal rain. As is to be expected, there are golf courses aplenty (over 20, in fact), that host major PGA tournaments, but also tailor to casual vacationers and retirees. La Quinta is also sandwiched between Joshua Tree National Park (to the East), and Mount San Jacinto State Park (to the West), which opens the door to tons of other outdoor adventures. Finally, La Quinta has a flair for creativity – hosting two rounds of "Art on Main Street" each year in the Spanish-style Old Town, as well as the renowned annual La Quinta Art Celebration.
Solvang
Jumping from the "Golf Capital of the World" in Coachella Valley, to the "Danish Capital of the World" in Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang combines the vibrancy of SoCal with the cultural charms of Scandinavia. With its array of Danish-style architecture, windmills, and pastries, this cute and corky community in Santa Barbara County is well-worth the detour away from the coast. Time your visit for the annual Solvang Danish Days (late September), or Solvang Julefest (all of November) to experience this (typically) small town in full-swing, or cruise by any time to explore this European town (perhaps even by horseback or a trolley tour), catch a performance at the Solvang Festival Theatre (open June to September), and/or enjoy the culinary pleasures, and fruits of Santa Barbara wine country.
Coronado
Another small but zippy resort city in Southern California is Coronado, aka "The Crown City." Situated on a narrow peninsula (which has an island feel) directly across from San Diego, Coronado experiences the still waters of San Diego Bay, and the light-surf offered by the Pacific Ocean. The opulent 19th century Hotel del Coronado is a National Historic Landmark, and acts as the iconic focal point for the entire area. The sheet-white, red-roofed estate pushes right up against the beautiful Coronado Beach (a 1.5-mile stretch of wide and pristine sands, backdropped by rolling, grassy dunes) and marks the Southern end of Orange Avenue (i.e. the main commercial artery). Coronado's Ferry Center is the other popular gathering point, as it is filled with additional beaches, parks, restaurants, and even a craft brewery for good measure.
Two Harbors
Santa Catalina Island awaits just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California (typically reached via ferry or private boat, though there is also a small airport). This gorgeous and adventurous rock has two main settlements from which visitors can base themselves: Avalon (the only incorporated city), on the Southeast end, and Two Harbors, on the Northwest. Seeing as they are less than 18 miles apart, the two naturally feed off of each other, but for quick access to a range of outdoor recreation, and a nice blend of rustic and enriching accommodations, Two Harbors might just be the way to go. Pinched between Cat Harbor and Isthmus Cove, this village is a great place to swim, paddle, fish, snorkel, and scuba dive (there's even a local dive center). Two Harbors is also blessed with an extensive network of hillside trails, and has several coastal campgrounds to choose from (as well as villas, lodges, and cabins).
Laguna Beach
Back on the mainland, straight across from Santa Catalina Island, Laguna Beach offers the kind of idyllic beach town that visitors to California dream of. This Orange County classic covers seven miles of eclectic coast, giving visitors access to perfect sands, dramatic bluffs, coves, tidepools, and sea caves, as well as the highest-density of beachfront lodging in the entire state. Behind Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park stretches for 2,400 acres, providing even more sandy beachfront and tons of wide hiking and mountain biking paths. But even with all of this amazing natural beauty, at its core, Laguna Beach is an art colony. Come for the coast, but stay for the festivals, galleries, art walks, public displays, and the Laguna Art Museum.
Lake Arrowhead
Both a lake town and mountain town, Lake Arrowhead is full of life. Situated within the peaks of the San Bernardino National Forest, aka "The Alps of Southern California," outdoor recreation is never in short supply. Hike part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, tear it up with your mountain bike at the 230-acre SkyPark at Santa's Village, or take a tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen Paddleboat. The 1920s shoreline village is composed of tudor-style buildings, features over 50 specialty shops, restaurants and an English-style tavern or two, and keeps up a well-rounded events calendar (from concerts, to Oktoberfest, to festive soirees). For an extended stay, visitors can choose between upscale lodges, inns and chalets, or simply pitch a tent (or park an RV) at one of the nearby campgrounds.
Ojai
Ventura County's Ojai is another prime example of Southern California's vibrant mountain towns. Fixed within the Topatopa Mountains, this small but spritely community is a perfect place to hit the links or the spa, go rock climbing, saddle up with the local riding company, splash around in the nearby Lake Casitas, or explore a slice of the 2-million-acre Los Padres National Forest (with over 1,200 miles of rugged hiking trails). Ojai itself features a fun mix of coffee, craft, and New Age shops, as well as the largest independently-owned bookstore in the United States, and the largest outdoor bookstore in the world (Bart's Books).
Southern California connotes cloudless skies, and picture-perfect beaches. While this is certainly the case, these descriptors only scratch the coastline. Head inland, and the scope expands to include a stunning contrast of snow-capped peaks and dusty deserts. There is an infectious spirit in SoCal, and nowhere is this more palpable than throughout its many vibrant small towns. Give these seven a whirl, and you'll see what I mean.
