7 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Southern California
Wander through the enchanting landscapes of Southern California, where each town reveals its own whimsical charm and hidden treasures. From the Mediterranean vibes of Ojai to the fairytale-inspired streets of Solvang, these small towns offer a delightful escape filled with history, art, and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking the tranquility of mountain retreats or the allure of coastal islands, Southern California invites you to explore its vibrant communities, each with its own unique character and unforgettable experiences.
Ojai
Ojai is a mix of Mediterranean and Southern Californian, with less than 8,000 residents. Settled by the Ancient Chumash Indians over 10,000 years ago, the town’s name is the Chumash word for “nest.” Today, the town is synonymous with relaxation and well-being, with artisans, hippies, farmers, celebrities, and spiritualists calling it home. Wander downtown’s Ojai Avenue and explore everything from wine and kombucha to honey and olive oil produced at the family-owned Ojai Olive Oil Company. Or, stop at the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books, and choose from over 100,000 used and new books, then grab a coffee at Beacon Coffee.
Whimsical charm is around every corner in this small, quirky town, like the Trimpin Sound Arch—an interactive sonic sculpture that sounds a melody when visitors walk under its arch. The Arch is near the Libbey Bowl, which hosts the renowned Ojai Music Festival every June. As the day ends, visitors are drawn to Ojai to experience a phenomenon known as “The Pink Moment,” where the sunset creates a bright shade of pink for several minutes on the Topatopa bluffs 6,000+ feet above sea level.
Idyllwild
With about 4,000 full-time residents, Idyllwyld and its sister communities lie in the San Jacinto Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Palm Springs along winding Route 74. Along the drive, it’s worth stopping at the Vista turnouts for breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. Those entranced by Idyllwid’s mountainous backdrop can embark on one of the many hiking trails nearby. Top routes include the 5-mile (8.2-km) dog-friendly Devil's Slide Trail and the 4.6-mile (7.4-km) out-and-back Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail.
At over 5,000 feet in elevation, Idyllwild is a mountainous retreat filled with art galleries, funky shops, and hiking trails. In town, most people head straight to sites like the Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. The latter sponsors artistic events around town and is responsible for the whimsical “Painted Deer Project”—a public art initiative of life-sized fiberglass deer sculptures placed around town.
Solvang
What can be more whimsical than a taste of Denmark in Southern California? Solvang is a Danish-inspired village that is a whimsical destination with windmills, horse-drawn trolley tours, and more than a few Danish bakeries, like Danish Mill Bakery, Mortensen’s Bakery, and the Solvang Bakery. Fans of the fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen can visit a small museum dedicated to the famous Dane, tucked on top of The Book Loft, where they can find story books of his popular tales like “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
If visitors need a respite from all that European culture, head to nearby Ostrichland USA, a Central Coast landmark. With over 100+ ostriches and emus to observe, feed, and befriend, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch these rare big birds roam on a plain that resembles their native habitat. It is such a popular So-Cal destination Ostrichland USA even appeared in an episode of “The Simpsons.”
Avalon (Catalina Island)
For over a century, Avalon on Catalina Island has been a popular tourist destination and playground of the rich and famous, including one of its most famous residents, Marilyn Monroe. Most visitors arrive by high-speed ferry close to the center of town. Explore the whimsical side of the island and go off in search of American Bison, descendants of a small herd of bison left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920s who were filming the silent movie, “The Vanishing American.” Today, the bison are an enduring symbol of Catalina Island, and the Catalina Island Company provides 2-hour open-air Bison Expedition tours for visitors.
For a family-friendly activity, try SNUBA Snorkeling—a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling—in the warm waters off the coast without the expensive gear and training required to scuba dive. Visitors who prefer to keep their feet dry can book a 45-minute tour in a custom submarine and still see marine life under the water. Back on land, Catalina’s most recognizable landmark is the round Art Deco Catalina Island Casino. Several daily walking tours are available at the building, and it hosts many of the island’s annual events like film and jazz festivals and the famous New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration.
Temecula
The heart of Temecula is the Old Town, which has a horse-shoed town square full of a playful Western vibe, vintage shops, and antique stores, where visitors never know what kind of whimsical souvenir they’ll discover. This is undoubtedly the case at the 30,000-square-foot Granny’s Attic Antique Mall or the Old Town Antique Faire, both lined with intricate antiquities and quirky souvenirs. Stop in for lunch at any of the local eateries in Old Town, like 1909, E.A.T Marketplace, or for a local brew or glass of wine at Crush & Brew. Learn more about the history of the area at the Temecula Valley Museum or take a one-mile self-guided walking tour and see The Chapel of Memories and Sam Hicks Monument Park.
Renowned for its wine country, some of the region’s oldest wineries are on the Rancho California Wine Trail, such as Halter Ranch, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, and Thorton Winery, famous for its sell-out Champagne Jazz Series that includes a gourmet supper.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is known as an artsy coastal town with beautiful beaches, art galleries, and a bohemian atmosphere. Still, it is also home to a whimsical Pirate Tower, built as an elaborate staircase by a wealthy senator to access the beach below his property. A historical landmark dating back to 1926, the stunning tower is on the popular Victoria Beach—easily one of Laguna’s most famous beaches—where visitors can also watch talented skimboarders practice the sport invented in Laguna Beach in the late 1920s by lifeguards. While the 60-foot-tall tower is on private property, the beach is public, so visitors can take photos, get their vacation tan, or go for a swim in the Pacific Ocean’s cascading waters.
Another must-see landmark in town is “The Greeter”—a statue paying tribute to Eiler Larsen, a longtime resident known for welcoming visitors by standing on a street corner waving and greeting everyone who passed by. Upon his death in 1975, a local artist created the statue with one hand raised in a wave. The nearby Greeter’s Corner Restaurant is ideal for a meal after your outing.
Carlsbad
North of San Diego, by thirty-five miles, Carlsbad is a family-friendly destination with more than its share of whimsy as the hometown of Legoland California, a theme park + resort. It is the first Legoland park to open outside of Europe. In addition to exploring the Legoland theme park’s rides, entertainment, and new Dino Valley, visitors can splash in the Water Park and learn all about sea creatures at the Sea Life Aquarium.
Another popular attraction in town is The Flower Fields—55 acres of blooming Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers at Carlsbad Ranch. From an American flag of flowers to artists gardens, bird aviaries, and orchid greenhouses, visitors can spend a full sensory day exploring the fields, visiting Santa’s Playground, or getting lost in the Sweet Pea Maze. The Carlsbad Mining Company is also located at The Flower Fields, where would-be prospectors or “rockhounds” can pan for colorful gemstones they can keep as souvenirs.
Summary
Southern California is a region rich in diverse charm and history. The area offers something for everyone, from its serene Mediterranean-style towns with vibrant art scenes to its mountainous retreats known for quirky public art. Coastal islands with unique wildlife, celebrity connections, and Old West-inspired towns with renowned wineries highlight the region’s eclectic appeal. Southern California continues to enchant visitors with its blend of historical landmarks, family-friendly attractions, and whimsical destinations.
