8 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Southern California to Visit in 2024
The Golden State truly has something for everyone, from the beauty of rolling waves and sunny beaches to the foggy mountain tops and misty valleys. California is home to a variety of magnificent climates and landscapes that surround its cities, painting the cityscapes with culture and inspiration. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, California offers an array of experiences that are sure to leave lasting memories with their breathtaking views.
Ojai
Ojai rests on the edge of the Los Padres National Forest as a valley town, set in a breathtaking Mediterranean climate with mission revival architecture and tree-lined streets. Ojai has made its creative culture, environmental sensitivity, and spiritual focus central to its identity. A haven for wellness experiences and retreats, this valley among the Topatopa Mountains offers a variety of culinary delights, shopping, and entertainment. From wine, honey, and olive oil tasting to tea, farmers markets, spas, and gelato, there are endless wonders for any visitor.
Located within the ancestral land of the Chumash Tribe, the Ojai Valley Museum is dedicated to honoring and preserving their culture and history by sharing the history, art, and culture of the Ojai Valley through museum exhibitions, programs, and events. Wine connoisseurs can sample blends at The Naturalist Winery and Tasting Room, the first certified organic winery in the Santa Barbara region, which has maintained the same brewing practices for over twenty years. All the grapes used in their wines are farmed without any pesticides or herbicides and can be enjoyed in their tasting room or on their shaded patio. Ojai is home to a variety of spas and retreats, like Body Essentials, which are in the heart of the community. As Ojai’s oldest day spa, they specialize in skin treatments utilizing a holistic approach to reduce stress, detoxify, and rejuvenate the skin.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
On the Monterey Peninsula, enchanting Carmel-By-The-Sea awaits visitors ready to experience their one-of-a-kind beachside fairytale village. Nestled in a lush wooded landscape, the one square mile town boasts fairytale-like architecture, restaurants, wine tasting, boutique shops, and art galleries, all punctuated by their white sand beach and captivating scenic views.
Carmel-By-The-Sea is a scenic coastal town flourishing with diverse sea animals and wildlife. The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often regarded as the ‘crown jewel’ of the state park system, has welcomed world-class photographers to its shores to capture its beauty. Point Lobos features one of the richest underwater habitats in the world and is a popular place for outdoor activities like sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, scuba diving, and jogging. The Whalers Cabin Museum, set in a historic building from the 1850s within Point Lobos SNR, showcases the area's historic industrial activities, such as whaling operations, gravel quarries, and canneries. The significant ecological recovery in Point Lobos has enabled their transition into a State Natural Reserve. Carmel-By-The-Sea is also home to the Carmel Mission Basilica, a historic Spanish Catholic Parish and one of the oldest masonry structures in California.
A visit to Carmel-By-The-Sea’s arts district is unique 90-minute informal guided walking tour that emphasizes art galleries, exploring painting, sculpture, art glass and both historic and contemporary photography. Multiple performing arts theaters offer captive experiences and world class performances year-round. The Forest Theater, a transformative open air stage set back into the wooded landscape, welcomes visitors on a entrancing journey.
Julian
Considered a historic landmark all its own, Julian, located in the towering Cuyamaca mountains, still encompasses the old west aesthetic it held in its heyday as a gold mining town. Fall in Julian is famous for its centuries-old apple and pear orchards. Julian hosts their popular Fall Apple Harvest, a two-month-long event in September and October featuring roadside fruit stands and prize-winning baked goods. Kicking off the harvest at the Julian Apple Days Festival each year on October 2nd and 3rd, patrons can enjoy apple displays, an antique tractor display, gold panning demonstrations, contests and activities for all ages.
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures is a family-owned farm that focuses on historical education through family-oriented adventure and fun. They feature activities such as a petting zoo, paintball range, candle dipping, hayrides and hoedowns. Gold mine tours are also available from Eagle Mining Co., where visitors can learn about the history, mining and extraction process in an authentic 1870s mine.
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve offers wonderful sights of the natural landscape through challenging hikes to its summit, featuring views of both mountain and desert panoramas. Lake Cuyamaca Reservoir offers the best of both worlds, with hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing, providing activities for everyone looking to enjoy the scenery surrounding Julian.
Cambria
A seaside village tucked within Monterey Pines, Cambria is an outdoor haven for those looking to experience breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether on hiking or biking trails that weave through the pines and beaches, or searching the tide pools at Leffingwell Landing or Moon Stone Beach Boardwalk for the unique creatures, there are a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Cambria’s scenic landscape and vistas offer a perfect retreat in an a quiet hamlet with an emphasis on boutiques and locally owned establishments, making any visitor’s escape complete.
“La Cuesta Enchantada,” or “The Enchanted Hill,” hosts one of the greatest chateaus, known as Hearst Castle. Sitting atop the Santa Lucia Mountains and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the castle has an observation deck with mesmerizing views of the broad horizon. Walking tours are available to explore their 165 rooms and 125 ‘sprawling’ acres of gardens and terraces. Visitors can experience the mezzanine ceilings, gothic suites, and pools made of gold and marble, all furnished with a collection of Spanish and Italian arts and antiquities.
Cambria’s Historic Museum & Gardens, set in the Guthrie-Bianchini House is one of Cambria oldest homes. Built in 1870 was home to the Bianchi family for 87 years before it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1914. The Cambria Historical Society purchased and restored the property in 2001. The spacious Victorian home hosts tours and has illustrious public gardens available to enjoy.
Avalon
Avalon, the only incorporated city on Catalina Island, wraps around Avalon Bay and is a popular tourist destination and resort community. Host to an array of celebrities and major public figures, the city can only be accessed by ferry or plane. This beautiful island escape is comparable to the seaside villages of Europe in both architecture, character, and charm.
On Front Street, also known as Crescent Avenue, the Serpentine Wall and Wrigley Fountain feature authentic Catalina tile. Catalina’s shops, restaurants, and beaches line Front Street, leading to the Green Pier, the launch point for Catalina Island Company’s ocean tours. Their land tour launch can be found in Tour Plaza. Catalina Island Company hosts a variety of options ranging from the Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Bison Expedition. Those feeling lucky can spend time at the Catalina Casino, a historic icon commissioned by William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum enthusiast who purchased Catalina Island in 1919. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens are gems to be seen, as the memorial and accompanied gardens feature stone quarried from all over the island. The botanical gardens, combined with the island’s mild climate, offer a sweet spot to showcase plants from all over the world on its 37 acres.
Solvang
In the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang sits amongst the looming mountains. Characterized by its unique Danish-style architecture featuring colorful buildings, the town is devoted to its Danish heritage. Serving as the entryway to Santa Barbara's wine country, the town is flourishing with wineries showcasing the region’s variety. Solvang is famous for its aebleskiver, a pancake or waffle formed into the shape of a tennis ball commonly served with a powdered sugar sprinkle and topped with raspberry jam. In Slovang, they can be found in a variety of ways in various locations throughout the town. Solvang is also home to world-famous bakeries serving authentic Danish pastries, perfect for accompanying a wander through the nearby shops and boutiques.
Old Mission Santa Inés is one of the 21 missions built in California. Founded in 1804, it was the first European settlement in the Santa Ynez Valley and is nestled in the San Rafael Mountains. The mission remains an active Parrish, supporting the local community with programs and various classes. The mission also serves as a museum and offers tours of the building and gardens. Slovang is home to several museums dedicated to Danish History, including the Slovang Amber Museum, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, and the Slovang Viking Museum.
Solvang has two yearly events, Danish Days in September and Julefest in December. Danish Days is a three-day festival celebrating Danish heritage, offering attendees the opportunity to ‘live like Vikings’ through food, music, dancing, parades, and activities. Julefast is Slovang‘s Danish holiday celebration. Considered one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World” by Oprah, Slovang transforms into a village of lights and holiday cheer for months of events and programs from November to January each year.
San Juan Capistrano
In southern Orange County, San Juan Capistrano is beloved for its historic architecture and is the birthplace of Johnston McCulleys “The Curse of Capistrano” series, which introduced the masked hero, Zorro. McCulley set his series in early California during Mexican rule, utilizing historic Spanish missions and pueblos like San Juan Capistrano for his storytelling. The city is also famous for the Annual Return of the Swallows, a celebration of Saint Joseph Day on March 19th, where the ringing of mission bells marks the return of the swallows that have nested there since 1930. Their return to San Juan Capistrano is a historical and cultural event prompting a yearly reflection on the city’s long history.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum founded more than 200 years ago. It stands as a monument to California’s multicultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and European roots. Historically, the mission was a pillar in the community, serving as a central location for agriculture, industry, education, and religion. The mission offers tours to visitors as well as church services and regular events. Across the way from the Mission is the San Juan Capistrano Library, built and designed by famous architect Michael Graves. The library celebrates the historical context of the city and enhances its picturesque surroundings, adhering to the Spanish Mission style while combining it with Rennaisance influences.
The Los Rios District is San Juan Capistrano‘s historic downtown, featuring a historic train depot, many curated adobes, and other historic buildings. Downtown is flourishing with boutique shops and a variety of culinary options to satisfy any craving.
Los Olivos
Boasting panoramic views of Santa Barbara County’s Wine country, with lush rolling vineyards and many tasting rooms, Los Olivos is a historic old western town tucked in the Santa Ynez Valley. Renowned for its love of the arts and wine, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and weaves its way north through the looming wine country. Originally named after a nearby horse ranch comprised of 5,000 olive trees, many downtown buildings date from over one hundred years ago and showcase Victorian architecture. In a town with no traffic lights and a flagpole in the middle of Main Street, Los Olivos has become a popular tourist destination as the Santa Ynez Valley has emerged as one of California’s premier wine regions.
Los Olivos is known for the Grenache varietal, which has a unique ability to produce both red and white wines. Los Olivos Tasting Room and Wine Shop, housed in a 19th-century general store, specializes in rare Pinot Noirs from Central Coast wineries that don’t have tasting rooms. There’s a unique experience for vinophiles in every corner of Los Olivos, with a majority of tasting rooms all within walking distance of each other on Los Olivos' historic Main Street. Clairmont Farms Lavender Company is a family-owned lavender farm set at the feet of the Santa Ynez mountains with fields of purple haze that are harvested and made into culinary and personal use products. The Clairmont family welcomes visitors to walk through their fields and picnic on the picturesque property before visiting their boutique shop.
Los Olivos is not only popular for its wine but also for its horses. The town is surrounded by horse ranches and is home to one of the best equine hospitals in the Golden State. Fess Parker Ranch and Horseback Adventures offers private and group rides through the 714-acre Fess Parker Home Ranch, showcasing the family’s history in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Each ride concludes at the Fess Parker Winery with a complimentary wine tasting.
From the coastal charm of Carmel-By-The-Sea to the historic ambiance of Julian and the peaceful vibes of Ojai, each town is its own slice of paradise. Whether indulging in local delicacies, perusing boutiques, or soaking in the sights, each town is an unforgettable journey ready to be explored. Pack up your bags, and don't forget those cameras—California‘s beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression!
