8 Of The Most Overlooked Towns In Southern California
Boasting a natural landscape that — from the pretty beaches to the surreal desert — is as stunning as it is diverse — nice weather and an excellent selection of amenities, including museums, Southern California is one of North America’s most beautiful regions. However, do not limit yourself to Los Angeles. Several quaint towns dot this region, some of which are often overlooked despite boasting scenes and sites that would leave a visitor completely blown away. Discover below 8 of the most overlooked towns in Southern California.
Palos Verdes Estates
Featuring heart-melting coastal views, Palos Verdes Estates is easily among the most overlooked towns in Southern California. This town sits on a similarly-named peninsula just 30 minutes from Los Angeles. This makes it a perfect day trip from “the City of Angels,” as California’s largest city is known. And make no mistake. While Palos Verdes is just minutes from L.A., it will feel a world away. Charming, tree-lined streets and meticulously-designed green spaces are some of the town’s most striking features. It is not a rare sight to see peacocks strutting down streets or pecking worms from lawns while their intricately patterned tail feathers refract filtered mid-morning sunlight, especially around Dapplegray Lane, the wildlife-filled Vicente Bluffs Reserve (a must-see) and other spots across the town. For a quick bite, perhaps a scrumptious salad with some seafood, Nelson's boasts some of the best views in the world and should be the go-to spot.
Solana Beach
A great way to start your trip to this underrated Southern California gem is to grab a table (and a meal) at the Pizza Port, an all-time classic pizza joint located along the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. The property’s sidewalk patio is particularly a nice spot to enjoy some freshly made root beer or ice cream as you people-watch and take in the ambiance. Of course, forget about Los Angeles. San Diego is vintage California — at least the one in the public mind associated with palm trees and stunning beaches. One can surf in the ocean, lounge on the beach (toes in the sand), or hit up a scenic trail at the Annie's Canyon Trail, where narrow channel walls, a lagoon, and nature’s pristine beauty — all combine to leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve Center, a migrating waterfowl habitat, particularly adds a layer of wonder to the short but picturesque hike. For some retail therapy, one should consider exploring the Cedros Avenue Design District, which styles itself as San Diego’s hippiest shopping venue.
Borrego Springs
While many associate Southern California with breezes and beaches, the surreal desert-scapes, especially when goes a bit inland, are among the state’s most defining features. Borrego Springs, for instance, in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, reveals this less-known side of Southern California. One of the town’s claims to fame — aside from being an official International Dark Sky Community —is the fact it is the only California town that is surrounded by a state park. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the Golden State and is one of a few free camping spots in the area. Plus, Borrego Springs is known for random sculptures depicting supersized prehistoric beasts, the work of metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda. La Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa is a great place to stay while enjoying the beauty of the desert and sampling the attractions in this other-worldly environment.
Salton City
Not far from Borrego Springs lies the under-the-radar town of Salton City. Once a booming tourist destination and the haunt of Hollywood’s elite (including Frank Sinatra), this town later became abandoned and today looks eerily fascinating. Rising sea levels, high salinity, and pollution — are among the factors to blame for the town’s burst after quite a promising boom. Volcanic mud hot springs and unique wildlife are among the town’s draws. Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, for example, boasts the most diverse array of bird species of any national wildlife refuge in the West. Also, the Salton Sea, for being California's largest lake, deserves an enchanted pair of eyes. To explore the area, the pet-friendly Motel By the Sea pays attention to detail, is clean and cozy, and has rooms decorated by Salton Sea art. Plus, it is close to Johnson's Landing Restaurant And Bar, a great spot for burgers — if not seaside views.
Palm Springs
Offering a little bit of everything, Palm Springs, however, is traditionally associated with a natural hot spring whose “healing” waters have been of therapeutic benefit in the area for ostensibly more than 12,000 years. Sec-he, translated as “the sound of boiling water” in the Native language — can today be exclusively accessed through a luxury, one-of-a-kind spa, which Spas of America, one of the most authoritative spa and wellness publications in North America, named as the best spa in the United States for 2023. The Spa at Sec-he is the only place in Palm Springs where one can soak in the healing waters of the mineral hot spring. However, a first-time visitor will also fall in love with the palm trees that adorn this town and imbue it with a chic, rustic atmosphere. With the austere grandeur of the mountains looming large in the backdrop, Palm Springs is just waiting to be painted. Also, The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which travels over the heart-gripping cliffs of Chino Canyon, is the largest rotating tram car in the world.
Joshua Tree
While Joshua Tree National Park cannot be said to be overlooked, a cute, little town that shares a name with this world-famous California landmark — and serves as its jumping-off point — does not often get the attention it deserves. Without giving it any scintilla of serious thought, adventurers just pass it on their way to one of the most magical parks in the United States. And there lies the crime. One can kickstart his adventure with a flavorful quesadilla at the Crossroads Cafe — or a finely prepared Mexican mule at the Joshua Tree Saloon, a casual and funky eatery across the street from the visitor center. At the World Famous Crochet Museum, a first-time visitor’s senses will be awakened by an awesome display of crotchet goods and art — and will want to purchase some original artwork at the Art Queen, an exceptional art gallery located right next door. You may want to spend the night at the Joshua Tree Inn, specifically Room 8, where country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons overdosed on morphine and died.
Paso Robles
Nestled midway between San Fransisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles is isolated and, hence, is not frequently mentioned in travel circles. It was first called “The Springs” — because of the natural pools in the area, many of which were believed to possess healing properties. For its beach access, its location in California’s less famous wine region, and mind-blowing art, any first-time visitor here will be blown away by the town’s appeal. Hotel Cheval is an easy stroll from the historic town square and can serve as a cozy lair. Sensorio, also called the Field of Light, where the undulating terrain is captured by blooms of morphing colour, is one of Paso Robles’ most famous attractions. It is an ode to light — as it is of nature. To taste the town’s culinary scene, In Bloom, a sophisticated eatery smack in the middle of Main Street will awaken every taste bud.
Ojai
While it is unassuming, Ojai is one of California’s most idyllic places. This criminally overlooked town is set in the picturesque Ojai Valley — about 33 miles east of Santa Barbara. Boasting a walkable Main Street, lined by fancy boutiques, casual restaurants, and locally-owned shops — all encircled by rare beauty, this Southern California charmer punches above its weight. The Ojai Valley itself is an excellent hiking venue and boasts more than 20 miles of scenic trails. To kickstart your trip, however, Ojai Rotie serves up delicious flavors and aromas, sometimes with a faint garlic whisper, in a fun and laid-back ambiance. History buffs will have to squeeze time for the Ojai Valley Museum for a copious dose of the area’s history and culture. The Instagram-worth Lake Casitas, known for its largemouth bass, is a short derive from downtown Ojai.
The Takeaway
The Thrillist, among several publications, ranks California as the most beautiful state in the nation. While this beauty is spread out from North to South and West to East, the Southern region is home to some of its most pristine treasures. And there is no need to be choked with crowds in Los Angeles — or Southern California’s other acclaimed towns. There is a world of beauty and awe that is still largely underappreciated and, hence, often overlooked. To explore such less crowded spots, Palos Verdes Estes, Solana Beach, Borrego Springs, and Salton City should be on any adventurer’s bucket list.
