8 Old-World Towns to Visit in California
California makes up the bulk of the Pacific Coast in the United States. It is packed with old-world towns that are ideal for a visit. This state has a lot of history, especially the Old West and gold mining history. Some small towns have unique Mission-style architecture, while others resemble scenes from an Old West movie.
The state covers topographical areas like the coast, mountains, giant Redwood trees, and more. These towns add to the ambiance of their natural surroundings while preserving their heritage. Here are eight old-world towns in California.
Capitola
Capitola is a coastal town on the northern end of Monterrey Bay. The seaside village is famous for its colorful waterfront homes, a popular surf break, and vibrant town. Capitola City Beach is famous for beachcombers, surfers, and anglers at the Capitola Wharf Pier. The town is notable for having over 90 shops and restaurants.
Shadowbrook Restaurant has been open for over 70 years. It has 20th-century decor and lovely views of Soquel Creek. The Capitola Mall has over 100 stores and eateries and is a top destination for those seeking retail therapy. Capitola has a great atmosphere and a fantastic collection of amenities for a small village.
Solvang
Solvang, the Danish capital of America, has classic architectural styles, European bakeries, and a downtown windmill. Copenhagen Drive is the main thoroughfare, with wine-tasting rooms like Alma Rosa Winery, Vineyard, and Feliz Noche Cellars. The village is near the appellation of Santa Ynez Valley, which has award-winning vineyards.
The valley has notable vineyards and tours, and wine tasting is a pastime in this area. The cuisine in downtown Solvang is as noteworthy as the wine-tasting rooms. Red Viking Restaurant and Whiskey 'N Rye are just two options. Solvang is an excellent walking town; the sights and smells of European bakeries make it an unforgettable experience.
Marysville
The small town of Marysville is notable as a Gold Rush town and for being named after a survivor of the Donner party. It is a charming town with historical sites and intriguing cultural attractions, like the Mary Aaron Museum, which features artifacts, photographs, and collectibles from its history. The walkable downtown has many other shops, including a legendary chocolatier.
The Candy Box has been a Marysville staple since 1954 and offers sweet delicacies like chocolate turtles and fudge. The town has many oriental markets, too, as it has the second-largest Chinatown in the US. The Chinese American Museum of Northern California is housed in a mid-19th-century building, highlighting the fascinating heritage and why the community is so prevalent here.
Julian
Historic Julian is a lovely town with historical sites, attractions, and a vibrant downtown area. During the week, visitors are encouraged to stop by Town Hall for a self-guided tour map. The map introduces pedestrians to sites like the old Julian Jail, Levi-Marks store, and Hotel Robinson. Many cultural locations, like the Julian Pioneer Museum, are a short walk from downtown and fun to discover.
Julian is known for its apple cultivation, which started in the late 1800s. Many apple-themed menus and hard ciders must be tried. Calico Ranch and Cidery and Julian Hard Cider are just two local breweries. Downtown, you will find delicious bakeries like Apple Alleys and Dudley's. This darling town has natural beauty, a wonderful downtown, and fantastic points of interest, making it one of the most famous locations in the Central Valley.
Ojai
Ojai (pronounced ow-hai) is a quaint town that has long been a hub for creatives. What makes the city so attractive is the abundance of cultural attractions and outdoor activities that draw so many to the Ojai Valley. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy has dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails and is convenient to the downtown area. It is also close to the Los Padres National Forest.
The forest offers hiking, biking, and camping, and several tour operations, including Jeep and hiking tours, are available. The eclectic cultural scene is amazing and includes the Ojai Art Center and the Ojai Valley Museum, among many others. Visitors never run out of things to do in this mountain town, whether outdoor adventure or an afternoon at the Art Center.
Idyllwild
The rustic town of Idyllwild is in the San Jacinto Mountains and is famous for its outdoor experiences and festive downtown. Extreme hikers or those in shape will enjoy Tahquitz Peak and Suicide Peak. However, as they are steep, they are not for the novice. Visitors can rent bikes from the Hub and enjoy trails for all skill types. After working up an appetite, Idyllwild has plenty of dining and nightlife options.
Idyll Awhile is a perfectly named wine bar in the middle of town, convenient to other entertainment venues like The Peak Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant is part of the Tahquitz Pines Retreat. This unique lodging space puts guests high in the pines in gorgeous retreat cabins, which match the town's atmosphere to a tee, close to the town's amenities.
Monrovia
Monrovia is located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and is a regional destination for live events. The 4th of July Show, Halloween Bash, and Christmas Parade attract people from all over. The neighborhoods have historical architectural styles, including Victorian, Queen Anne, and Mission Revival. The Monrovia Historical Museum showcases the town's history, including a wing dedicated to the town's founding family, the Monroes.
Historic Old Town preserves the past while celebrating the future and is the home of many live events. The historic buildings in Old Town contain restaurants like 805 and boutiques like Art Time. The historic section is the place to be on Friday nights when the town hosts the Monrovia Street Fair. Families love Monrovia for its many events and communal spirit, while history buffs enjoy this darling town's various classic architectural styles and sites.
Nevada City
Nevada City is a classic Old West town that has preserved its 19th-century aesthetic for an unforgettable experience. The classic brick storefronts are home to many live events, especially at the Nevada Theatre, established in 1865 and still present weekly and holiday-themed shows. There are also many outdoor activities in Nevada City.
The town is the gateway to Tahoe National Forest, where outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, and more. Unsurprisingly, Nevada City offers exceptional lodging, many options being in historic hotels like the National Exchange Hotel. It is the oldest hotel in the state, built in 1856, and offers refined rooms and entertainment packages to make the most out of a visit to this delightful Old West town.
California is a traveler's paradise steeped in beautiful scenery and historic towns that are fun to explore. Unique towns like Solvang have a genuine European aesthetic, while Nevada City has Old West appeal. Each town has an appeal unlike the others, making California an exceptional place to discover.
Ojai rests atop the Topatopa Mountains, with exceptional scenery and an artsy atmosphere. The boutique hotels and outdoor adventures are among the best to be found. Monrovia sits at the bottom of the San Gabriel Mountains and is an excellent choice for festivals or live events. California's old-world towns are charming, with modern amenities set in a backdrop of vintage and historical sites.
