8 Towns in Southern California With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Tourists worldwide flock to Southern California’s shores for the quintessential American beach experience. Why wouldn’t they, when SoCal is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches with pristine waters, an eclectic mix of cultures, and downtowns brimming with character and activity?
Get to know the southern part of America’s Golden State by exploring 8 of its best downtown areas. This list forgoes the bigger and more crowded California locations and highlights some of the safest destinations with a meager population instead. From dazzling beach hubs to European architecture and apple pies, these towns in Southern California will make you happily sway like a jolly palm tree in the wind!
Solana Beach
With the sea as its backdrop, Cedros Avenue District is the bustling downtown hub of Solana Beach. Start with renting an electric bike at Pedego Electric Bikes, followed by a photo op at the Cedros Avenue Design District Sign. Down the street, you’ll find a wide range of shops and attractions, like the art exhibits at Madison Gallery, plant displays at Grange Garden, and coffee drinks at Lofty Coffee.
Steaks and burgers are aplenty at Rare Society and Tavern, while concerts and live performances are held next door at Belly Up. Make sure you visit around May so you won’t miss out on the city’s biggest event, Fiesta del Sol. A concert by the beach is a SoCal experience you don’t want to miss!
Laguna Beach
This town’s love for the arts, art festival celebrations, and galleries dotting its downtown make Laguna Beach a not-so-typical SoCal beach city. Narrative Gallery, Kush Fine Art, Ryan’s Art for the Soul, and Laguna Art Museum are just some of the art hubs you can check out downtown.
Visit in July and August to partake in the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, where the town celebrates its local artists and even performs “live art” reenactments of popular paintings. After all that art and admiring Laguna Beach’s scenic shore, enjoy some grilled octopus at Marine Room Tavern and shop for some souvenirs at Toes on the Nose.
Ojai
Exuding a unique Cali-Bohemian flair, Ojai Avenue is the go-to place in the city for any downtown happenings. Start with the Ojai Valley Museum, a church that was turned into a museum and art exhibit, to learn about Ojai history and local arts. For another local attraction, cross the street to visit the historical Libby Park, which houses a live concert venue and the town’s old city jail.
However, a downtown tour won’t be complete without some dining and shopping, which Ojai has a broad selection of. The Ojai Vineyard, Majestic Oak, and The Natural are just some of the wine-tasting options downtown. Craving for a good ol’ American feast? Make a stop at The Nest. Japanese? Yume Japanese Burger is just along the street. Lastly, don’t leave until you’ve browsed Sunday’s gift souvenirs!
Montecito
Ever dreamed of living like a celebrity and walking among the stars even just for a day or two? Visit Montecito, the go-to beach town for the wealthy and affluent. Since it’s a lot smaller and more quaint than other Cali beach towns, it has become a celebrity enclave, with Coast Village turning into Montecito’s chic and sophisticated downtown.
After biking along Butterfly Beach, riding a sidecar from Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and touring Casa Del Herrero’s preserved Spanish house, head to Coast Village to refresh yourself. Try Renaud’s pastries and Tre Lune’s authentic Italian fare. Wine aficionados will enjoy Folded Hills Montecito for their wine-tasting experience. Finally, treat yourself to some fancy pampering with hair care from Salon Montecito, luxurious clothing from Angel’s and Allora by Laura, and a stay at Montecito Inn. Don’t forget to keep it cool and classy when you bump into Oprah or Meghan Markle!
Solvang
If you desire a break from SoCal’s beach towns, let Solvang whisk you away to its Dutch-themed town. Along Copenhagen Drive, you’ll find boutiques and eateries housed in Danish architecture, horse carriages trotting along the street, and even a windmill.
Make the Solvang Visitor Center your first stop so you can get maps and pamphlets of the must-visit spots in town. Check Solvang Theaterfest for any scheduled performances, too. Next, take a stroll over to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to learn more about this beloved author and his works. Cap off your Solvang visit with a beer and a few sausages at the Copenhagen Sausage Garden. Skol!
San Luis Obispo
For an award-winning downtown, San Luis Obispo’s Higuera Street is a must-visit destination on your next SoCal trip. This town was named one of America’s best main streets for its museums, historical buildings, and unique attractions. Begin your downtown vacation at Madonna Inn, an iconic and historic California motel just a stone’s throw away from Higuera Street. The SLO History Center, which talks about the town’s Spanish mission history, is also nearby.
While meandering along the road, don’t be surprised to see Bubblegum Alley, a unique tourist spot—and activity, in a way—where people stick their chewed gum on the walls! But if you would rather chew on yummy eats, the burgers at Habit Burger Grill and Taqueria El Guero tacos are better options.
Julian
With its preserved Wild West architecture, Julian’s 19th gold rush history is still alive and well in its downtown! After a day of touring the mines at Eagle and High Peak Mine and learning the town’s history through the Julian Pioneer Museum, stroll down Main Street and Washington Street to get a glimpse of Julian’s historical architecture. The cafes, banks, and even the realty office all look like they’ve been plucked from America’s past.
While a downtown historical tour is enriching, nothing beats chowing down on a classic Julian apple pie! Julian is renowned for its quality apples and scrumptious pies, which you can get from Apple Alley Bakery, Julian Cafe and Bakery, and Mom’s Pie House—all conveniently on Main Street. Because of the town’s love for apples, the best time to visit Julian is in the fall, when the town comes alive for its Apple Days Festival.
San Juan Capistrano
Those who love history and old architecture should visit San Juan Capistrano, which houses the oldest building in California in its streets. The Mission San Juan Capistrano, broken and repaired numerous times from calamities, is a beautiful structure that showcases the town’s heritage and resiliency. Right across it, you can find the town’s old trading post and “Old San Juan” murals—both treasured memories of the town’s past.
Like its rich history, San Juan Capistrano’s culinary scene is also plentiful, and you don’t even have to walk far from Old Mission Road and the mission to find some good spots. Heritage Barbecue is a must-try when you’re in town—seriously, don’t leave until you’ve tried their brisket. Breezy and Bloom Restaurant both serve American food for those who can’t go without it. To make your stay within close proximity to everything downtown, Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is an excellent accommodation choice.
Final Thoughts
California’s reputation as one of the United States’ go-to beach hubs makes it a highly sought-after vacation destination for tourists worldwide. Towns in Southern California like Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego are always flocked with visitors eager to experience the West Coast’s never-ending summer paradise.
But as shown by these lovely South California towns on this list, there’s more to SoCal than big and crowded beach cities. There are quieter shores and historical towns that offer a new perspective on the rich and diverse Golden State of America. Think of these as California’s very own “off the beaten path” destinations!
