With a population exceeding 39 million, California is a busy, bustling state, often making it difficult to discover more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path towns to where visitors can escape. However, between crowded cities and metropolises, calmer and smaller towns lie in the southern part of the state, ranging from mountain resorts to coastal villages and desert towns. Next time you're planning a getaway to Southern California, think outside the box and consider one of these charming, unique towns instead of the usual hotspots like San Diego and Los Angeles.

Solvang

Solvang, often called the 'Danish Capital of America,' offers visitors a chance to experience a taste of Denmark—no passport required. Those looking for a traditional Danish meal can stop by one of the city’s Danish restaurants, such as Bit O’Denmark or Red Viking Restaurant. Various historical landmarks throughout town add to the cultural ambiance as well, such as its charming wooden windmills, the King Christian Tower Building, and the Bethania Lutheran Church, built with Danish architectural elements. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is an interesting historic stop as well, which shares the story of the Danish author, famous for his stories such as “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Mermaid”.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is the perfect escape for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, boasting all kinds of recreational activities year-round. Located north of the San Bernadino National Forest, visitors can hiking, biking, waterfall hunting, or even snowshoeing in the winter months! The town also lies along a massive lake, perfect for trout fishing. Visitors can also rent a boat to enjoy the afternoon on the water. Adrenaline seekers will love the new Mineshaft Coaster in town, a mountain coaster that functions all year, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape!

Cambria

Sitting along the Pacific Coast, Cambria makes for a laid-back weekend away at the beach, without the crowds of the big city beaches. After arriving to the town, visitors can take a stroll along the calming Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, appreciating the sound of the crashing waves and seagulls. After their walk, hungry visitors can stop by one of the town’s quaint cafes, such as Linn’s Easy as Pie Café, enjoying a soup and slice of pie on the cafe’s garden patio. Those who appreciate historic architecture can take a tour of Hearst Castle, which features an impressive 165 rooms and 125 acres of gardens, pools, and terraces.

Ojai

Ojai, California, has a natural, southwestern feel to it, making it the perfect destination to spend a sunny weekend outdoors hiking, horseback riding, or visiting a vineyard. Just about an hour from Los Padres National Forest, visitors have a beautiful selection of trails to choose from, as well as spots to camp, fish, and swim. Those hoping to stay closer to the town’s premises can go for a hike at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, which has dozens of miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding. After a busy day of hiking, wine lovers can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine at Casa Barranca Winery Tasting Room, in downtown Ojai, or Topa Mountain Winery, which has unbeatable views of the surrounding hilly vineyards.

Julian

With a population of a little over 1,300 people, Julian is an easy town to miss. However, the town’s prime location in the Cuyamaca mountains and history dating back to the 1870’s gold rush make for a beautiful and fascinating getaway. Those who want to learn more about what life was like during the gold rush days can take a tour of Eagle Mine, one of the town’s original gold mines. California’s largest state park, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, is also just about 20 minutes away, featuring 500 miles of dirt roads, miles of hiking trails, and 12 wilderness areas to explore. To celebrate the arrival of Fall, Julian will have a variety of cozy events, such as the Late Season Heirloom Apple Festival, the Julian Autumn Jubilee, and Oktoberfest, so make sure to check out the town’s calendar!

Los Olivos

Lying in the heart of Santa Baraba Wine Country, Los Olivos promises a relaxing and scenic trip, enjoying some of the best wine in the state. Travelers can visit Coquelicot Estate Vineyard, a 58-acre organic vineyard featuring a tasting room, or savor a glass of Petit Verdot at Grimm’s Bluff Tasting Room. The town also has a number of art galleries to visit, such as Gallery Los Olivos, which features work from over 40 local artists! Looking for a hearty meal? The town’s café and tavern scene boasts a variety of options, including Mattei’s Tavern, which serves fresh Californian-style cuisine with ranching influences in an elegant setting.

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is a gorgeous resort town located in the San Bernardino National Forest, making it another great location for hikers, backpackers, cyclers, fishers, and skiers. Upon arriving in town, the best way to immerse yourself in the area is by taking a lake tour. Visitors can explore the lake and learn about its surroundings from an experienced guide while enjoying a scenic ferry ride. In the warmer months, visitors can also learn how to waterski at McKenzie Water Ski School. Visiting in the fall also offers its perks, as guests can admire the vibrant autumn foliage in the forest surrounding the lake. Those wanting the full rustic, mountain experience can stay in the Saddleback Inn, a historic hotel reflecting the town’s history.

Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley is a warm desert town known for its stunning starry skies, conveniently located near Joshua Tree National Park. The park features two distinct desert ecosystems—the Colorado and Mojave Deserts—and offers around 300 miles of hiking trails, providing endless recreational opportunities for visitors. Those interested in learning more about the local ecosystems can explore the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, which includes a mini-zoo, desert wildlife dioramas, and a collection of Native American historic artifacts. Just over 20 minutes away, travelers can unwind in the natural mineral hot springs of Desert Springs!

Final Thoughts

Southern California may just be a small portion of the United States, but its diverse ecosystems, landscapes, and cultures make it as varied and intriguing as a collection of different countries. Whether you're taking a trip to ‘Europe’ by visiting Solvang or exploring the arid beauty of Yucca Valley, each of these Southern California towns offers a uniquely captivating experience for its visitors.