The Best Small Towns in Southern California to Chill Out In 2024
Southern California is exemplified by its amazing landscapes, from the deserts around Joshua Tree National Park to the lush coastline which stretches from San Diego to Los Angeles and beyond. There is much to see outside of the big coastal cities, and these small towns will make perfect spots for any trip in this half of the state. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure and educational experience at a historic site or two or simply want to relax on a beach somewhere, you are sure to find a spot on this list that will perfectly complement your travels in the Golden State in 2024.
Ojai
The town of Ojai, surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to get away from the bustle of nearby cities like Oxnard or the Los Angeles area. Popular hiking trails, like the Rose Valley Falls and the Sespe Wilderness, are full of stunning vistas and diverse plants and animals along the way. For a unique experience, visitors can explore the Meditation Mount, a serene spot for contemplation with panoramic views.
The town itself is home to the Ojai Art Center, the oldest multi-disciplinary art center in California, where you can see local artists' work on display. The Libbey Park and its amphitheater often host concerts and community events The nearby Ojai Valley Museum, housed in a historic mission-style building, provides insights into the region's history and culture.
In need of some fresh produce? Each Sunday this 2024, the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market offers locally-produced food and artisanal goods.
Avalon
Avalon, the main town on Santa Catalina Island, makes for a fun and relaxing coastal retreat, with its mix of historical landmarks and outdoor activities. Accessible by ferry from the mainland, Avalon features the iconic Catalina Casino, a 1929 Art Deco masterpiece housing a theater and a ballroom that was once a nearly exclusive club for Hollywood stars of past decades. Still a fairly fancy place to stay, you can still book tickets for a show to this day.
This island town has much more to see and do. The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden showcases native plants and is a laid-back setting for a nice walk. For a deeper dive into the island's history, the Catalina Island Museum contains exhibits on the island's cultural heritage and its Hollywood connections.
Outside of town, those seeking a touch of nature can explore the underwater world through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours in the clear waters of Lovers Cove Marine Preserve. The Avalon Scenic Drive also offers panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding hills, a perfect way to spend an afternoon if you are using a car during your stay.
Julian
Julian, a historic gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains, is now best known for its new main export: apples from its famous apple orchards. Julian’s renowned apple pies and cider are a must-try, with local bakeries and orchards offering fresh treats, particularly during the fall apple harvest season.
To learn more about its past, the Julian Pioneer Museum will give you a glimpse into the town's gold rush history, with exhibits on mining equipment, pioneer artifacts, and other bits and pieces of local history. You can further experience a taste of the past up close with a tour of the Eagle and High Peak Mines, where you can learn about the town’s old mines.
Outside of town, the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and nearby Lake Cuyamaca have a number of spots to go hiking and fishing amid this idyllic mountain landscape.
La Jolla
La Jolla is a seaside community near San Diego and offers a less crowded place to stay while in this otherwise busy metro area. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla Cove is a popular destination for snorkeling and kayaking, with clear waters and abundant marine life at hand.
The nearby Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography educates visitors on marine science and conservation efforts. For art lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla showcases modern artworks in this beautiful coastal setting. For a show, the historic La Jolla Playhouse, founded in 1947, is highly recommended and hosts acclaimed theatrical productions. La Jolla’s downtown area, known as The Village, features upscale stores, hotels, a variety of dining options, and other amenities.
Don't miss a chance to take a stroll on the Coast Walk Trail too, where excellent views of the ocean and rocky cliffs can be found.
San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, seated in Orange County, is a historic town that many come to see for its well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings. The town’s centerpiece is the Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776, where you can explore the historic church, gardens, and even a museum from within. The Los Rios Historic District, the oldest neighborhood in California, features adobe houses, unique shops, and quaint eateries serving up delicious local cuisine. The O’Neill Museum, housed in a 19th-century building, provides a glimpse into the town’s past.
For nature lovers, have no fear, as there is much to see in the surrounding coastal hills. The Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park contains trails winding through canyons and valleys. The town also hosts the annual Swallows Day Parade, celebrating the seasonal return of cliff swallows to the area every March.
Carpinteria
A short drive just south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a coastal town with much to offer in the way of natural attractions and fascinating historic sites.
Carpinteria State Beach is famous for its tide pools, gentle surf, and camping facilities, making it a favorite spot for families or anyone who would like to sleep under the stars in this wonderful region of the state. For more outside, the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve has trails, most of which end with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
For more on local history, the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History boasts detailed exhibits on the town’s Chumash Native American roots and later agricultural heritage.
Carpinteria will also be home to the 2024 California Avocado Festival, celebrating the region's agricultural history with live music, local booths selling produce and crafts, and delicious food.
Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley is a desert town that serves as a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, renowned for its unique Joshua Trees, rugged mountains, and expansive desert scenery. While at the park, definitely explore the numerous hiking trails within, such as the Hidden Valley Trail, which offers impressive rock formations and desert flora. The Hi-Desert Nature Museum nearby is another great way to look into the area's natural history and cultural heritage, featuring exhibits on local Native American tribes and pioneer settlers.
In Yucca Valley’s downtown area, local shops and restaurants reflect the flavors of this town (literally), with spots like Castañeda's Mexican Food serving up tasty eats for all budgets. Additionally, the nearby Pioneertown, originally built as a movie set in the 1940s, gives its visitors an up-close look into the Old West culture that was once prevalent here.
Experience Southern California in 2024
From the historic sites in San Juan Capistrano to the natural delights in places like Carpinteria, it is obvious that a fun and memorable trip can easily be found in southern California. Although most of these small towns are on the coast (and who can blame this wonderful stretch for having some of the nicest cities and towns in the country?), the interior Sonoran and Mojave Deserts beg to be explored too.
