The Best Small Towns in Southern California to Chill Out
Southern California is home to some of the most sought out climates around the world. There is so much more to California than the big city and that can be enjoyed when you visit the small towns of SoCal. Get a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city and chill out among the majestic landscapes of these dreamy small towns.
Ojai
Ojai is an opulent small town in Southern California that offers five star spa experiences, top notch outdoor experiences and Lake Casitas, home of the 1984 Olympics canoeing and rowing events. Walk through the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to explore hundreds of miles of trails through the stunning hilltops of the SoCal mountain ranges. Check out the majestic Los Padres National Forest before heading over to the Ojai Valley Inn where farm to table food and vine to glass wines are available.
Los Alamos
Ranches and vineyards describes Los Alamos, the small town in California with a population of less than 2,000 people. Found in the Santa Ynez Valley, this old Western city was named Los Alamos, Spanish for “the cottonwoods” to describe the extensive nature in the area. Located between Santa Barbara and Monterey, Los Alamos offers a space that seems straight out of an old Western movie. Offering an authentic experience of the old west, this small town in SoCal is one of the most underrated places to catch food, wine and entertainment.
Joshua Tree
Located in the Mojave desert of Southeastern California, Joshua Tree National Park is world renowned for its yucca trees, rock formations and expansive landscapes. A sight to see, Joshua tree is home to a cactus garden that sits in front of desert mountain backdrops. Although the land appears barren, it is expansive and the wildlife that lives there ranges from goats to tortoises. The park has very low levels of light pollution making it the best place to see the stars in the night sky. Grab a date shake, a shake made up of the famous locally sourced dates and sold at many nearby shops. Joshua Tree provides visitors with a once in a lifetime experience and is one of the greatest relaxing retreats to take in Southern California.
Wrightwood
Located in San Bernardino County, Wrightwood is a small town with an elevation of 6000 ft and a population of 3000. A perfect place to get away and relax, Wrightwood offers a cattle ranch, apple orchard, and more in this mountain resort community. Enjoy the secret wonders of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Angeles National Forest and Mt. Baden Powell. Wrightwood is home to some of the best skiing in all of California with nearly over 20 miles of trails for skiers from beginner to advanced. Wrightwood is a small town with major wonder and one of the best places to get away and embrace the ambiance of Southern California.
Idyllwild
Originally known as Strawberry Valley, Idyllwild can be found in the San Jacinto Mountains and offers extensive outdoor experiences that are unmatched in all of Southern California. Idyllwild is perfect for a relaxing getaway with its mountainous backdrops, majestic trees and natural wildlife. The land is full of wild strawberries and other u-pick items that you can enjoy. Hear the crickets or ride an off road vehicle through the deep and rugged forest. This mile high paradise offers the perfect ambiance to reduce the busy noise of the city and escape to the stunning outdoors that is Southern California’s claim to fame.
Palm Springs
The desert resort city of Palm Springs, located in Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley is one of the most famous locations in all of Southern California. Composed of three Palm Springs Canyon’s, the Andreas, Murray and Palm, Palm Springs is home to some of the most spa-like natural environments. Canyons, small rivers, endangered species and a desert floor makes the space unlike any other. Head down to Tahquitz canyon for a swim under the 60 ft waterfall slipping down a soft rock cut. Palm Springs was inhabited by the Cahuilla Indians for over 5,000 years and referred to the land as Sec-he, or boiling water, which was then translated by the Spanish to Agua Caliente. One of the most mysterious, magical and spiritual experiences available, Palm Springs is a must see experience for anyone visiting Southern California.
Solvang
Solvang is a one of a kind experience, offering a completely authentic Danish experience to its visitors. Windmills, Danish treats and a small walkway of shops and boutiques make this location one of the best trips in Southern California. Solvang is close to Santa Barbara and offers such a small town ambiance that it is the perfect way to relax and get away from any stress that you may have. Check out the Old Mission Santa Ines museum, and Mission Drive the town square that holds all of the epic boutiques and shops in Solvang. Jump down to Solvang to step into a completely different lifestyle. One of the greatest small towns in Southern California, Solvang is more than just a place, it is an experience.
Southern California is a busy place, but there are many places to get away. These small towns are the best places to chill out and relax if you’re looking for an escape. Breathe in the fresh, feel the natural light on your face and chill out in one of these epic SoCal small towns.
