These Small Towns in Southern California Come Alive in Summer
California may be warmer than most states all year round, but that does not mean beach communities are immune to a dramatic summer explosion of visitors, seasonal summertime residents, and tourists! California is a large state of 39,185,605 and is home to a diverse number of beach communities. These areas see rises in tourism during summer months and boast 268.1 million domestic visits and 17.9 million overseas arrivals California receives every year, making the state one of the top tourist destinations of the country. Most notably visited are the Los Angeles area and Southern California. For those curious about which towns experience a summertime rise in visitors, check out these small towns in Southern California that are extra lively in summer!
Laguna Beach
Located in the popular Orange County, California; Laguna Beach is an extremely popular beach town that absolutely booms in the summertime attracting a whopping 6 million visitors a year! Laguna Beach is home to some of the loveliest beaches in California, fostering turquoise waters with pristine clarity, and white sandy beaches along picturesque cliffs with visually appealing residences and businesses built upon them. On top of extraordinarily beautiful beaches, Laguna Beach is host to Pacific Marine Mammal Center, delicious seafood and desert restaurants and top-tier hotels and spas that will make any stay feel luxurious and fun. For a lavish seafood experience stop by the first-class Splashes Restaurant, or for quick dessert Gelato Paradiso. For budget-friendly options, Carmelitas Mexican Food is delicious and K'ya Bistro has vegan options!
Ojai
In the majestic Topatopa mountains is the charming summertime town of Ojai, in the iconic state of California, known for its vast numbers of tourists who flock to the state every year, especially in the summertime. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Chumash peoples, who numbered in the 10s of thousands in over 150 independent villages meanwhile speaking varieties of the same language, these important peoples who lived and still do live in this region created the name Ojai, pronounced Awhay, meaning Moon. Unfortunately, Spanish troops forcibly relocated indigenous peoples from their historical home villages to Spanish missions to be Christianized, which eventually led to 90% of the Chumash population dying or being murdered whether by Spanish rule or the California Genocide under u.s occupation. Despite Ojai being extremely beautiful and aesthetically pleasing with great weather, Ojai has a complex and unfortunately dark history, so it is important to take the opportunity to visit the Ojai Valley Museum of History and Art. After learning the history of this impactful region, visit the jaw-droppingly stunning Ojai Olive Oil, Ojai Vinyard, Rose Valley Falls Trails and much more!
Avalon
Simply imagine after a quick and tranquil ferry ride to Santa Catalina Island, waking the next morning to a stunning oceanfront view featuring pristine blue waters that complement the skyline of your oceanside villa. In Avalon, the sun illuminates the dazzling flora, which comes in many gorgeous colors and vibrant emerald plants. This seemingly magical scene is just one of many realistic scenarios offered by the ethereal-like town of Avalon to over 1 million tourists annually, the only incorporated town on the utopian Catalina Island. Avalon has long been a favored destination for tourists for over one hundred years, drawing in not only enormous numbers of working-class people but also pop culture stars, famous actors, and influential politicians. While surveying the alluring attractions and ecological details of the beautiful Avalon and Catalina Island, it is not difficult to fathom why this euphoric slice of paradise is so attractive to all kinds of visitors. Some sought-after destinations in Avalon include the exciting Catalina Island Conservancy, Avalon Theatre, Catalina Island Casino, and Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. Every single one of these destinations is tastefully accompanied by some of the most heavenly views one will ever encounter.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is an incredible destination situated near an ancient, volcanic rock. Packed full of lagoons, nature trails, and saltwater marshes, which is a habitat for a diverse number of bird species. Morro Bay, home to the iconic Morro Rock, is a summertime must-visit destination of 10,757 people which experiences a boom of approximately 800,000 visitors who spend approximately $161 million dollars in the tropical summer months in this Southern California town. Morro Bay draws in a variety of visitors, whether city folk from Los Angeles seeking a nature escape or tourists from abroad seeking an adventure in a new place. Morro Bay State Park’s Museum of Natural History features exciting exhibits on the plethora of ecology in Morro Bay and intriguing local Chumash Indigenous American culture. Beautiful Trails lead up Black Hill for scenic views over the city and Morro Bay.
Manhattan Beach
Just southwest of Los Angeles, and home to a fair number of 35,135 residents and 4 million annual tourists, Manhattan Beach continues to be a popular coastal town on the Pacific Coast of California. Due to the beach town's proximity to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the country, this modest beach town experiences a boom in the summer months. Mainly due to tourism and flocks of visitors leaving the city and inland areas to escape to the cooler Pacific Coast to enjoy the beaches, scenery, and relaxation a small town has to offer. Even almost 8,000 years back, the indigenous American Tongva tribe regularly visited the shores of what is now Manhattan Beach and had a settlement named Chowigna. To this day, Manhattan Beach is solidified as a popular spot for settlement, and many come to appreciate what the town has to offer, such as features like Sand Dune Park, Hermosa Beach Pier, Polliwog Park, and of course, the beach of the same name, Manhattan Beach. Some activities and attractions here include Roundhouse Aquarium, AdventurePlex, Manhattan Beach Art Centre, and much more.
Venice Beach
Adored for this gorgeous town's beaches which lead to the North Pacific Ocean, canals, and an incredible pedestrian promenade that features various entertainers, performers, fortune tellers, and a variety of vendors to shop at. Venice Beach was an independent city until 1926 when Los Angeles annexed it and is now a popular destination for the city's residents. Travelers from further than just Los Angeles flock to Venice Beach in the summertime to relax and swim in the pristine beaches, admire colorful murals, and explore eccentric shops. Venice Beach is one of the larger towns on this list, boasting a population of 40,885 people, but that number faces an extreme increase during summer months welcoming an insane number of 16 million tourists annually!
Hermosa Beach
Meaning "beautiful" in Spanish, Hermosa is the perfect name to call this breathtaking beach community home to approximately 19,314 residents. Stroll along Hermosa Beach Pier and admire the warm sunset, grab a bite to eat and a drink at The Lighthouse Cafe, or relax along the sandy shores of Hermosa Beach. Although the population of this small town is 19,314 residents year-round, in the hot summer months, this coastal community opens its arms to an amazing 3 million tourists annually, causing this beachside town to come to life even more so than usual! Meanwhile, this area is often a calm and relaxing location in the off-season! Some famous people who have come to call Hermosa Beach home include Jimmy Kimmel, Vince Vaughn, Zoey Deschanel, Kendrick Lamar, and several Kings, Lakers, and Clippers players! That is a clear indication that Hermosa Beach is a must-visit destination!
Conclusion
Being the largest state in numbers in the United States of America, with perfect Mediterranean weather, located along the sparkling Pacific Coast, California, in general, is always an amazing place to visit. Specifically, southern California, home to Los Angeles, a hub of American tourism, is bound to experience a spectacular boom in tourism, especially during the summer months. Take a break from the rush and heat of LA and head to these spectacular beach communities with miles of coastline and incredible activities that cater to every whim and desire!
