These Small Towns in Southern California Have the Best Historic Districts

While Southern California’s larger towns and cities are well-known for their rich history, many of the region’s smaller towns have also managed to preserve their unique historic identities. The best of these quaint towns have forward-thinking bylaws and regulations restricting development unless it conforms to often strict rules safeguarding the integrity of their picturesque historic districts.

Such preservation is certainly smart economically, too, with the influx of visitors drawn to these towns providing an important stimulus to local businesses. As a result, it's in these lesser-known enclaves where the heart of “SoCal” truly beats.

For ideas and inspiration, here are some of the most notable small towns in Southern California that have great historic districts for you to explore. 

San Juan Capistrano

Renowned for the Mission San Juan Capistrano, an historic landmark founded in 1776 to convert Native Americans to Catholicism, this picturesque colonial relic is considered the best preserved and most picturesque of California’s surviving Spanish missions. Famous for its annual return of the swallows each March, the mission also features beautiful gardens, koi ponds, and a number of historic chapels that are worth visiting.

The surrounding historic district preserves a number of attractive old adobe homes and some fine examples of early California architecture. Los Rios Street, the oldest residential street in the state, is another must-visit and is lined with well-preserved restored buildings that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Popular events like the Swallows Day Parade and Fiesta de las Golondrinas further celebrate the town’s rich history.

Santa Paula

Given the nickname of the "Citrus Capital of the World", Santa Paula’s beautifully preserved downtown area is a must-see when exploring South California. An hour’s drive from Los Angeles, downtown Santa Paula features many well-preserved buildings dating from the late 1870s to the early 1900s, including the attractive John Scott building. So picture-perfect is the downtown area that it’s not unusual to spot film crews using the Main Street district as a backdrop for their period movies. 

Other highlights include the California Oil Museum and the Santa Paula Art Museum which showcase the town’s contributions to the state’s development, and the Santa Paula Airport which often hosts vintage airplane shows. 

Julian

Rooted in California’s gold rush past, downtown Julian is a must-visit for even the most casual of historians. And it’s an ideal day trip destination, just 60 miles east of San Diego and boasting plenty of fun things to do. Start with a walk along Main Street with its many attractive 19th-century buildings, most built during the heyday of prospecting. Just a short walk away from downtown you can even spot some of the old graves of some of these prospectors at the Julian Haven of Rest cemetery.

Julian is also famous for its apple pies, a fact that’s celebrated at the annual Apple Days Festival. You can also learn more about the town’s mining past by taking a fun tour at the Eagle and High Peak Mine.

Claremont

With the Claremont Colleges at its heart, Claremont is located in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles but boasts a unique character that’s well worth experiencing. The highlight here is Claremont Village, an historic downtown area that’s fun to explore on foot. Notable for its European-inspired early 20th-century architecture, the village is home to more than 150 establishments ranging from boutique shops and art galleries to bakeries, cafés, and restaurants.

Other fun things to do in Claremont include visiting the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, popular for its collections of native California plants, while the Folk Music Center offers a flavor of the town's cultural vibes.

Ojai

Set high up in the hills above the city of Ventura, the 25-minute drive up to Ojai –pronounced “O-Hi" – is certainly a scenic one. And this stunning scenery only heightens the fun of exploring this beautiful small town. Although only established in 1925 and a relatively new town, many of the first buildings constructed here still stand and can be easily spotted along Ojai’s attractive main street, East Ojai Avenue.

The oldest, St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, actually predates the town by seven years and was constructed in 1918 as a replacement for an even older Catholic church that stood here. As you explore the downtown area you’ll see plenty of interesting Spanish Revival architecture. Other highlights include the Ojai Post Office tower and the Ojai Valley Museum, which traces the town's history.

San Dimas

Although just 30 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles, San Dimas has managed to preserve plenty of its unique charm and character. The town’s historic district is set around Bonita Avenue, home to a number of pleasant old structures built in the 19th century that now house everything from boutique shops to cafés and restaurants. 

A stand out here is the fully restored Walker House. Built in 1887 as a railway hotel, it now houses art galleries and can be toured. It’s also home to the San Dimas Historical Society with its collections of artifacts and photos. 

Monrovia

The town of Monrovia is regularly voted one of the best places to live in California, a distinction it’s enjoyed pretty much since being established in 1887 by abolitionists up in arms about the arrival of a saloon bar. While the issue of sobriety is a moot point nowadays, it did help cement a deep civic pride in the population that exists to this day.

Any visit should start in the historic area known as Old Town Monrovia. Entered by a tall archway marking the spot where Old Town begins, this revitalized section of town features a number of interesting landmarks, including the library and its pleasant park.

The Final Word

From the early influences of the first Spanish settlers to the economic boom created by the Gold Rush of the late 1800s, Southern California’s small towns encapsulate the region’s diverse and rich history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a curious traveler, check out the historic districts of these small towns in SoCal for ideas and inspiration for day trips, weekend getaways, or even longer vacations.