7 Little-Known Towns In Southern California
Southern California is well-known for its sun-kissed beaches, large cities, and enclaves populated by wealthy celebrities. Beyond well-known destinations like Los Angeles and San Diego, a wealth of charming communities invite visitors to discover the real spirit and essence of this vibrant and varied region. From the lovely seaside appeal of Laguna Beach to the old-world town vibes of Solvang, these communities that you'll read about provide an alternative to the usual SoCal itinerary. Enjoy the region's rich history, lively culture, and stunning natural beauty as you embark on an unforgettable experience through Southern California.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a stunning coastal community with calm beaches and pristine waters. There's so much to admire and appreciate within the small town. Enjoy a picturesque picnic at Heisler Park or take a trolley ride to one of the numerous neighborhood eateries, such as Coyote Grill or Neapolitan Pizzeria & Birreria. In addition, Laguna Beach boasts a flourishing art culture, complete with galleries, museums, art walks, and festivals. Take a whale-watching cruise or a guided snorkeling tour if you want adventure. On Saturday mornings, the Laguna Beach Farmers Market is a must. From freshly harvested produce to handcrafted products, it has it all.
Avalon
Just a short ferry ride from the Southern California mainland, Avalon on Santa Catalina Island offers a tranquil island escape that feels a world away from the bustling cities and suburbs. This little-known town has many unique places, such as Descanso Beach Club, the town's only beachside restaurant and bar. During the summer, it gets lively with beach parties featuring live DJs. Discover Avalon by taking a leisurely walk around the harbor, renting a bicycle to ride the picturesque island roads, or going out on the water for charter boat trips, kayaking, or snorkeling. Avalon also has must-see attractions like the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, Catalina Museum for Art & History, Golf Gardens Miniature Golf, and Catalina Casino, one of the island's most recognizable landmarks.
Julian
Julian is a charming town within the Cuyamaca Mountains, just an hour's drive from downtown San Diego. This little-known community is historic because Southern California's sole gold rush occurred there. Julian's status as an apple-growing region and the location of the state's best apple pies is another fascinating detail. Visit one of the many cafes or bakeries to taste one yourself. Along Main Street are quaint boutiques and stores selling everything from clothing and jewelry to books and antiques. The Julian Arts Guild organizes several yearly art exhibitions displaying its varied collection of artists and is responsible for the thriving art scene. The Santa Ysabel Preserve, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offer diverse hiking and bike paths. Other popular outdoor pastimes in Julian include fishing, camping, and horseback riding.
Solvang
The whimsical, old-world town of Solvang, tucked away in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, transports visitors to a charming Danish village. Discover its rich past at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, which offers year-round Danish cultural workshops for all ages, a research library, and changing exhibits. Additionally, Solvang holds many historical events. Solvang Danish Days celebrates the town's Danish heritage with folk art, storytelling, traditional music, dance, and cuisine every year. The Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Festival includes a wine tasting, dessert reception, and a walking Scandinavian-style feast. Lastly, Solvang's major winter celebration, Julefest, spreads holiday cheer with a tree-lighting ceremony, a parade, and caroling.
Carpinteria
Carpinteria, a small coastal community in southern California, is just a short drive from Santa Barbara. Carpinteria State Beach is one of its unique treasures. With terraced bluffs, dune sections, and a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploration, and camping, it boasts a rich biological and cultural past. It also features a visitor center, hiking paths, and picnic spaces. There are plenty of eateries, breweries, and entertainment options close by for those who want to explore more of the area. Rincon Beach Park and Carpinteria City Beach are other must-see locations in Carpinteria. This little-known town also hosts the annual California Avocado Festival, one of the few community festivals still held in downtown Carpinteria.
Ojai
Ojai, a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city, is tucked away in the Topatopa Mountains northwest of Los Angeles. Los Padres National Forest, which borders the north, is a great place to go hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. Lake Casitas is another well-liked recreational area with the addition of a water park with slides, waterfalls, a lagoon, and a lazy river. Golfing is another pastime that Ojai is known for, with two golf courses to tee off on. You'll also want to stop by Cluff Vista Park, which features several gardens and public art, while in this little town. The Ojai Valley Museum is also a must, as it has displays and exhibits highlighting the town's history and culture. Local gatherings that bring the community together with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities include Ojai Day, which takes place at Libbey Park in October.
Idyllwild
An hour southeast of Palm Springs, in the San Jacinto Mountains, sits Idyllwild, a sanctuary for outdoor recreation and the arts. Idyllwild is close to many trails, including the Deer Springs Trail, which offers day hike routes and the strenuous climb to Mount San Jacinto. Other well-liked local paths include the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail and the Devil's Slide Trail, which is dog-friendly and moderately challenging. Additional activities include unwinding in Idyllwild Regional Park, taking walks around Lake Fulmor, and camping at the Idyllwild Campground. You can also stroll through Golden Pine Gallery, enroll in a class at Mountain Pottery, attend Idyllwild Art in the Park, or find solace in live entertainment at Rustic Theatre, a legendary location for comedy, jazz, and films.
Explore These Lesser-Known Towns In Southern California
It's simple to ignore Southern California's more sedate, off-the-beaten-path areas as the area develops and grows. However, by doing so, you lose the chance to discover the actual essence of this vibrant and varied region. A great way to see Southern California is to go off the familiar tourist routes and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that makes this region so alluring. These little-known towns, from coastal communities like Laguna Beach and Carpinteria to historic towns like Solvang and Ojai, are worth exploring.
