Enjoy breathtaking ocean, forest, and desert scenes—without the city traffic.
Southern California’s cities like Los Angeles and San Diego usually hog all the limelight, but the area is also home to several quaint, charming small towns worth a visit. The next time you’re sitting in traffic and the GPS says it’ll take you 45 minutes to go four miles, consider a relaxing staycation in one of the Golden State’s quieter escapes. From coastal villages oozing historical charm to desert destinations with an artistic twist, here are our picks for the best small towns to visit in Southern California.
1. Solvang
Visitors to Solvang can get lost in whimsical windmills, charming Danish colonial architecture, and a slower pace of life. This small town in the Santa Ynez Valley, located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara, is the nation’s picturesque Danish capital.
Stroll around the city square to view the Rundetarn, or Round Tower, a scaled replica of one of Copenhagen’s most famous buildings, or take photos of the Little Mermaid, a bronze replica of Denmark’s most beloved statue. Four wooden windmills located within four blocks will warm hearts, while bellies will be satiated at one of the area’s bakeries and restaurants. Copenhagen Sausage Garden has been serving comforting classics like warm pretzels and charcuterie for the last 30 years, while Leo’s Café is where locals gather for lunch plates like house-fried chicken sandwiches and cobb salads.
Of course, no visit to Solvang is complete without enjoying a taste of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Wine tasting experiences abound in Solvang: check out Sevtap Winery for $25 tastings and refreshing slushies, or Blackjack Ranch Vineyards for a relaxing afternoon in their rustic, wood-paneled tap room or wisteria vine-covered pergola.
2. Joshua Tree
Though not technically a town, this unincorporated, census-designated place in the high desert of San Bernardino County is worth a visit from any intrepid explorer looking to replace the city grind with the great outdoors.
Joshua Tree is home to its namesake national park, the place where the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems converge, where the Joshua tree branches grow at curious angles, and where the winds blow at high speeds nearly continuously. Here, visitors can hike 300 miles of trails, camp within nine developed sites, rock climb among 8,000 established routes, and view every star in the Milky Way at night. Though activities are plentiful, locals warn visitors to enter the park fully prepared: there is no water, electricity, food service, or cell phone reception in the park, so it’s recommended to stay on established trails and to let a trusted friend know your plans and when you aim to return.
Joshua Tree is also home to a flourishing artistic community: a collection of galleries hosts exhibitions from local and national visual artists, while iconic music venues like Harrison House Music, Arts & Ecology, and Pappy and Harriet’s offer inspiring shows and pop-up programming.
3. Idyllwild
Nestled in the fragrant pines of the San Jacinto Mountains, only about a two-hour drive from L.A., Idyllwild feels like a place that time forgot. With no corporate chain stores, franchise restaurants, fast-food drive-throughs, or even traffic lights, Idyllwild is serious about keeping its town small and community-centered.
Before embarking on a hike up Suicide Rock Trail to drink in jaw-dropping, panoramic views, fuel up with a cup of joe at Mamma Mia’s Crepes and Coffee, or stock up on gourmet groceries at Coyote Red’s. After you’ve gotten your fill of high-mountain views, ease into the evening with a meal at The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill, a family-friendly restaurant boasting 15 varieties of burgers, live entertainment, and karaoke nights during the summer months.
Lodging in Idyllwild offers a mix of historic boutique hotels, fully stocked vacation rental homes, and camping at sites in Mount San Jacinto State Park. The popular Idyllwild Inn, located a quick walk from the town’s shops and restaurants, pairs rustic alpine lodging in cabins, themed rooms, and suites with the most modern of amenities.
4. San Clemente
Orange County’s southernmost town is often called the Spanish village by the sea for its abundance of Spanish colonial architecture—experience the charm of San Clemente with a camera in hand as you stroll among elegant archways, crisp stucco exteriors, and iconic red-clay tile roofs. When you’ve gotten your fill of sightseeing, reflect and relax at one of the town’s several beaches.
Fans of architecture, culture, and history will want to visit Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, which features a century-old Spanish Colonial Revival home filled with historical exhibits and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens. After taking in either a self-guided or docent-led tour of the home, why not stay for a community event? Casa Romantica regularly hosts live music, theater, and dance performances, as well as visual art exhibitions, film screenings, and children’s programming.
You’d be remiss if you visited San Clemente without stopping by an area beach: the popular T Street Beach serves as a hangout for surfers and casual beachgoers alike, while San Onofre State Beach offers some of Orange County’s best beginner’s waves. If you want to watch the surf pros, Trestles is the spot: find this beach just a short walk from the Cristianitos exit off Interstate 5, but stay out of the water unless you’re a local to avoid interpersonal conflict.
5. Fillmore
Located in Ventura County, about an hour’s drive north from central Los Angeles, Fillmore proclaims itself to be the Golden State’s “last, best small town.” Here, visitors will find quaint, historic buildings hearkening back to the town’s legacy of citrus, avocado, and tree farming, as well as charming, family-owned restaurants and unspoiled nature just waiting for your next en plein air adventure.
History buffs will have much to choose from on a visit to Fillmore: the Fillmore Historical Museum features a restored Southern Pacific train depot dating back to 1887, while the Fillmore Towne Theatre boasts a single-screen theater that often plays Hollywood gems of yesteryear. After taking in a flick, chow down at Daniel’s Gourmet Foods Co., a family-owned and operated eatery specializing in sustainably sourced, local seafood, or opt for a finger-licking meal at The BBQ Place, where ribs and hot links come paired with chili beans, garlic bread, and macaroni salad.
It’ll require a bit more driving from the heart of Fillmore, but a visit to the nearby Sespe Wilderness is worth it when you reach Willett Hot Springs. This natural hot spring has been augmented to include a collection basin, so visitors can enjoy its 100-degree water just as comfortably as a soak in their own bathtub.
