These 7 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In Southern California Are Delightful
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Natasha Kayes
Author
Southern California is perhaps most well-known for its bigger cities, like Los Angeles and San Diego, but we have our share of small towns also. If you have the chance, step away from the hustle and bustle and visit one (or more) of these pretty-as-a-postcard small towns. You just may feel like you have been whisked away and dropped into a storybook.
Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Ojai, at the northern edge of Ventura County, envelopes visitors in small-town charm. The beautiful Arcade, with its arches and covered sidewalk, stretches along the Main Street and houses art galleries, locally-owned boutiques and restaurants, and hand-crafted goods, all of which speak to the creative nature of this picturesque community. Beyond downtown, the Ojai Valley is characterized by scenic hills and mountains, lush orchards, hiking trails, and a freshwater lake. The tiny town of Ojai is known as a peaceful retreat with endless opportunities for rejuvenating outdoor activities.
Old town Temecula, 33475 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591, USA
Historic buildings, antique shops, a town clock, locally-owned cafes, and more give Old Town Temecula a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of the Old West. Temecula is not only pretty as a picture, but is a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway, with lots of shops, restaurants, and wine tasting. In fact, the Temecula valley has some of California’s finest wineries. You can spend a relaxing day exploring the sprawling vineyards and wineries on two wine trails, then head back downtown for some dinner and music.
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Pioneertown, in Joshua Tree, California, is picture-perfect in a completely different way. With the mountains as a stunning backdrop, a visit to Pioneertown makes you feel like you have arrived in the Golden State during the 1800s, or possibly onto the set of a classic Western movie. The fact is that the town was built to be a bit of both - a living set that could be used for films but also a real functioning desert town where people live, work, and vacation. Stop by the saloon for a drink, shop for some hand-made pottery or stroll through the film museum, then stay the night at the adorable Pioneertown Motel.
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Avalon, CA 90704, USA
Natasha Kayes via Only In Your State
Catalina’s main town of Avalon is a perfectly quaint walkable town full of cute plazas, unique shops, a private beach club, and everything from fine dining to a walk-up donut shop. This sweet waterfront town hugs a small bay dotted with boats and is surrounded by tall, rugged hills. Adding to the postcard-worthy views of Avalon are the turquoise waters of the bay and the world-famous circular theater building at the far end of town. Just 22 miles from the coast, Avalon is a quintessential island getaway.
Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
Big Bear Lake, located in California’s San Bernardino National Forest, is a cozy mountain escape that enjoys four seasons and is lovely all year long. The quaint downtown area known as The Village is home to 120 vendors, including boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The tree-lined streets boast brilliant colors during fall and are filled with twinkling lights and snow in the winter, making a stroll through town feel like stepping through a storybook. Big Bear Lake Village provides a perfect place to shop and eat in between lake and mountain adventures like skiing, hiking, boating, and more.
La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
It really doesn’t get any more picturesque than this beach town sitting at the edge of scenic cliffs overlooking the vibrant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. La Jolla by the Sea, as it is known, has a laid-back small-town vibe with a waterfront village full of upscale boutiques and restaurants with a view. One visit to La Jolla and you may very well want to stay forever.
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
The town of San Juan Capistrano tells the story of California’s early days and was founded by the first people to live on the land. The historic downtown district, with its famous Mission San Juan Capistrano, is as beautiful as it is educational. After touring historic buildings, the adobe, garden, and ruins, you can enjoy nearby galleries, antique stores, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Have you been to any of these picturesque towns in Southern California? We would love to hear about your favorite small town in the comments. Can’t get enough small-town charm? Here are 10 more small SoCal towns to explore!
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