10 Places Where You Can Still Experience Old Southern California
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Angela
Author
You may be surprised to learn that Southern California is home to many old town districts and historic towns that still retain a slice of SoCal’s old-time charm. If you love discovering new places, especially when the destinations are old, you’ll want to do some wandering to these 10 gems sprinkled throughout SoCal.
Inland Empire is home to a beautiful old town destination that exudes the quiet charm of old-school SoCal. Take one look at Historic Downtown Redlands and you'll be taken back in time when things moved at a slower pace. Old brick buildings, tall street clocks, and Victorian architecture are just a few of the sights you can enjoy when you visit.
The old town district of San Dimas, located along Bonita Avenue, will take you back in time in the best way possible. Take a stroll through town and enjoy the charming local vibe of this SoCal gem filled with architectural beauties dating back to the 1800s.
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You know you've entered old town SoCal when you stumble upon a place where street parades still thrive and local businesses are the heart and soul of the community. Sierra Madre can be enjoyed on foot by strolling along the main street that's filled with pure small town charm.
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This hidden gem right outside Los Angeles may be a bustling college town, but it's still retained its old town charm that captures our favorite parts of old SoCal. You'll discover tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a thriving local scene with a tight-knit community.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Olde Towne Orange is home to some of the oldest and longest standing structures in all of SoCal. Not only is this place a joy to stroll, but you'll be dazzled by all of the history that surrounds you in this charming and thriving old town district in SoCal.
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Small town charm abounds in every corner of Glendora. Local shops, small businesses, and a quaint tree-lined main street are exactly what you'd expect from this SoCal town with an old school vibe.
Old Town Monrovia, especially the stretch along the vibrant main strip of Myrtle Avenue which has been revitalized in recent years, perfectly captures the essence of old-time SoCal. You won't find many chain stores around here, but you will find plenty of local businesses that keep this area of SoCal thriving with its small town appeal.
If you're looking for a slice of old-time SoCal, you'll surely find it in Old Town Temecula. A favorite destination for vintage car shows, scouting for antiques and wandering along the quaint main street for a day of window shopping, this is one town in SoCal where you can embrace the charms of a simpler time.
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Not far from Los Angeles you'll find historic downtown Covina which feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This old town gem tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains captures all the charm of yesterday mixed in with plenty of modern touches.
San Diego is not only America's Finest City, but it's almost home to some of SoCal's most historic places including Old Town San Diego. This historic neighborhood is where you can find Old Town San Diego State Historic Park which celebrates the early days of San Diego. From historic buildings that date back to the 1800s to pristinely maintained Victorian homes, this is one place in SoCal that shows off the flavor of old SoCal.
How beautiful! What a treat to have so many delightful places to visit. Do you have a favorite destination on this list?
For another hidden gem in SoCal that is quite irresistible, take a look at this lovely local destination that is perfect for a day trip.
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