9 Spots In Southern California That Will Make You Feel Nostalgic For The Good Ol' Days

Whether you grew up in Southern California or you’ve just lived here long enough to feel like this part of California is home, it’s likely you have fond memories of some classic SoCal locations that remind you of the good ol’ days.

From old-time diners to quaint main streets along some of SoCal’s oldest towns, there are plenty of spaces and places here that make all of us feel nostalgic. Here are nine destinations that come to mind.

wikimedia commons

wikimedia commons

Even if you're all grown-up, there's something about Bob's Big Boy that will make you feel like a happy-go-lucky kid again. A popular chain dating back to the 1930s, this iconic burger joint is guaranteed to bring back some fond childhood memories.

Advertisement

flickr/kaizer rangwala

When you feel like being transported to the past, take a leisurely stroll along the downtown district of San Dimas and soak up the charm of the past. With local shops and restaurants housed in buildings dating back to the 1800s, this stretch of downtown along Cataract and Walnut is a fun way to step back in time when life moved at a slower pace.

Advertisement

flickr/jeremy thompson

It's impossible not to feel nostalgic about this delightful amusement park in SoCal. Whether you have fond memories of visiting as a child or you have fond memories of taking a child, this is one spot in SoCal that we all have a soft spot for in our hearts.

tripadvisor/stacey m.

Fond memories of ice cream cones, milkshakes, and french fries are just a few of the ways this local hamburger stand will make you feel nostalgic. From the old-fashioned walk-up window where you can order a shake or malt to the vintage decor on the inside, you'll take a step back in time at Frosty Chalet.

Related Stories

I Rediscovered A Favorite Local Spot For Delicious Mediterranean Food

The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In Southern California That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

You Will Never Forget This Incredible Cosmic Experience In The Southern California Desert

googlemaps/tim castro

It's impossible to walk into Galco's Old World Grocery, aka The Soda Pop Stop, without feeling like you've wandered into a time machine. Occupying a corner of Highland Park since 1955, this family-owned gem is a friendly and familiar destination in the neighborhood. With shelves lined with every pop imaginable in every style and flavor, this corner shop will take you back to the good ol' days when you begged your parents to walk to the corner store just to buy a soda pop.

tripadvisor/catXoXu

Since 1958, Pann's Diner has been whipping up some tasty comfort food just like Mom used to make. Step inside this classic diner today and you'll find it hasn't changed much since it originally opened. With vintage touches throughout, this diner is a fantastic throwback to the good ol' days.

flickr/chris jepsen

Another one of SoCal's iconic old-timey towns that will make you long for yesterday is Old Towne Orange. With its small-town charm and quaint downtown circle, this historic district is worth exploring when you want to enjoy a stress-free day in a walkable city dotted with historic buildings from the 1800s.

Advertisement

foursquare/geoff y.

foursquare/lory j.

Since opening in 1938, Montrose Bowl has been a familiar landmark in the small town of Montrose. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to another era. With its vintage decor and old-time charm, this is one place in SoCal that will make you feel like a kid again.

googlemaps/jim koshack

Step up to the window at Ruby's Shake Shack and you'll instantly be flooded with memories of family outings and summer trips to Crystal Cove Beach when you visit this vintage shake shack on Pacific Coast Highway that's been a local favorite since 1945.

Do any of these spots make you long for the good ol’ days? Please let us know in the comments some of your fond memories.

Now that you’re in a nostalgic state of mind, you might enjoy taking a look at these 12 Vintage Photos of Southern California from the 1950s.