Are you wondering about the best towns in Southern California? You’re not alone! Our region of the Golden State is home to many splendid small towns that are extremely picturesque and irresistibly charming. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing weekend of exploring, here’s the perfect SoCal road trip that will take you through some of the most delightful small towns located in the southern part of our magnificent state.

Ready for a road trip to the best towns in Southern California? (Raises hand eagerly.)
Google Maps
We're starting our day in the town of Ojai, but feel free to adjust the trip to any starting point that suits you. We've put together a road trip map for you that will guide you from one place to the next. Just click on the link, plug in your starting destination, and OFF YOU GO!
1. Ojai
Ojai, CA 93023, USA
facebook/ojai chamber of commerce
The town of Ojai has it all. Incredible mountain views, woodsy walks perfect for a day on the trail, and a plethora of dining and spa options for a day of pampering. It's the perfect spot to explore for a quick afternoon, but it's even better if you can swing an overnight stay.
2. Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA
yelp/mako y.
Sierra Madre is a picture-perfect small town in Southern California that feels like it's right out of a John Hughes movie. You'll find a charming main street, local parades, and a wonderful community vibe in every pocket of town. Grab a seat at one of the local restaurants or coffee shops and soak up the fantastic small-town vibe.
3. Olde Towne Orange
Old Towne, Orange, CA 92866, USA
flickr/jasperdo
The historic district of Olde Towne Orange will take you back in time with its charming small-town feel. Browse through the plaza and do some window shopping at the quaint shops and boutiques. Make sure to time your visit here around meal time so you can stop for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.

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4. Wrightwood
Wrightwood, CA, USA
rennett stowe/wikimedia commons
It's impossible not to fall in love with Wrightwood. No matter what season you visit, you'll find an inviting small town that seems well suited for every single season. (Though, TBH, we're 100% obsessed with Wrightwood in the autumn. Fall foliage for days!)
5. Crestline
Crestline, CA, USA
yelp/louis b.
Some people head to this quaint lakeside town for a day of fishing, relaxing on the water, or taking some long hikes through the woods. But Crestline also has a quaint main strip with a few local shops that are fun for wandering. Here's why you need to make Crestline, California your next day trip destination!
6. Oak Glen
Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
flickr/don graham
If you're craving some time in a place with beautiful farmland, wonderful apple orchards, and peaceful country roads, then the town of Oak Glen is the perfect stop on your road trip.
7. Idyllwild
Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA, USA
flickr/don graham
For some crisp mountain air in a town that's known for its fun and artistic vibe, you'll want to head to Idyllwild. Browse the local shops on the main street, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and take in the art created by local artists right here in SoCal.
8. Julian
Julian, CA 92036, USA
flickr/chris jepsen
Located in San Diego County, the quaint town of Julian is a charming place where you can take a leisurely drive through rolling hills, apple orchards, and endless winding roads that are perfect to experience with the windows rolled down. Take some time to stroll down the main street and pop into the small shops, restaurants, and bakeries that capture the charm of this lovely town.

So tell us: what do you think about the above list of best towns in Southern California? They’re all super charming, right? What a delightful little getaway in SoCal! This is definitely a two to three-day trip depending on how long you choose to stay at each location, so make sure to allow yourself enough time to linger so you can truly get into the small-town state of mind.

If you LOVE road trips as much as we do, then you’ll want to check out this Southern California castles road trip. It’s a beauty!

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More to Explore

Best towns in Southern California

Sarah M. | September 22, 2022

What's another amazing and beautiful SoCal town I should visit?

In addition to the lovely locales listed in the above road trip to the best towns in Southern California, we'd like to nominate Cayucos as your next SoCal day trip or weekend getaway. Why do we love this SoCal town? Allow us to wax poetic for a minute. Colloquially referred to as the Last of the California Beach Towns, Cayucos, California is a laid-back town of around 3,000 located between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean in San Luis Obispo County. A classic beach town, Cayucos has a central downtown district that is incredibly walkable, irresistibly charming, and pedestrian friendly. The best part? The beach is literally *right* there; you can walk a few steps from pretty much any restaurant or accommodations in town, which makes for the kind of getaway where you don't even need your car (our favorite type of vacation!).

Finally, while SoCal is known for its blazing hot summers, given its coastal location, Cayucos is a pleasant place to be all year long - summer included. In fact, summers in Cayucos are comfortable, arid, and clear whereas the winters are chilly, wet, and often cloudy. In other words, this SoCal town makes for an amazing getaway all year long! Cayucos is one of these beautiful treasures to discover. Cayucos is the epitome of the Golden State’s dazzling natural beauty and makes for an amazing and wholly memorable weekend getaway. Are you convinced? You should be!

What are the most walkable towns in Southern California?

SoCal's traffic situation is notorious, so it's always a welcome break to discover a walkable locale that lets you explore on two feet, sans car! Some of the most charming small town downtowns in SoCal include places like Old Town Monrovia, San Dimas, Old Towne Orange, Old Towne Temecula, Santa Ana, and Old Pasadena. We're partial to Old Pasadena. A favorite destination for locals and out-of-state visitors, Old Pasadena is a perfect place to experience the local flavor of this area. You'll find over 22 blocks of restored historic structures and a unique mix of old and new establishments that add to the eclectic character of this downtown district. This historical district is a wonderful place to spend the whole day exploring! You’ll never get bored wandering through these gorgeous California streets.

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