Southern California Just Wouldn't Be The Same Without These 11 Charming Small Towns
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Natasha Kayes
Author
Southern California has many faces. You may know it for its laid-back vibe, sparkling beaches, forested mountains, historic Missions, or its quirky hidden gems. Whatever comes to mind for you, these charming small towns that define Southern California really tell the story well.
Summerland, CA, USA
The name kind of says it all here. Summerland is a tiny beach town that epitomizes California’s laid-back beach vibe. This town has just one Main Street with adorable shops and cafes, antique stores, cozy inns, and charming homes.
Fillmore, CA 93015, USA
Fillmore, located in Ventura County, is a quiet agricultural town with a truly rural vibe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the historic downtown area as well as local treasures like Bennett’s Honey Farm and the Fillmore and Western Railway Company.
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Wrightwood, CA, USA
Wrightwood is a small community less than 80 miles from Los Angeles and is known for its quaint downtown and its mountain activities such as winter skiing and summer zip lining.
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Encinitas, CA, USA
Encinitas is a surfer’s paradise and its perfect waves draw surfers from everywhere to yearly competitions. Though it is known as a surfer town, Encinitas is a serene alternative for anyone wanting to get out of the city and enjoy the area’s lovely gardens and beaches.
Avalon, CA 90704, USA
Turquoise waters on one side and rising mountains on the other, this tiny island town off the coast of Los Angeles County has a laid-back vibe and a lot of history. Don’t let its size fool you, because there is plenty to see and do in beautiful Avalon.
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Carpinteria, CA, USA
Just south of Santa Barbara, the coastal town of Carpinteria is home to what has been called "the world’s safest beach," a beach campground, coastal tar pits, and the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary. Beyond the beach, this tranquil town boasts avocado orchards, nurseries, ranches, and Main Street filled with gourmet eateries and family-owned shops.
Coronado Island, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
At the end of SoCal’s longest and most scenic bridge from San Diego lies the beach town of Coronado with its sparkling shoreline, gorgeous beach homes, beachfront shops and restaurants, and the historic Hotel Del Coronado.
Crestline, CA, USA
Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Crestline is referred to as the gateway to the more famous mountain resorts in the area, but it is a charming destination in its own right. Crestline enjoys four distinct seasons and the beautiful Lake Gregory where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and two giant waterslides.
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Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
Oak Glen’s claim to fame is its beautiful farmland with extensive orchards and field crops. Fresh fruit and produce grow year-round, but this town is especially loved for apple picking and stunning fall foliage. It is also the go-to destination to experience a Civil War Reenactment!
Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Ojai is one of SoCal’s true hidden gems. Home to one of the state’s most premier inns, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, it is still rich in small-town charm with local farmers’ markets, boutiques, and cafes. It is also one of the only places where you can bring your coffee and wander through a one-of-a-kind outdoor bookstore founded in 1964, Bart’s Books.
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
The San Juan Capistrano Mission is one of the oldest missions in California, founded by the Spanish in 1776, and a sense of history characterizes this town. Thousands of visitors visit this town annually to see one-of-a-kind artifacts and ruins of the Great Stone Church, which is considered the American Acropolis.
What is your favorite small town in Southern California? We would love to hear your comments. Interested in more Southern California treasures? Check out some of SoCal’s best-kept secrets.
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