11 Southern California Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
When you travel, the people can matter as much as the sights. An unwelcoming place can sour an otherwise perfect trip. Southern California tends to greet visitors with the opposite. Solana Beach pairs its beaches with an arts scene that treats locals and newcomers the same way. Needles has been welcoming Route 66 travelers for decades with festivals all year long. These 11 small towns carry that friendliness further than most.
Coronado
Coronado sits on an island just off the coast of San Diego and is home to an active U.S. Navy base. It's a popular destination for travelers thanks to its pristine beaches and welcoming atmosphere. The Silver Strand State Beach is perhaps the finest in the San Diego area, with plenty of space so you're never too crowded. On the beach, you can enjoy some fishing or swimming in a quiet environment. If you'd like to get out on the water in an intimate setting, book a tour with the Gondola Company. They take travelers out on Coronado Cay in a gondola that's perfect for a date night or an unforgettable night with friends.
Don't leave Coronado without heading to the Henry for brunch and trying their brunch favorites like avocado toast, egg sandwiches, and breakfast burritos in an upscale environment.
Del Mar
San Diego is a popular Southern California destination due to its weather and beach access. If you want the same beach access to the Pacific Ocean in a smaller, friendlier package, look no further than Del Mar. Once you get settled in, take a trip to Powerhouse Park right by the ocean. The beaches are white, and there's a substantial green area above where you can relax, have a picnic, and enjoy live entertainment. It's a great place to visit first to see the friendly spirit that attracts everyone to Del Mar. If you're traveling with your furry friend, stop off at the Del Mar Dog Beach. The beach allows dogs, and it's the perfect place to let them experience the ocean.
When you need a break from the beach, you can experience a unique California experience at Del Mar Racing. This horse racing track regularly hosts competitions, offering some of the best horse racing on the West Coast.
Solana Beach
Not far north of Del Mar is Solana Beach, another friendly coastal community. It combines beach living and a vibrant art scene for an unforgettable visit. Start your trip by heading to Fletcher Cove to get out on the beach and enjoy the Pacific Ocean's waves. The park above the beach also has a viewing deck where you can take a picture of the ocean and take in its majesty.
To experience the arts scene, you'll need to head inland a bit. Belly Up is the town's concert venue, hosting a mix of local and national musicians and comedians. The intimate venue will give you a stronger connection with the artists and a good view of the action. And the theater comes alive at the North Coast Repertory Theatre. The group puts on plays and comedies that are sure to show you how strong the arts scene in town is. And many of the actors will be happy to say hello after the show, giving you a taste of that Solana Beach hospitality.
Julian
Heading inland, you'll find Julian, a town that's renowned for its friendliness and American spirit. The town is famous across California for its apple pies, and you can get your own at the Julian Pie Company. They serve delicious apple pie by the slice, or you can buy a whole pie to take home as one of the tastiest souvenirs around. Come in the fall to pick your own apples at the Volcan Valley Apple Farm for a delicious snack.
But apples aren't the only thing that makes Julian a worthwhile trip, as the town used to be a mining establishment, and that heritage is still alive today. You can take a tour of a historic gold mine at the Eagle Mining Co. You'll explore the caves, and your kids can try their hand at panning for gold. It's a unique experience that puts you in the shoes of the miners who gave California its enduring association with gold.
Avalon
Head off the mainland to Santa Catalina Island for an unforgettable experience. Avalon, named for a legendary place in Arthurian myth, feels a world apart, with friendly people, beautiful scenery, and plenty to do. Stop by the Catalina Casino in town to see one of the most distinctive Art Deco buildings in California. Despite what the name might imply, there's no gambling here, but there is a movie theater where you can catch the latest releases. To learn more about the area's history and culture, stop by the Catalina Museum for Art & History. The combination museum and gallery has an extensive collection of local art that shows the unique culture that developed on the island.
And what trip is complete without a delicious meal? Book a table at the Descanso Beach Club to enjoy seafood out on the beach. You can share wine with your partner while watching the sun set beneath the horizon for a romantic experience you'll never forget.
Idyllwild
Back on the mainland, you can find the quiet town of Idyllwild at the foot of Mount San Jacinto. Idyllwild is a town that welcomes visitors who appreciate nature and want to reconnect with the great outdoors. You'll spend most of your time at Mount San Jacinto State Park, with trails that will take you all around the area. Experienced hikers can attempt the summit itself, though the routes from Idyllwild are long, strenuous, high-elevation climbs best left to those with real mountain experience. At the top, you'll get a beautiful view of San Bernardino and the surrounding areas.
Once you're back in town, there's still plenty to do. The Idyllwild Brewpub is a favorite among locals for their craft beers and exceptional burgers. You can even eat on their outdoor patio to enjoy the surrounding forests. And for some unique shopping, try the Funky Bazaar. They stock more offbeat and eclectic antiques, and the friendly staff can help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.
Big Bear Lake
In the San Bernardino National Forest lies the quiet town of Big Bear Lake, on the shores of the lake after which it is named. Like Idyllwild, the town embraces the great outdoors and always lends a helping hand to locals and tourists alike. Of course, you'll want to spend some time out on the waters of Big Bear Lake while in the area. You can rent a boat to head out and fish, or just hike around it for some unforgettable photos. And it wouldn't be a visit to a place with bear in the name without a trip to the zoo. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo hosts bears and exotic wildlife, which is perfect for children and anyone who enjoys looking at these majestic creatures.
To see the friendliness that sets Big Bear Lake apart, come in the autumn for Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. The town comes together for a celebration of German culture, with craft beer, authentic German food, and lots of fun.
Barstow
Barstow is a legendary stop on Route 66 in the Mojave Desert. It has hosted countless visitors to California over the years and fostered a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for all who travel to California. You can learn more about the Mother Road and Barstow's part in its history at the Mother Road Museum. The museum hosts an extensive collection of memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66, and the staff can help you understand the story of America's most famous road. Just as important to Barstow's past as Route 66 is the railroad. The Western America Railroad Museum offers a chance to get up close to vintage trains and passenger cars and learn more about their role in keeping Barstow running.
And why not do some retail therapy while in town? The Outlets at Barstow offer an excellent opportunity to shop till you drop. They include all your favorite chain stores and brands in one place, with plenty of smiles in every store you enter.
Needles
Needles is another town made famous by Route 66. It sits right on the border with Arizona and has attracted tourists in modern times thanks to its numerous annual festivals. The Colorado River Round Up in the spring is the premier event in the area. It is a weekend rodeo that draws visitors from across California and Arizona to see the classic battle between humans and bucking broncos. If you can't make it in the spring and are planning on heading to Needles in the fall, you're in luck, because you'll be just in time for the Fort Mojave Indian Days. The event celebrates indigenous culture and gives you a chance to meet the friendly faces that make Needles a great place to visit.
And if you enjoy bird watching, Needles is the perfect stop. The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wetland habitat where you can spot migratory birds resting before continuing their trek.
Ojai
Ojai feels like a place out of an old painting. When you enter, you'll find a friendly city with one of the best mixtures of natural and urban amenities to enjoy. The town borders the Los Padres National Forest, and it's a great place to explore and get lost in. Trails range in difficulty, giving you the chance to tailor your experience to your skill level. And inside the forest you'll see some of California's best vistas.
Once you're back in Ojai, you'll still have plenty to do. Bart's Books in town is a beloved open-air bookstore with just about any book you could want. If you aren't sure where to start, the friendly staff is always there to guide you and provide recommendations. After you've found your next favorite book, stop in at the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room. You can taste local wines in a very intimate setting, with incredibly knowledgeable staff who can help you find a wine that's perfect for you.
Solvang
In Solvang, you can take a trip to Denmark without ever leaving California. This quirky town incorporates Danish culture and architecture to create an experience that's as close as you can get to Denmark in the United States. You can learn more about Denmark and Solvang at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. The museum brings to life the unique connection between Denmark and Solvang and features beautiful Danish-style artwork. For another slice of Danish culture, you'll find it at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. They have collected memorabilia and put together exhibits of one of Denmark's most famous authors.
But it isn't all Denmark all the time in Solvang. The town is also home to a very offbeat attraction in OstrichLand USA. You'll have the chance to feed an ostrich and see it up close for an experience that's just as rewarding for children as for adults.
Meet the People Who Make California Happy in These Towns
There's a long history of migrants and tourists coming to California from around the world, and the state has developed a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to greet them. Whether you are looking for a weekend trip on the beach, a week exploring museums and art galleries, or a month out in the many parks in California, you are sure to find a fun and enjoyable stay at any of these Southern California towns with unmatched friendliness.
