7 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In California
California, the third-largest US state, iconic for its landmarks, national parks, and some of the nation's most charming towns, is awash with places that belong in fairy tales. Solvang is a Danish delight with windmills, bakeries, and authentic buildings in between the coast and Cali's wine country.
Each with a unique history to back up the modern-day fairy tales, culture, and breathtaking scenery shape the distinct character of these seven alluring destinations. Finding tranquility in modern life can feel even more enchanting than your favorite childhood fairy tales.
Avalon
William Wrigley Jr. purchased Catalina Island in 1919. Perched on its eastern tip, Avalon ignites the sparkle in your eye upon approach into the jaded Avalon Bay. Built in an Art Deco style, the 1929 Catalina Casino boasts the world's largest circular ballroom—speak about fairytale—and serves as a landmark of its heyday as a hub for Avalon nightlife. Since having welcomed celebrities, dignitaries, and presidents, tourists enjoy access via high-speed ferry or private vessel. The island's only incorporated city redefines the modern-day fairytale.
It is a short walk from the boat landing to the main Crescent Ave., with beaches, shops, and restaurants. You can even drink on the beach. Rent gear at Descanso Beach Ocean Sports for kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling. Strolling along the waterfront toward Descanso Canyon, you'll pass the iconic casino and the Serpentine Wall, a decorative seawall with authentic Catalina tile, which also adorns Wrigley Fountain. Ocean tours launch from the Green Pier, aka Pleasure Pier, including undersea subs and glass-bottom boats, plus an excursion to Two Harbors.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Known for its storybook cottages and artistic ambiance, this quaint village by the sea enchants. Strolling along European-style architecture and charming streets, you can feel part of a seaside novella, wandering far on the pristine sands. Carmel Beach Walk is a dog-friendly place to start a beautiful and relaxing stroll on a boardwalk. Pause, give yourself a pinch, and take it all in. The curving white-sanded Carmel Beach, backed by cypress trees, draws surfers, pet owners, and couples at sunset.
Carmel River State Beach is a mile of serenity, with more birds than people, and is popular among scuba divers. In addition to local gourmet fare and art galleries throughout, Carmel Mission is a short walk away. Shrouded in history, it draws culture fans to drool over an impressive collection of Spanish colonial artifacts alongside the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, circa 1771, with a serene courtyard and tours. Exploring south along the Carmel Meadows Trailhead, it is easy to feel one with the ocean standing at the Monastery Beach.
Ferndale
This larger NorCal town of some 19,000 feels like another realm with its Victorian heart set on Humboldt Bay, backed by California Redwoods. Ferndale magically bridges the gap between past and present along the streets, with any angle photogenic and surprises around each corner. It is easy to fall in love with the timeless charm and stunning Lost Coast scenery in an atmosphere that breeds artistic creativity. With a handful of parks, soak up pure Americana vibes alongside locals on bikes and kids playing at Firemen's Park till dusk.
Russ Park is great for a nature walk next to Ferndale Music Company & The Old Steeple, where you can pick up an instrument, or catch a play at the historic Repertory Theater. Drop by the Ferndale Museum for deeper insights. Gingerbread Mansion Inn is an iconic spot you can't miss, not knowing whether to take a bite of it or walk into this Victorian-era mansion. For an escape from the everyday, this Humboldt County is Cali's best-kept secret along the Redwood Coast. It is also just 10 miles to the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Julian
Boasting four distinct seasons, this historic mountain town is known for its vivacious autumnal spirit. Julian enchants visitors with wildflower meadows and its makeover for harvest time, which echoes the rustic vibe of California's gold rush history. With gold mining in its blood and antiquing, a local hobby, it is a sensual affair of apple pies, cozy B&Bs, one-of-a-kind treasures, and relics from the past. The colorful transformation can put you in a daze amidst heavenly-scented fruit orchards, the mountainous air, and forested preserves.
Julian defines a high-country fairytale with saturated nature year-round beneath the Volcan Mountain (5,353 feet). If not scaling the peak north of town, Volcan Mountain Trailhead at the eponymous 2,900-acre nature preserve offers viewpoints and picnic areas. Desert View Park is a hidden gem to the south. From BBQ to bakeries to beer, Julian Pie Company is a must-try along the Main. Horse-drawn carriages along the charming streets add to an immersive and nostalgic experience in California's Cuyamaca Mountains.
Laguna Beach
Welcome to your personal tropical fairytale with its coastal artistic flair and a laid-back beach atmosphere on the SoCal coast. Halfway between LA and San Diego, Laguna Beach is tranquil, dreamy, and not at all stuffy, with just an effigy for oceanfront luxury, where low-key indulgence is the key. The rugged Laguna Beach coastline offers nearly seven miles of over 30 coves and beaches to explore, picnic, and reflect, overlooking the marine reserve, with snorkeling, whale-watching, and dolphins year-round.
Enveloped in a pristine coastal environment, Crystal Cove State Park is a real-life wonderland to explore on 2,400 acres for hiking and biking, a 3.2-mile beach, sandy coves, and tide pools. The moon-shaped Crescent Bay Beach features tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones, while Victoria Beach boasts the historic Pirate Tower, and skimboarding was invented in its artificial pool of ocean water in the early 1920s. Meet sea lions and seals in rehabilitation at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Ojai
Surrounded by stunning mountains, Ojai is a real retreat for all senses. Whether you seek a spiritual experience or the beckoning outdoors, Ojai delivers threefold in Ojai Valley at the southern entrance to Los Padres National Forest. You'll have an aching desire to reconnect with Mother Nature. Find peace and awaken to another side of Cali as you know it along the hiking and biking trails through botanical parks and preserves. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is perched above with a beautiful collection and front-step views.
Fox Canyon Trailhead is a winding three-mile loop through the Valley View Preserve with stunning valley views, particularly during the wildflower season. The nearby Casitas Lake emits waves of relaxation, a stunning blue that gleans one conclusion—it must've been filled up with fairies who cried at the serene backdrop. In addition to a waterpark, art, and spas, stock up on organic produce at farms and markets, and check out Bart's Books, worthy of getting lost in the maze of shelves with old reads and new books.
Solvang
Minutes from California's central coast, this picturesque little town with an immense personality transports you straight into one of Hans Christian Andersen's tales, who was Danish. Take a stroll through the town's park named to honor the great storyteller, with shady trails, green space, picnic areas, and a playground. In addition to authentic architecture, adorned with colorful flowers and thatched roofs, the surrounding wine country is nothing short of an adult fairytale to taste exquisite local wines.
With nearby historic Spanish landmarks sprinkled through the Italianate countryside, it is a pure cornucopia of European vibes. Nojoqui Falls drops from 80 feet in a cascade within an 85-acre county park with a playground, picnic area, and access to the waterfall. The Danish village enriches California's culture with windmills and bakeries for a one-of-a-kind experience in the state. Drop by the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art and the annual Danish Days festival with traditional music, dancing, and cuisine.
Traveling through the Golden State, you can encounter nearly 200 distinct mountain ranges—with different ones in Ojai and Julian—coastal redwoods, and drive through trees. Its diverse geography extends across 840 miles of coastline.
Enjoy whale watching from the white-sand beaches in Laguna, shop in Carmel, and bask in the island vibes of Catalina. There's no pretense in these towns. Each will land you on a page of a storybook wrapped in Cali's picturesque nature.
