7 Offbeat California Towns To Visit In 2025

California is no stranger to surprises. The state fruit is the avocado. The internet was born here in 1969. It even claims the hottest point on Earth. In short, California does not do ordinary. So what happens when you wander into its tiniest, most remote towns? You might just stumble upon the quirkiest corners of all: places with century-old art colonies, well-preserved gold mines, and even a Danish village. Some towns push the weirdness even further, like the one with the world’s tallest thermometer. No matter how familiar you think you are with California’s eccentric side, these seven offbeat towns are bound to surprise you in 2025.

Solvang

If you have been craving an international vacation, there is no need to leave California! Solvang, founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, still proudly preserves its Danish heritage. Each September, the town celebrates its Danish culture during the annual Danish Days event, which features Danish pastries, Danish-style beer, interactive history lessons, an axe-throwing arena, free live concerts, and an Old World artisanal vendor marketplace.

Travelers can further explore this history at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, which preserves and exhibits the town’s Danish culture and history. The museum also hosts occasional cultural events, such as painted fabric presentations, stitching workshops, and summer solstice parties. For some mouthwatering Danish cuisine, stop by Solvang Restaurant in downtown Solvang, which specializes in Danish Aebleskiver.

Baker

Smack in the middle of Baker, you will find exactly what you never knew you needed—the World’s Tallest Thermometer! Towering at 134 feet tall and weighing nearly 77,000 pounds, this thermometer can show temperatures of up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit. After grabbing a photo, visitors can stop by Temp 134 Gift Shop, which sells souvenirs to commemorate the impressive landmark, such as t-shirts, magnets, keychains, ornaments, and thermometers!

Hungry after exploring town? Grab famed jerky at Alien Fresh Jerky, which was founded in 2000 with the mission of selling healthier road snacks like jerky, nuts, dried fruits, trail mixes, olives, and honey. Per the name, the store is decorated with lots of alien decor!

Niland

Situated in Southern California’s lower desert, Niland has several artsy surprises up its sleeve, perhaps most famously home to Salvation Mountain, an iconic piece of art. This 50-foot-tall adobe and clay structure rises from the flat desert, covered in colorful images of trees, suns, flowers, birds, waterfalls, and other vibrant designs. East Jesus is another artsy attraction to visit. This art installation, created by Charlie Russell in 2006, spans 30 acres and showcases a variety of large-scale art. It also serves as a residency program for artists, providing low-income artists with supplies, tools, and space to create their own large-scale works.

After exploring Niland’s artistic side, consider taking a 40-minute drive to the Imperial Sand Dunes. As the largest dune system in California, they are well worth the trip, stretching over 40 miles and averaging about five miles in width.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea has served as an art colony for over a century, drawing in artists, writers, and photographers in search of inspiration. Today, the town is home to nearly 100 galleries, including Zantman Art Galleries, established in 1959 and featuring paintings and sculptures by a wide range of artists.

The town also has an active performing arts scene, with the Pacific Repertory Theatre offering a great repertoire of shows, with upcoming performances this year including Annie, The Tempest, and Gypsy. The Historic Carmel Mission is another key piece of Carmel’s heritage. Dating back to 1770, it stands as one of the most authentically restored missions in California, thanks to extensive restoration efforts in the 1940s. As an active parish, the mission continues to hold regular Mass.

Los Alamos

With old-timey general stores, historic hotels, and western-themed celebrations, Los Alamos will make travelers feel as if they have been transported into the Old West. Travelers can start their day with a quick stop at Los Alamos Market, a full-service general store perfect for grabbing a snack. For something heartier, Bob’s Well Bread Bakery offers a cozy setting with fresh pastries, artisan breads, and hot breakfast plates.

On the last weekend of each September, the town hosts its annual Los Alamos Old Days, which features a car show, artisan vendors, cow pie bingo, live music, a parade, and more. For a historic weekend away, consider lodging at the Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast, set in an 1864 Victorian Home, with features like in-room hot tubs, fireplaces, and hand-painted murals.

Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a great stop for anyone who appreciates sand dunes, with two major dune reserves located nearby. Travelers can start their exploration at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex, an 18-mile-long set of coastal dunes that covers approximately 20,000 acres. The dunes are also home to a national wildlife refuge that protects over 120 species of plants and animals.

Make sure to visit the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve as well, which features 550-foot dunes and places to hike, picnic, fish, birdwatch, and whalewatch. Travelers wanting to enjoy a scenic trip along the Pacific Coast can book a trip on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which passes right through Guadalupe and goes all the way south to San Diego.

Julian

Founded during the late 19th-century gold rush, Julian offers visitors a glimpse into its mining heyday. One of the best places to explore this history is the Eagle Mining Co., which guides guests through a historic gold mine. The tour includes a look at original tools and machinery used by miners, along with a visit to a traditional gold panning facility.

To learn even more about the town’s mining days, spend an afternoon at the Julian Museum and Pioneer County Park. This museum features 19th-century relics, gold mining artifacts, and items representing the region’s Native American cultures. Known for its apple orchards, travelers must grab a fresh apple pie before leaving town. Apple Alley Bakery is a great option, offering whole pies, pie slices, apple strudels, and other homestyle desserts.

California’s eccentric side is alive and well in these seven towns. From massive desert art installations and towering sand dunes to old mining tunnels and fresh apple bakeries, each spot offers something unexpected. Art installations dedicated to large-scale art, towering dune complexes, and fresh apple bakeries are just a few characteristics that set these towns apart. The state’s history is distinctly preserved in many of these towns as well, in places like the Carmel Mission and Eagle Mining Co. So if you are ready to trade the typical for something a little more offbeat, these small towns are waiting to surprise you.