7 Quietest Small Towns Near Los Angeles
Just beyond the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, California, small towns like Montecito, Avalon, and Ojai offer peaceful escapes within a one- to two-hour drive. From sun-drenched coastal enclaves to tranquil mountain hideaways, these spots provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway. Wander along quiet streets dotted with boutique shops, sip wine in rolling valleys, or follow scenic trails to hidden beaches and serene lakefronts. Each destination invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and savor a change of pace, where charming architecture, natural beauty, and local culture come together to create a truly restorative retreat.
Montecito
Set between the Santa Barbara coastline and the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Montecito is an exclusive enclave about two hours northwest of Los Angeles. The main commercial area is Coast Village Road, where small local shops and boutiques line the street. True Love Always offers a curated selection of clothing and lifestyle pieces, while Lily features contemporary fashion and home accents. At the end of Coast Village Road, Butterfly Beach boasts a broad, sandy shoreline that is ideal for walking and watching sunsets.
Inland, Lotusland, a former estate, spans several acres with themed plant collections, reflecting pools, and shaded walkways. Located within a residential neighborhood, the garden limits the number of daily visitors, requires reservations, and is open only from February through mid-November. For accommodations, Rosewood Miramar Beach provides ocean-facing rooms, extensive grounds, and bluff-top walking paths, along with several on-site restaurants, including the intimate Caruso's, which features multi-course menus that change with the seasons.
Buellton
Buellton is another charming California town about two hours northwest of Los Angeles in the Santa Ynez Valley, one of Santa Barbara County’s top wine regions. Often used as a base for wine tasting, it’s an ideal quiet getaway, home to wineries like Tierra Y Vino, which offers white and red wines in a warm, rustic setting. Another option is Brick Barn Wine Estate, where an outdoor patio overlooks the vineyards and hosts live music on select days. Although reservations are not required at either winery, they are recommended.
For a relaxed outdoor outing, River View Park offers open space for walking and picnicking, along with access to nearby attractions. Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides, located within the park, provides guided trail rides along the Santa Ynez River. At the opposite end of the park, the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden features native plant collections, guided nature walks, and seasonal programming, including the Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival. For a centrally located stay, Sideways Inn offers a boutique option tied to Buellton’s film history. The property gained recognition after appearing in the Academy Award-winning film "Sideways" and has since been updated with contemporary design while preserving original details, including its signature windmill lobby.
Avalon
Just about an hour by high-speed ferry from Los Angeles, Avalon on Catalina Island offers a small-town charm that feels worlds away from the city. The town hugs Avalon Bay, where it’s a joy to stroll past colorful architecture and fountains while exploring local shops, restaurants, and sandy beaches. Descanso Beach, one of California’s last private beaches with public access, is perfect for sunbathing, kayaking, or grabbing a casual bite at the beachfront café. The harbor also serves as the launch point for water adventures, from glass-bottom boat rides to undersea expeditions and seasonal trips like the Flying Fish Voyage.
On land, Avalon’s scenic beauty continues to impress. The Catalina Island Golf Course, California’s oldest operating course, winds through Avalon Canyon with challenging holes and stunning ocean views, perfect for golfers of all levels. For a relaxing stay, The Avalon Hotel offers spacious rooms, a charming garden, and a rooftop patio ideal for enjoying sunsets over the bay.
Acton
About an hour north of Los Angeles, Acton is a quiet, scenic town on the edge of the high desert and the Sierra Pelona Mountains. Things to do include Shambala Preserve, a wildlife sanctuary for rescued big cats and other exotic animals, where guided tours offer a rare chance to see lions, tigers, and more up close while learning about conservation. Nearby, Parker Mountain is a favorite for hikers, offering sweeping views and a glimpse into Acton’s past when the town was known as Ravenna and shaped by mining. Two distinctive round trees mark the peak, while ranch-style homes at the base and surrounding hills add rustic charm to the landscape.
Another highlight is Bloom Ranch, one of Acton’s oldest homesteads and Los Angeles County’s largest Black-owned ranch. Explore the orchards, fields, and historic facilities on guided walking or driving tours, and enjoy community events like the weekly Sunday champagne brunch and annual Bloom’s Giving Fall Festival. For a stay, Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon offers cabins, cottages, and a campground with amenities like a pool, trails, and picnic areas, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Wrightwood
Just under 90 minutes northeast of Los Angeles, Wrightwood sits in the Swarthout Valley of the San Gabriel Mountains, surrounded by pine forests and rugged mountain scenery. To explore the outdoors, head just west of town to the Big Pines Recreation Area, which features hiking trails through pine and fir forests, shaded picnic spots, and Jackson Lake, a small mountain lake with fishing access and trails looping through the surrounding woods. Nearby, Mountain High Resort offers lift-served ski areas with slopes for all levels of skiing and snowboarding, set within the surrounding mountains.
Back in town, stop at Village Grind & Wine Cellar, where freshly brewed coffee and espresso drinks are served alongside a curated selection of wines and craft beers in a casual café space. For breakfast or lunch, Grizzly Café and Evergreen Café & Racoon Saloon provide classic dishes and hearty meals within walking distance of Wrightwood’s main streets. To explore shopping in the area, Applewood Court, a compact retail and gift store, offers candies, confections, and a Christmas shop with seasonal decorations and ornaments.
Ojai
Located about a 90-minute drive northwest of Los Angeles, Ojai rests in a shallow valley at the southern edge of the Los Padres National Forest, framed by the steep slopes of the Topatopa Mountains. Known for its peaceful town center and easy access to nature, a relaxing getaway can begin at Foster Park, home to the Ojai Valley Trail. The trail winds through shaded oak and sycamore woodlands along scenic riverbeds, with paved sections for bicycling, walking, or jogging.
In downtown Ojai, Bart’s Books, the largest independently owned outdoor bookstore in the country, spans multiple outdoor alcoves with wooden shelves filled with used and rare books for year-round browsing. Nearby, the Ojai Valley Museum features rotating and permanent exhibits, including photographs, artifacts, and artwork that trace the history and culture of the region. For accommodations, Ojai Rancho Inn offers a relaxed stay with rustic, cabin-style rooms, a pool, and outdoor fire pits nestled in a casual, garden-like setting.
Lake Hughes
Located about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, Lake Hughes is a small mountain town tucked into the Sierra Pelona Mountains, offering a quiet escape from the city. Surrounded by pine forests and open skies, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. The area is home to Hughes Lake and Elizabeth Lake, both perfect for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking, while gentle hiking trails provide scenic viewpoints. Just a short drive away, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve bursts to life each spring with vibrant wildflower fields. The reserve also features an interpretive center with exhibits, local artwork, and a gift shop, along with shaded picnic tables for a relaxing break.
The surrounding Angeles National Forest offers additional trails, wildlife viewing, and peaceful spots to take in the high-desert scenery. For a weekend stay, Off the Grid RV Ranch provides spacious lots for all sizes of RVs, or a cozy hotel option is available just outside the area at Comfort Inn & Suites Lancaster Antelope Valley.
These seven towns each offer a unique blend of natural beauty, local culture, and small-town charm, making it easy to escape for a tranquil weekend just a short drive from Los Angeles. Buellton captivates with its vineyards, boutique tasting rooms, and sun-soaked valley landscapes, perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a relaxed pace. Lake Hughes provides a serene mountain retreat, with calm lakes, hiking trails, and seasonal wildflower fields that showcase the high desert’s quiet beauty. Meanwhile, Wrightwood, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, combines rugged pine forests, scenic trails, and cozy mountain cafés, offering an ideal spot to slow down, unwind, and reconnect with nature. No matter which town you choose, a peaceful escape awaits just beyond the urban hustle.
