8 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Southern California
As the home to world-famous theme parks like Disneyland and Legoland, it’s easy to think of Southern California as a fairy tale-like environment where dreams really do come true. Of course, real life isn’t as simple or easy as a day at a curated theme park. Yet, at the same time, the real Southern California can be even more magically captivating than any theme park. From world-class wineries to spectacularly beautiful beaches, SoCal can be surprisingly charming. And if you know where to go, it’s even possible to find snowy mountains and homemade apple pie.
For more ideas on where you can start turning fantasies into reality, take a closer look at these eight fairy tale small towns in Southern California.
Solvang
Can there be anything more fairy tale-like than a Danish village in the middle of Santa Barbara County’s wine country? It’s really hard to think of anything else when exploring the wonderful village of Solvang. Stop at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art to see how and why a group of Danish-Americans established this settlement in California in the early 20th century. Or, if you’re more interested in the natural environment, drive out to Nojoqui Falls Park to find what may be the region’s most spectacular natural waterfall.
Since this is Santa Barbara wine country, you won’t have trouble finding good wineries to visit (with a designated driver), and Kaena at The Ranch is a great local winery to visit within very easy reach. Then, head over to The Landsby for a warm and welcoming boutique hotel in the heart of town that combines traditional Scandinavian aesthetics with authentic California flavor.
Montecito
Directly east of the City of Santa Barbara sits Montecito, a coastal village that’s long drawn A-list celebrities to its storied shores for its unique take on “quiet luxury.” You can experience some of this in the hills at Lotusland, a historic estate that’s grown into a spectacularly lush botanic garden full of rare and exotic plants. A little farther north, it’s possible to escape into the beautiful natural wilderness at Hot Springs Canyon, a rare slice of undeveloped land in the foothills with a babbling creek and natural hot springs.
Turning south, it’s hard to miss the golden shores of Butterfly Beach, a local favorite for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and easy strolls at this delightfully laid-back slice of Pacific coastline. And for plenty more quality time at the beach, try a stay at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, an estate-style oceanfront resort with award-winning restaurants and a full-service spa.
Ojai
About 24 miles north of Oxnard is Ojai, a lovely Ventura County town that specializes in tasty farm-fresh goodness. To get a taste for yourself, head over to Ojai Olive Oil for their amazing selection of extra virgin olive oils, infused oils, balsamic vinegars, and olive oil skincare products. You can also find Farmer and the Cook, an all-day cafe serving freshly made, locally sourced food with organic ingredients. And a delectable selection of locally made craft beers and Side Street Wines awaits you Ojai Valley Brewery.
To complete your Ojai getaway, book a room or suite at the Ojai Valley Inn. Not only does this luxury resort have top-tier accommodations, but it also has its own Ojai Country Club, the 31,000 square-foot Spa Ojai, and six highly acclaimed restaurants.
Westlake Village
About 41 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, Westlake Village feels a world away from the worries of big city life with its charmed location in the Conejo Valley. To the south of town lies Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the world’s largest urban national park with some 1,000 archaeological sites and great expanses of Mediterranean-style wilderness. If the park piques your interest in local history, pop over to the Chumash Indian Museum to hear the stories of the indigenous people who inhabited this region for tens of thousands of years.
For an more relaxed day out, book a tee time at Westlake Golf Course and play up to 18 holes suitable for golfers at all levels. Then, retreat to the refined grounds at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, a wellness-centric hotel with their own Center for Health and Wellbeing, along with a full-service spa and salon.
Big Bear Lake
Perched high in the San Bernardino Mountains is Big Bear Lake, a mountain town with alpine landscapes so beautiful that it’s easy to forget this is still Southern California. If you visit during autumn, hit the Castle Rock Trail for gorgeous fall foliage alongside lovely lake views. Or, for a calmer day by the lake, go fishing at the scenic Pine Oak Lane Beach.
Early in the fall season, Big Bear Mountain Resort is picture-perfect for hiking, biking, and taking in the vibrant fall colors. Later on, it transforms into perhaps the region’s top spot for skiing and snowboarding (yes, really!) Whenever you visit, make your mountain sojourn extra special with a cozy and comfy stay at the waterfront Hotel Marina Riviera.
Rancho Mirage
Situated in the Coachella Valley, around nine miles southeast of Palm Springs, is the idyllic resort town of Rancho Mirage. To the south of town is the 280,000-acre Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, a surprisingly beautiful oasis in the desert that extends from Palm Desert’s foothills to the 10,834-foot summit at Mt. San Jacinto and includes over 200 miles of hiking trails. If you’re more in the mood to look up to the heavens, there’s also the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, where you can tour the observatory, peer into a telescope, and even do a guided stargazing session with local experts.
For another side of Rancho Mirage, visit the Sunnylands Center & Gardens to tour the stately and historic Annenberg estate that’s hosted eight United States presidents, multiple world leaders, and many more celebrities, artists, and intellectuals since 1966. Then, check into The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, a posh resort with fully renovated rooms and suites and panoramic desert and valley views.
Julian
Set in the Cuyamaca Mountains is Julian, a verdant mountain town full of surprising delights that’s only about 61 miles northeast of San Diego. Head up to Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve to roam around this 2,900-acre mixed conifer forest sporting panoramic views from the Sonoran Desert east to the Pacific Coast out west. For even more mountain adventures, visit Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and try a hike to the 6,512-foot summit at Cuyamaca Peak.
While Julian has plenty more mountain parks and wilderness preserves worth exploring, this town also has some signature sweet treats that make for the perfect reward after a long hike. More specifically, Mom's Pie House has become famous for its legendary apple pies, along with additional pies like “Ruby Flakey” with apples, blueberries, raspberries, rhubarb and strawberries. And for some more down-home hospitality (with upmarket flair), treat yourself to a cozy stay at the Orchard Hill boutique hotel.
Del Mar
Around 21 miles north of Downtown San Diego is Del Mar, a coastal town that brings Old World elegance and flair to the California coast. You will likely sense a certain air of Euro-style sophistication while strolling around downtown, especially at Del Mar Plaza, the town’s central hub for chic boutiques and delectable restaurants. It’s also less than three blocks away from Powerhouse Park, Del Mar’s central park that opens up to a favorite local surf spot at 15th Street Beach.
When you’re in the mood for some more quality time at the beach, go south to Torrey Pines State Beach and swim, surf, fish, or hike around this rustically beautiful corner of San Diego’s coast. Then, return to town and settle down at L’Auberge Del Mar, an award-winning luxury resort with estate-style accommodations, the posh Adelaide restaurant, and the soothing Spa L’Auberge.
Southern California is the Place to Make Your Fairy Tale Dreams Come True
While Southern California has several theme parks with rides and other features modeled after fairy tales, this region also has a number of small towns where big dreams actually do come true. Go to Solvang for fine wines and Danish delights, and visit Ojai for organic flavors and farm-fresh hospitality. Try Rancho Mirage for a uniquely storied oasis in the desert, and don’t miss out on the incredible beaches of Del Mar. No matter what you consider the fantasy trip of fairy tales, these SoCal towns turn distant fantasies into marvelous reality.
