8 Most Relaxing Southern California Towns

For those seeking tranquility in California, these eight destinations are the perfect place to begin your journey. Each of them offers a slightly different itinerary, depending on whether you want to focus on history, wine tasting, hiking, boating, or even skiing. Some of these locations also border national parks and wildlife refuges, serving as launch pads for the region’s most scenic beauty. Cambria is a cosy coastal town offering sweeping views of the sea from its beautiful waterfront accommodations. Ojai, nestled in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains, is the gateway to the Los Padres National Forest wilderness. Guadalupe allows you to witness a unique coastal dune landscape, and Julian caters to your taste buds with its delicious pies by the renowned Julian Pie Company. Regardless of the trip you choose, rest assured that loads of entertainment await you in peaceful settings in these eight towns.

Cambria

Cambria is a little village by the sea in San Luis Obispo County, offering all you need in a coastal escape with far fewer crowds. The town famously serves as a gateway to Hearst Castle, an early twentieth-century estate just a few miles north of Cambria. This historic castle features 165 rooms set across 125 acres of gardens and terraces. Slightly closer to town, you will also find natural areas like Hearst San Simeon State Park, which is one of California’s oldest state park units, home to coastal bluffs, rocky shores, and miles of hiking trails. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is another relaxing place to spend an afternoon, open every day from dawn to dusk and featuring high bluffs that hug the ocean, a scenic forested ridge, and wide, grassy meadows.

Lake Isabella

Located on its namesake 11,000-acre lake, Lake Isabella has become a renowned destination for water recreation. Travelers can begin their water-themed weekend at the French Gulch Marina, which offers kayak, pontoon boat, and waverunner rentals, as well as a fully stocked general store to get you prepped for your trip. Just three miles from the lake, you can also immerse yourself in nature by camping at Hungry Gulch, a campground in the Sequoia National Forest. Also, make sure to explore some of the area’s history at the Silver City Ghost Town, which is just down the road from Lake Isabella and home to historic structures from several of the valley’s mining camps.

Ojai

Roughly 80 miles from Los Angeles and 35 miles from Santa Barbara, Ojai is the ultimate relaxing destination for city weekend trippers. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy manages several preserves in the area, including the Valley View Preserve, which covers 195 acres and showcases chaparral, lichen-covered rocks, and pockets of ferns. Heading a bit further out, you will also reach Los Padres National Forest, which stretches nearly 220 miles from north to south, providing plenty of wilderness to explore as well. For a luxurious treat, visitors will love lodging at the Ojai Valley Inn, which hosts all kinds of activities, including golf, picnicking, guided bike tours, guided hiking, jeep tours, s'mores roasting, crafting sessions, and much more.

Los Olivos

Los Olivos is in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley wine country, boasting 35 tasting rooms in the area. Beckmen Vineyards is a must-visit for wine lovers, known as the first biodynamic vineyard in the county. The winery itself is quite scenic, set in a red barn with tasting decks, duck ponds, and gazebos nearby. You are in for another unique experience at Carhartt Family Wines. Here, tastings take place in the “Carhartt Cabin,” where up to 20 different wines are poured throughout the year. During the lavender bloom, travelers should also plan a visit to Clairmont Farms, where they can stroll through the lavender fields, have a picnic, and grab a souvenir from the onsite lavender-themed boutique.

Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley provides easy access to Joshua Tree National Park, an iconic California destination where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Known for its dark skies, the park is a favorite for hiking and camping. However, back in town, you have plenty to do as well. Consider setting aside an hour or two to unwind at the Save The Meows Cat Lounge on Yucca Trail, where visitors can spend time cuddling with the lounge’s feline rescue residents. The Hi-Desert Nature Museum is another laid-back spot to hang out for a while, showcasing natural history, cultural history, and a giant rock digital exhibit.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake rests along the shores of a seven-mile-long, half-mile-wide man-made lake and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. There are several marinas nearby where you can rent watercraft, including Big Bear Marina, which has pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wave runners available. If you visit during the winter, you can have a lovely day on the slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort, which has three different mountains to ski, depending on your skill level and specific interests. When the warmer weather rolls around, you may also appreciate a day on the Bear Mountain Golf Course, which is typically open between mid-May and October, featuring nine holes at an altitude of roughly 7,000 feet.

Guadalupe

Guadalupe is home to one of the most unique natural phenomena in Southern California: the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. Located in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, these dunes extend for 18 miles, creating a unique coastal dune landscape with over 120 species of rare plants and animals. Oso Flaco Lake is located within the dunes complex, covering 800 acres and serving as an oasis for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. After a day out in nature, head back into town for a mouthwatering bite at El Tapatio, an award-winning Mexican food restaurant right on Guadalupe Street.

Julian

Julian sits among the Cuyamaca mountains, popular for both its gold rush history and mountain trails. If you are looking to learn more about this town’s early days, you can swing by the Julian Museum and Pioneer County Park, which is housed in a 19th-century building and exhibits period clothing, furnishings, and artifacts from the gold mining days and Native American settlements. One of the area’s best day hikes is the Volcan Mountain Trail, which is about five miles long, following an old road to the summit with beautiful views along the way. The town’s inns provide a fitting way to round out the trip, with highlights such as Orchard Hill. This boutique hotel features modern hillside cottages and offers experiences including horseback riding, yoga, and massage therapy.

A Year For The Quiet Places

According to the US Census, California is the most urban state in the country, with over 94% of Californians living in urban areas. While this statistic might make it sound like every inch of the state is packed with concrete, that is far from the case. Quieter corners are still out there, and for those in Southern California, many are closer than you would expect. Across the state’s southern sphere, you can find vast sand dunes, ghost towns, rolling vineyards, and lakes that stretch for miles, allowing you to disconnect from the urban sprawl and reconnect with the quiet. The following eight towns are the perfect reminder of this quietness that awaits.