9 Most Charming Town Squares In Southern California
Southern California, or SoCal in local parlance, is known for its pleasant year-round weather, surf culture, and unique towns. These are nine of the most charming town squares in Southern California, each with unique finds, historical sites, and an agreeable atmosphere. Strolling through these districts is the best way to experience the community and the heritage that makes each so distinctive.
Town squares are the town's epicenter, where local shops, restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere greet visitors. The region is also a foodie hub, packed with award-winning restaurants and casual bistros that help visitors fuel up for the day or unwind in the evening with an elevated pairing of local ingredients and Napa Valley wine. From beach towns to artistic districts, these town square areas help people travel with purpose, inspiring them to expand their horizons and escape the modern distractions often associated with traveling.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad's downtown, known as Carlsbad Village, is the preeminent district in the region, known for everything from beaches to tacos. The distinctive elements that make up the fabric of the community can be seen at the Carlsbad Barrio & Museum, which tracks the development of the original Barrio CARLOS into what it is today. Then, head to a fun live event like the annual Taste of Carlsbad Village, which showcases the culinary prowess that makes the small town a culinary haven.
Another signature of this tight-knit group is the newly minted Hearts of Carlsbad Village. What began as an event to help small businesses get through the pandemic has evolved into a cherished festival. Glass hearts, supplied by Barrio Glassworks, are hidden throughout downtown for a fun treasure hunt, making this one of the most charming town square areas in SoCal.
Solvang
The Dutch village of Solvang has one of the most interesting town squares in Southern California. Ambling through the charming village is the best way to soak in its fun and creative atmosphere, with unique attractions like the Little Mermaid Fountain and Danish-inspired windmills. Of course, no trip is complete without visiting an authentic bakery such as the Danish Mill Bakery, where the village comes alive through its fascinating culinary creations.
Spanish architecture is another captivating aspect of Solvang, particularly the Old Mission Santa Ines. The mission was the 19th of 21 built between 1769 and 1836, and captures a moment in time with a superb view of the Santa Ynez River Valley and the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountain ranges. Natural vistas, architecture, and Dutch heritage come together in this small village, giving it a distinctive flair that is hard to resist when visiting the area.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach's Downtown Village is a fascinating blend of hipness and color, making it an exemplary choice for a shopping adventure. After a day of exploring the many shops and boutiques, grab a glass of wine at one of the three signature wineries that have left an indelible mark on the small village. Laguna Canyon Winery, McClain Cellars, and the Bianchi tasting rooms all provide a perfect ending to the day, where guests are invited to sip local wines while relaxing in the cool breezes.
The artistic nature of the community is another trademark of the town square area, and Kush Fine Art is among the best galleries to explore. The idea behind the quintessential California gallery is to help visitors embark on a metaphysical voyage through its original paintings and sculptures for a singular experience in the village. Art is noticeable virtually everywhere in this remarkable district, which is sure to leave an impression on any visitor.
Ojai
Ojai's downtown area is a compact district with enthralling Spanish Revival architecture, art galleries, and New Age shops. The entrance to the district is marked by Cluff Vista Park, an open area that was once desolate until the community stepped in to make it something unique. Look for statues like the West End Guardian Spirit that stands sentinel at the park's entrance. Several other attractive landmarks tell of the essence of the small area, notably the Ojai Valley Museum Courtyard.
The Ojai Valley Museum was once a church, and it and its surrounding property were classified as an Ojai National Historic Landmark in 1993. The Mission Revival style structure features notable elements of the town's past, such as the side gates, which echo the "river of life" motif found on the carved wooden entrance doors. The Arcade Plaza is also notable, designed by an award-winning artist Sandra Kay Johnson, who highlights the creative characteristics of one of the most charming districts to visit in this region.
Claremont
Claremont Village is the town's historic town square area that blends beautiful architecture, culture, and small-town friendliness. Notable stops include Rhino Records and exquisite dining at Bardot's. What is interesting about this district is that it does not resemble a typical Southern California hamlet, which adds to its appeal. Planning a trip around one of the annual festivals provides a way to get an authentic feel of the community and the characteristics that make the Village so exceptional.
The Claremont Art Walk is popular among locals and visitors on the first Saturday of the month. The event features local galleries and artists, introducing visitors to the area's resounding art scene. Shopping is another great reason to visit, as the Downtown area is loaded with chic boutiques and clothing stores like Chico's and many others. This is definitely a walkable town, and the slower pace enables people to absorb all the sights and events that make Claremont stand out.
Palm Springs
The resort town of Palm Springs boasts a notable downtown area with fun venues to discover, as well as well-known restaurants and shops. The walkable area is filled with unique statues and fountains for photo ops, including the iconic Sonny Bono statue and fountain, which is a significant draw by itself. The brick-lined sidewalks are another fun aspect of the town square area. They lead to a Walk of Stars featuring the likes of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, showcasing the town's admiration for the famous in true California style.
Among the chic boutiques and dining options lies Ruddy's General Store, designed to resemble a store from the 1930s. It is inspiring local attractions like this that lend a town its own signature and make it desirable to visit. Downtown Palm Springs has much to offer and is easily one of the best walkable areas around, a remarkable feat for a state filled with such exotic and individual towns.
San Juan Capistrano
Downtown San Juan Capistrano is notable for its many historic features, including being the oldest residential neighborhood in California and the Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is a delightfully walkable area near the San Rios Historic District and the Riverstreet Marketplace, featuring modern shops and restaurants. The mission is in the center of the historic district, within walking distance of many attractions. Booking a room at one of the luxury inns will keep you in the heart of the district without the need for a vehicle.
The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a four-star hotel featuring elegant rooms and luxurious accommodations for an ideal stay in this charming town. One of its best features is its central location to the historic downtown and surrounding areas, so you can spend most of your time exploring the district. The culmination of vintage architecture and modern venues makes this one of the most inviting town square areas in the region, promising a memorable visit.
Julian
Downtown Julian is a warm and inviting community in San Diego that still looks the same as it did in its heyday as an Old West mining town. The charming community gets its artistic inspiration from its natural scenery, and much of this work is on display at the Julian Arts Guild Gallery, which is open to the public on weekends. One of the best ways to explore Julian is by taking a historic self-guided tour along Main Street to visit the preserved sites that put it on the map.
The tour winds through the downtown area and showcases historic sites such as Julian Town Hall and residences like the Bailey-King House. Experiencing both commercial and residential units on a landmark tour provides a rare glimpse into the town's past and explains how it came to be as it is today. Julian is the perfect place for this type of exploration, allowing visitors to walk back in time to when gold was king and working in the mines was a daily occurrence.
Monrovia
Old Town Monrovia is practically overflowing with historic structures and modern retailers that give the town a unique character. The affable community celebrates its love for the village with many downtown events, such as the Monrovia Street Fair and Market, which feature local vendors and live music. Signature events like this underscore the closeness of the residents and provide a way to glimpse an insider's view into the inner workings of the downtown area.
Downtown restaurants showcase another side of the community, offering a wide variety of options. Hop Secret Brewery and Bella Serra Trattoria are shining examples, offering inspired menu options and a cozy atmosphere, making them an excellent way to end a day of exploring downtown. The area blends traditional American themes with modern conveniences, making it one of the most charming and best places to visit around.
From laidback beach towns to Dutch villages, these nine town square areas are among the best in Southern California. The friendly communities, combined with historic sites and unique culture, make each of these hamlets distinctive, but they all share a warm and inviting allure. Art lovers, history buffs, and oenophiles will all find a home away from home in these charming downtown districts.
Architecture is one more reason to plan a trip to this area. The combination of Spanish-Colonial Revival and Mid-Century Modern architecture is enough to give anybody pause, and it only adds to the charm of these small villages. Each one is ideal for exploring on foot, with natural scenery meshing with public murals and multi-colored storefronts, giving each town a pleasant identity.
