Southern California is home to 23.86 million people and is known for its natural beauty, splendor, and the transcendence of rich culture and diversity. Aside from its gorgeous landscape and scenery evident in natural areas such as Carpinteria Bluffs Natural Preserve and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park, it is widely recognized for its nurturing of arts, world-class museums, technology, like in Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and Catalina Museum For Art & History at Avalon. This makes it an ideal spot for harnessing creativity and innovation with various awe-inspiring sceneries such as Lake Arrowhead Reservoir.

　　The perfect outdoor weather, sun-soaked beaches and friendly people make the time here worth it. There is fun to be had with tours of pristine waters of El Matador State Beach and Zuma Beach to discover historical stories in the Danish-styled Solvang, preserving its heritage in Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. Each town has a unique selling point in these 13 most scenic southern California reviews.

　　More in CaliforniaDiscover the best small towns to retire in Southern California.

　　

Cambria

The charming coastal town of Cambria in California. Cambria is a seaside village in San Luis Obispo County between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The town has a thriving arts and cultural scene showcased in places like the Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre,  which makes it perfect for arts enthusiasts. It also helps that there are beaches and preserves with sunsets that spark creativity no matter the mood, featuring dramatic views and incredible shorelines, such as Moonstone Beach. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve also grants beautiful water views with hiking trails and rich vegetation. 

　　Wine tasting is also available in unique local wineries such as Black Hand Cellars and Moonstone Cellars. The presence of preserved historical architecture like the Victorian and Old World, bungalows and cottages adds to the town's charm. 

　　

Carpinteria

Rods and Roses classic holiday car show in Carpinteria California, via L Paul Mann / Shutterstock.com Carpinteria is a coastal town in Santa Barbara County popularly known as a surf destination and has thus earned the slogan "World's Safest Beach.” Beginning a tour here soaking in the refreshing air gives the opportunity to watch the unique crashing of the waters on the shoreline of Carpinteria State Beach. Swimming, surfing, fishing, or camping on this beach are all available as well. The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve and Rookery provides scenic natural areas and wildlife. This town takes nature seriously, as it has numerous spots that glorify rich vegetation and pristine landscape, such as Carpinteria Bluffs Natural Preserve and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park. Therapeutic drives on Rincon Bike Trail supply the view of the hills atop amazing greenery and sandy beach at Tar Pits Park. 

　　

Malibu

Luxury beachfront properties in Malibu, California Malibu is well-known as the hometown to many celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Lady Gaga, but this beach town wraps more than this fact within its 30 miles. Its picturesque ambience gives off the right aura of class and sophistication, not because of its million-dollar mansions, but of the richness of its vibrant beaches and local people. The beautiful waters of El Matador State Beach, Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach are all open for water seekers. Notable landmarks such as Adamson House Museum and Malibu Land Museums are available to all who are ready to learn. 

　　For those adventuring, mountain climbing, hiking, and mountain biking are enjoyable activities in the scenic valleys and trails of Solstice Canyon, Escondido Canyon Park, Corral Canyon Park, and Tuna Canyon Park. Surfing and swimming are also widely engaged activities and are available at the Malibu Surfrider Beach.

　　

Avalon

City of Avalon, the most visited tourist destination on Catalina Island, via HannaTor / Shutterstock.com Avalon is located on the Santa Catalina Island of the United States of America, which offers relaxation, recreational activities, historical landmarks, wildlife viewing, and fine dining. There is historical exploration available at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, or Catalina Museum For Art & History, showcasing arts and exhibitions to tell historical tales. Wildlife at Catalina Island Conservancy and Santa Catalina Island Interpretive Center preserves island resources and the Santa Catalina. 

　　Lover's Cove Scenic Vista is perfect for a romantic date overlooking the peaceful waters. Long days may lead to relaxation at the town's many restaurants and cafes, such as South City Kitchen Avalon, Avalon Grille, and Flx Biergarten, where you can enjoy diverse taste palettes, and drinks. 

　　

Valley Center

Aerial view of Valley Center, California, via (facilitron.com) Unlike the bustling and hustling of urban city life, Valley Center is a serene city in San Diego County. It packs quiet places for gathering thoughts and introspective thinking when taking walks along the ranches and farms. Some of the most populated farms in the region are Bates Nut Farm and MotherLoad Farm & Nursery. For exploration, there are parks and hiking trails such as Robert Adams Community Park, Woodland Park with ducks swimming in the water, and Kumeyaay Trail. You'll find Dixon Lake and Lake Wohlford with a close lookout of the water and leisure areas perfect for a simple walk or hike. Rides downtown can lead toward tasting excellent wine in some of the best wineries in Valley Center, including Pauma Vista Vineyard, Hill Top Winery, and Keys Creek Winery.

　　

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead main village area on a hot summer's day, via FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com Lake Arrowhead is all shades of beauty in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. Activities that add spice to the grandeur that exists in Lake Arrowhead include boating, fishing, and swimming in the eye-catching SkyPark at Santa's Village, exuding stunning views. There are calming waters at Lake Arrowhead Reservoir and chances to go on an adventurous tour in the waters of the lake through Arrowhead Queen Tour Boats by riding across over the picturesque landscape. The Wildhaven is also one of the town's most visited locations due to its wildlife preservation. It offers educational opportunities for visitors to learn about indigenous animals such as raccoons, owls, and bears. Watching the agricultural wealth at Heaps Peak Arboretum Day is appealing, especially for nature lovers.

　　

Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs, California. The streets of Palm Springs hover with Mexican fan palms above your head like an umbrella as rays of sunlight peep through the trees. At Palm Springs, that's what you get when journeying through Palm Canyon Drive and hiking through the trails. Memories will last a lifetime on the San Jacinto Mountain, perfect for mountain climbing, discovering various species of plants, and camping. The Coachella Valley Preserve is an unreal view of deserts, nature, and wildlife offering a mix of recreational opportunities. Tours of the Indian Canyons, where some ancient ruins and formations tell a tale, are also up for grabs when looking for adventure. A ride through the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will leave much to observe and inspire activity. 

　　

Julian

Julian Pie Company, a popular stop for visitors to Julian California, via David Lafontaine / Shutterstock.com Julian was formerly a gold-mine town in the northeast of San Diego County. It was named after Mike Julian and is known for its numerous attractions, including natural areas like Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve with gently rolling hills and tree-lined paths, inviting hikers, cyclists, and equestrians to enjoy outdoor adventure. Parks such as the William Heise County provide for an energetic visit, and the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve offers hiking and camping opportunities. 

　　Julian's history embedded in sites like Julian Historical Society, Julian Town Hall, and Julian Jail makes it a top location for history lovers. Another fun fall activity is apple picking at the different farms such as Apples & Art Orchards, Julian Farm and Orchard, Apple Starr Orchard, and Wynola Valley Orchard. The beauty of nature can be observed and soaked in at the Cuyamaca Mountains and Cedar Creek Falls.

　　

Altadena

Altadena, California: The Super King Markets grocery store on Lincoln Avenue, via Noah Sauve / Shutterstock.com Like other South Californian towns, Altadena boasts gorgeous vistas and nature-preserving areas in its small community. The suburban charm holds incredible places to enjoy adventurous rides, such as hiking through Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Interpretive Site in the lower San Gabriel, with an option of stopping at Echo Mountain Ruins to get familiar with the area's story. As you hike, you'll find a marker to the entrance of the ruins of the "haunted" Cobb estate, one of the most haunted places in South California. If not thrilled by haunted stories, other places to visit include Millard Canyon Falls and Eaton Canyon Falls with picturesque views and hiking trails like Mount Lowe Railway Trail. The Bunny Museum is great for kids and it is packed with everything related to bunnies. 

　　

Idyllwild

The Elephant Walk store in Idyllwild, California Idyllwild is set amidst tall pines, iconic rocks and mountains in the San Jacinto mountains. The town is surrounded by two large rock formations, Tahquitz Peak and Suicide Rock, popular among mountain climbers. These mountains are also perfect for hiking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding, but do not offer skiing opportunities in the winter. Idyllwild has preserved its history and small-town feeling through the years, hosting many landmarks like the Idyllwild Area Historical Society for a tour through history. The Idyllwild Nature Center offers environmental education programs through guided tours and field trips on local ecology and Cahuilla Native culture. Visits at Idyllwild Park consist of campgrounds and picnic areas to spend time with family for a day or two. Touring the nearby Mount San Jacinto State Park will eventually lead to the legendary Idyllwild Bible Church.

　　

Solvang

Main street Solvang, California, with its Danish style of architecture, Editorial credit: Valeriya Zankovych / Shutterstock.com Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang emulates Danish-style architectural style due to its standing heritage, with the Danish enveloped in sites such as Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. The museum celebrates Danish culture and the Danish-American immigrant experience through exhibits and arts. History can be discovered in the collection of vintage Japanese motorcycles and European bikes in the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle and the Spanish story in the old Mission Santa Ines. 

　　Solvang is also known for its wineries with locally made brews with unique tastes. Popular wineries include Rideau Vineyard, Rusack Vineyards, and Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery. The fun side of the town's nature areas and parks are featured in spots such as Sunny Fields Park, Nojoqui Falls Park, and Apple Lane Solvang. Window shopping or collecting souvenirs at Only in Solvang and the Mole Hole is a great opportunity for souvenieers. 

　　

Wrightwood

Evergreen Cafe and Racoon Saloon decorated in Christmas holiday lights on Evergreen Rd in Wrightwood, California, via Jon Osumi / Shutterstock.com Wrightwood is a top tourist spot with its many suitable attractions to help you forget the bustle of everyday life, starting with an adventurous twist of ziplining at Ziplines at Pacific Crest. The refreshing air paired with a scenic hike through the San Gabriel Mountains gives thrilling winter activities at Mountain High Resort, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow play. Vintage shopping and collecting various antiques at Alice's Vintage Cottage and Vintage Antiques & Oddities are other great alternatives to have fun if needing a change of pace. Pro motorcyclists can take part in the AdMo tours with electrifying biking through picturesque locations. 

　　Food that will feed the soul can be devoured at Wrightwood's exceptional restaurants and cafes, such as Mexico Lindo & Seafood Restaurant, Wings and Bowls, The Yodeler, Blue Ridge Inn, and Mile High Pizza. 

　　

Coronado

A crowded beach at Coronado, California. Editorial credit: Pamela Au / Shutterstock.com Coronado is a small resort town in Southern California with miles of beaches, and known to be a pretty resort town. One of its most popular highlights is the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, the beautiful resort with an idyllic setting evoking the allure of two centuries. This legendary resort is laden with golden-era feel housing rooms with unique characters, a grand Victorian lobby, and spectacular architecture. There are equally other resorts in this small city to experience the town’s magic including Coronado Inn, Crown City Inn and Coronado Beach Resort. 

　　Another amazing place to be in Coronado is Coronado Beach, marked by pristine waters viewed from the sandy shores. It’s also perfect if you wish to sunbath, surf, swim or simply watch the waters. You could also take a tour around the city especially to witness its bustling nightlife, and downtown culture. 

　　Next UpExplore 10 off the beaten path towns in Southern California.

　　These 13 scenic small towns in Southern California are great holiday destinations that invite thousands of people worldwide due to their unique attractions. It is preserved in historical museums and sites such as Adamson House and Malibu Land Museum, Catalina Museum For Art & History and Julian Historical Society. The region also boasts white-washed beaches in its world's safest beaches in Carpinteria and other water preserves, including Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria and Catalina Island Interpretive Center in Avalon.