The Most Charming Cities in Southern California
Southern California is home to some of the most charming cities in the country. From coastal communities set along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean to quaint little mountain towns, orchards and farms. Here is a list of 5 So Cal cities you won’t want to miss.
Balboa Island
Balboa Island is a one-of-a kind beach side community in Newport Beach, California. It’s an absolute gem. You can access the island by public bridge or the Balboa Island Ferry which transports cars, bicycles and pedestrians for a nominal cost.
Since 1936, the island has been home to The Fun Zone at Balboa Village. Take a step back in time at the old-fashioned arcade and ride the giant Ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view across the water. The Fun Zone is guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic for days of old.
A short stroll from here is the wooden Balboa pier built in 1906. Take a walk on the planks alongside fisherman to get a root beer float at Ruby’s old fashioned diner located at the end. The view looking back at the shore gives a unique perspective as surfers ride the waves below.
You can also spend the day riding bikes along the bayside, strolling the boardwalk or visiting the free Balboa Island Museum to get a taste of the island’s rich local history including the infamous “Wedge” surf spot and its most memorable resident, John Wayne.
Of course, no trip to the island would be complete without grabbing a chocolate dipped frozen banana or Balboa bar, vanilla ice cream on a stick dipped in chocolate then rolled in toppings like sprinkles and nuts. These have been an island staple for almost 75 years!
Idyllwild
Idyllwild is small mountain resort nestled among the pine and cedar forests of the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside, California. Unlike many of Southern California’s mountain towns, Idyllwild is much more low key and less crowded.
Despite its small size, there is plenty to do in this captivating little town. Visit the Idyllwild Nature Center, Mt. San Jacinto State Park, or the Indian Vista Scenic Overlook for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. There are quite a few hiking trails and Lake Hemet is just a 15-minute drive away.
Be sure to take a stroll around the town center, a mix of rural mountain atmosphere and small town charm with plenty of fun shops to explore and places to eat. Try the homemade ice cream at the Idyllwild Ice Cream Shop or homemade treats at the Candy Cupboard, the oldest family run business in town.
La Jolla
La Jolla is a stunning seaside community set along the rugged coastline of San Diego County, California. It is home to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, La Jolla Village, and Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave where you can take a tour through an old smuggler’s tunnel to a secret cave.
La Jolla is well known for some of the best kayaking around. You can explore numerous natural caves up close that can only be reached by water.
It is also a great place to spot wildlife. Pelicans and other birds nest along its rocky shore and you can often see dolphins off the coast. Visit the Children’s Pool where the sea lions who call it home can be found basking in the sun all day.
Other fun things to do include visiting Torrey Pines Gliderport where paragliders soar above the Pacific, Scripps Pier and Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The aquarium is perched on a bluff overlooking the sea featuring over 60 habitats and a resident Loggerhead Sea Turtle that was rescued nearby.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a small artist colony nestled among hidden coves and majestic canyons. This low-key coastal community has a true small town vibe and some of the most beautiful stretch of coastline in all of Southern California.
You can take a stroll through the winding paths and gardens of Heisler Park with stunning ocean views, window shop downtown on Forest Avenue, and e
njoy live music at the local restaurants and bars. You will also find musicians playing on many of the City’s street corners.
Laguna Beach is home to the world renowned Laguna Arts Festival featuring Pageant of the Masters, a truly unique experience where actors paint their bodies and stand perfectly still against elaborate back drops as they reenact famous works of art like Leonardo’s The Last Supper or ancient Roman sculptures.
The entire town is filled with art and culture. Visit the Laguna Playhouse, Art-A-Fair and the Laguna Beach Museum. In the summer and winter, spend a day at the Saw Dust Festival, an outdoor arts and craft festival with wine, food, live music and booths displaying local artisan works for sale. This festival only features artists who reside in this coastal town.
Laguna is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California including Victoria Beach, Table Rock, and Treasure Island. If you are looking to have a beach bon fire, be sure to check out Aliso Creek Beach where locals informally gather for monthly full moon drum circles.
Oak Glen
Oak Glen is a cute, quiet little town nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains known for its apple orchards. The town comes to life during apple picking season when you can pick your own fruit and sample the best homemade ciders around.
One of the most popular orchards is Los Rios Rancho, Southern California’s largest apple farm since 1906. Los Rios offers u-pick apples, berries and pumpkins depending on the season as well as wagon rides, tractor rides, a petting zoo and miniature farm, arts and crafts, live music, and fresh apple cider tastings.
Visit during the fall and enjoy the giant corn maze where you must search for numbers hidden throughout the rows of corn to figure out a secret code. The code is the only way to unlock the door to the maze and escape. It is not as easy as it sounds!
