We all have our favorite spots to visit in Southern California — from bustling big cities to quiet beachside communities and even dusty desert destinations. But there’s one part of Southern California that’s often overlooked that deserves a little attention — SoCal’s mountain towns. And there’s one town in particular that is well worth a visit. Take a look at some of the fun things to do in Wrightwood, California.

The town of Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mountains is one spot you should take some time to explore.
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Located on State Highway 2 only 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Wrightwood is the ultimate quick getaway that will take you out of the city and into a quaint small-town retreat.
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From the moment you arrive in downtown Wrightwood, you'll experience charm galore at every turn.
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Make sure to head to the popular Evergreen Cafe for a hearty mountain meal...
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Or grab a seat outside under the big open sky on a warm afternoon.
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You'll notice the pine trees in Wrightwood are absolutely heavenly. The smell alone will make you stop and savor the fresh air.
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Wrightwood is home to Southern California's closest winter resort for skiing and inner tubing at Mountain High.
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In the summer, Mountain High offers a different kind of adventure full of outdoorsy hikes with endless SoCal views.
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Throughout other parts of Wrightwood, you'll find all sorts of picturesque trails that are made for wandering.
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And even though this charming mountain town may not have its own lake, Wrightwood is centrally located and only a short 10-minute drive to Jackson Lake. Now that's the best of both worlds!
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But don't just head here for a day trip. This is the kind of town that deserves an entire weekend. And nothing beats staying in one of Wrightwood's many cozy cabins that date back to the 1930s. What an adventure!
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Take a look at the best restaurant in Wrightwood:

Have you ever been to the charming town of Wrightwood before? It truly is the perfect spot no matter what season you are visiting. Do you know of other cool things to do in Wrightwood, California?

After you’re done visiting Wrightwood, be sure to take a look at this little slice of Europe in Southern California.

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More to Explore

The Best Towns in Southern California

William Suphan | March 23, 2023

What are the most charming small towns in Southern California?

The most charming small towns in Southern California include:

  • San Juan Capistrano. You’ll find a great amount of state history in this little town with a beautiful old Mission and lovely gardens.
  • La Jolla. A suburb of San Diego, this seaside town is known for the cove, cliffs, and tidepools that locals absolutely love.
  • Oak Glen. This is a wonderful place to visit during the fall when you can see vibrant colors and go apple and pumpkin picking. 
  • Julian. This is an old gold rush town with old buildings and a friendly feel. It also has some of the best pie in the state.

Find out more about the most charming small towns in Southern California. 

What are the tiniest towns in Southern California?

The tiniest towns in Southern California include:

  • Trabuco Canyon. This little town is an often overlooked hidden gem with a charming general store that’s well worth a visit.
  • Avalon. You have to take a boat or ferry to get to this town that sits on Catalina Island. This tiny town is full of upscale restaurants and shops.
  • Forest Falls. This town has a population of 1102 and is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.
  • Wrightwood. With fantastic farmers markets, local parades, and tons of local events, this little town packs in a lot of fun.

Discover more about the tiniest towns in Southern California.

What are the most beautiful towns in Southern California?

The most beautiful towns in Southern California include:

  • Valley Center. Surrounded by stunning lavender fields and picturesque mountains, this little town smells as lovely as it looks.
  • San Diego. This is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country and its beautiful beaches, cliffs, canyons, buildings, and trees are evidence of it.
  • Joshua Tree. This desert town is surrounded by its namesake trees that help create an otherworldly landscape.
  • Marina Del Rey. This is a quaint fishing village with old-fashioned buildings and wonderful marinas.

Learn more about the most beautiful towns in Southern California. 

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