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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

Here Are 11 Of Southern California’s Tiniest Towns That Are Always Worth A Visit

Discover 11 charming small towns in Southern California, each offering unique attractions and a break from city life.

Updated Feb 28, 2021

Written by 

Angela

When most people think of Southern California, the first things that come to mind are the plentiful sandy beaches, the endless blue skies, and the warm summer days that seem to stretch on throughout the entire year. There's one thing, though, that many people overlook when it comes to Southern California, and that is the charm of our many small towns nestled throughout our part of the state. Here are 11 of our favorite tiniest towns in Southern California. Which small town tops your list of must-visit places here in SoCal?

1. Sierra Madre

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facebook/sierra madre chamber of commerce

Located in Los Angeles County, this small town with a population under 12,000 feels like it's a million miles away from the big city. In addition to its charming main street and local shops, Sierra Madre is also nicknamed "Wisteria City" as it's home to the largest blooming wisteria vine in the world. Read more about this town right here.

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2. Julian

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An official California Historic Landmark, the delightful town of Julian is one place in SoCal not to be missed. Whether you show up for apple season or you explore the peaceful countryside on foot in the spring, summer or fall, this peaceful town in San Diego County with a population close to 1,500 is an absolute treasure.

Read more about this town right here.

3. Forest Falls

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Who can resist a tiny town that's nestled on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest? With lots of fantastic trails to explore and several waterfalls to discover, this small SoCal destination with less than 800 houses is a little slice of magic.

4. San Dimas

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When you're seeking out a slice of SoCal that captures the look and feel of the good old days, then make sure to head to San Dimas, a small town with a population under 35,000. Take a stroll along the charming old town district along Bonita Avenue and browse the local shops and restaurants.

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Read more about this town right here.

5. Oak Glen

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Located in San Bernardino County, approximately 15 miles east of San Bernardino, this charming town with a population of less than 1,000 as of its last census will steal your heart. You'll love taking a Sunday drive along rural roads and stopping along the way at Oak Tree Village for a day of shopping in a setting that will remind you of simpler times.

Read more about this town right here.

6. Pine Valley

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Head down Old Highway 80 in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County and you'll discover the tiny town of Pine Valley with its equally tiny population of 2000. Make sure to swing by Major's, the local coffee shop, or stop for a burger and ice cream cone at Frosty Burger to make your visit complete. Read more about the town of Pine Valley right here.

7. Trabuco Canyon

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You know you are are in the heart of this small Southern California town when you reach the general store. Perhaps one of SoCal's most hidden gems, Trabuco Canyon is a spot few people know about but a destination you'll never forget once you have the chance to visit. Read more about this town right here.

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8. Avalon

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What could be better than a tiny island town? Located on Catalina Island and reachable by ferry, the town of Avalon is one of SoCal's most delightful destinations that captures the charm of small-town living.

Read more about this town right here.

9. San Juan Capistrano

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Perfect for strolling and enjoying the historic architecture and lush green trees, the town of San Juan Capistrano is positively delightful. Although not the tiniest town on this list, with a population that's under 40,000 this destination is just the right size. From great local shopping to picturesque areas for walking, this is one place that should be on everyone's bucket list. Read more about our favorite park in this town right here.

10. Running Springs

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17 miles west of Big Bear Lake you'll find the small town of Running Springs, with a population under 5,000, just waiting to be explored. From local parades to weekly farmers markets and frequent community events, this SoCal destination should definitely be on your radar if you want to experience a slice of Americana right here in SoCal.

Read more about this town right here.

11. Wrightwood

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When you're seeking out some peace and quiet in Southern California in a destination that's filled with nothing but small-town charm, then Wrightwood is the perfect place to be. You'll find hiking, tasty restaurants, and wildlife galore in this small mountain town tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains.

Read more about this town right here.

Do you have a favorite small town on the list? Did we leave any out that you think should be listed? Let us know in the comments what small town in SoCal you love to visit most.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Remote Destination in Northern California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final Views

Explore stunning rugged bluffs, beaches, and tide pools at the remote town of Fort Bragg.

Published Oct 25, 2024

Written by 

Natasha Kayes

It is no secret to anyone who knows me (or reads my writing) that I love the California coastline. And there are honestly many spots along the magnificent West Coast that are memorable enough to make me want to return again and again, even if they take some time and effort to reach. The first time I was brought by a friend to Fort Bragg in Northern California, the dramatic beaches and rock formations made me swoon (and inspired my inner photographer!). 

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Fort Bragg is a tiny town on the Northern California coast. It is about an hour's drive from the town of Willits on Highway 101 and the closest real city is Santa Rosa, over two hours away. The drive is about four hours (give or take) from the major cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. So, wherever you are coming from, it is going to take a bit of a drive. Let me tell you, though, not only is the destination absolutely worth it, but the drive itself is beautiful whether you meander along the coast on Highway 1 or take Highway 101 and cut across on the winding road through the beautiful Jackson Demonstration State Forest. 

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Spanning almost the entire eastern edge of Fort Bragg is the 93-acre Noyo Headlands Park, one of the most stunning spots on the Mendocino Coast. It was originally part of the Georgia Pacific lumber mill and is now home to walking and biking trails, rugged cliffs, Glass Beach, and endless breathtaking views.

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Natasha Kayes/Only In Your State

All along the coastline, there are scenic vista points just off the main trail, little hidden coves to discover, and secluded beaches with massive rock formations. You’ll also find some of the most vibrant tide pools I have explored, full of colorful anemones, crabs, starfish, and brilliant green moss and sea plants.

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Though the town itself is small, you’ll find a handful of delicious ways to refuel at the end of the day (or before you get started!) including highly-rated restaurants serving everything from Mexican to pizza to sushi, and a few cool spots to grab a drink. After a day of exploring, get a good night’s sleep and wake up to a spectacular view at the oceanfront North Cliff Hotel.

Have you ever been to Fort Bragg in Northern California? It is a remote little gem that you will never forget. Do you have a favorite remote spot or hidden gem you’d like to share? Let us know by nominating it for a chance to be featured in a future article! 

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State Pride|History

The Desert Community in Southern California That Has Long Become Abandoned

Desert Center was once a bustling town and rest stop thriving in the harsh Southern California desert.

Published Sep 24, 2024

Written by 

Natasha Kayes

Driving through the remains of a lifeless ghost town is strange and almost surreal as we try to imagine the community and activity that once thrived among the now-silent streets and buildings. The stories behind these places surely add to the fascination we feel. One such locale in Southern California is the isolated town known as Desert Center, a hidden gem in the desolate Colorado Desert with a rich history.

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If you love creepy content, Only In Your State’s Vacant series – which partners with talented photographer Johnny Joo – explores a dozen other fascinating abandoned places just waiting to be discovered. 

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

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This abandoned town lies right along Interstate 10, between Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles. The humble beginnings of Desert Center take us back to the early 1900s and an intrepid man named Stephen A. Ragsdale, who came to be affectionately known as “Desert Steve.” Wanting to create a community here in the vast and wild desert - truly the middle of nowhere - Desert Steve and his family began a harrowing journey in 1915. Starting with an adobe-style cafe and a small store, they laid the groundwork for a desert settlement. 

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Soon, a well was drilled to provide the town with a consistent source of water, and a service station was built, turning Desert Center into a vital stopover for travelers through the Colorado Desert. These same facilities drew actual settlers as well, and the tiny community began to grow. This growth exploded and the economy boomed with the discovery of gold in the nearby mountains during the 1930s and 40s.

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With the bustling activity and a promising future, residents of Desert Center were more ambitious than ever, planting agricultural fields right here in the harsh desert environment. Between that and the development of a new iron mining town, Eagle Mountain, nearby, population increased and even more development took place. There were new schools, medical facilities, recreation centers, and roads connecting to the town. Desert Center seemed to be a symbol of hope, resilience, innovation, and prosperity. But, sadly, it wouldn’t last.

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Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo

In 1983, the Eagle Mountain Mine was closed, jobs disappeared, and people began to leave in search of new opportunities. It didn’t take long for silence to settle on the little town of Desert Center. Today, the town’s buildings that once welcomed weary travelers and hopeful settlers sit abandoned, frozen in time against the backdrop of the tranquil desert.

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It’s as if everything closed for the night and the town disappeared before the sun came up the next day. The cafe - which reportedly stayed open 24 hours a day because the keys had been lost - did finally close once and for all. Chairs, tables, and even cups and coffee pots seem to wait silently for customers to return. 

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A handful of residents and a lone post office are all that remains of a community that once thrived against all odds in this unforgiving landscape. Did you know about the town of Desert Center? Have you ever stopped to check it out on your way through the desert? Share your experience with us in the comments! The Southern California desert is actually home to several abandoned towns. Check another nearby ghost town with an interesting history - Bombay Beach.

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. To discover more creepy and abandoned places, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. 

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