Southern California is a unique place, with lots of great little communities and towns. Here's one little town that has an amazing history, and so much natural beauty that you'll want to visit year-round.
Please note, Jeremy's on the Hill is temporarily closed.
The little town of Julian is definitely unique - the entire town is designated as a California Historical Landmark. You'll find it 50 miles northeast of San Diego.
If you have any doubts that Southern California is a magnificent place to live or visit, then take a look at this list of 10 things that you can only find here. From a secret tower at one of its most beautiful beaches to North America's hottest place and everything in between, all of these things are a reminder that there's nothing quite like SoCal. There are so many iconic places in Southern California, and these are just a few.
advertisement
1. The oldest operating McDonald's — 10207 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, CA.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the site of the oldest McDonald's restaurant still in operation is located in Southern California in the town of Downey. Whether or not you're a fan of McDonald's, there's no denying that this tourist attraction in Downey is one of the most historic places in SoCal.
Hiding along a stretch of sand along Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach you'll find a mesmerizing 60-foot tower that looks like it's right out of a fairytale. But believe us, this is no fairytale -- it's completely real. Although this tower looks like it's carved from rocks, this structure is a staircase that dates back to the 1920s and leads up to a beautiful house. Although you can't go inside and climb the staircase since it belongs to a private party, you can still enjoy this unique treasure as you walk by one of SoCal's most beautiful beaches.
Did you know SoCal is home to the world's tallest thermometer? If not, now you can add that to your list of fun SoCal facts. Built in 1991 in Baker, CA, this towering thermometer is a staggering 134 feet tall, which represents the highest recorded temperature at Death Valley at the time it was built. To see this thermometer in person, you can find it at 72157 Baker Boulevard in Baker, CA.
Speaking of hot temperatures, Southern California also just happens to be the home of the hottest and driest place in all of North America. Death Valley National Park, with scorching hot summer temperatures averaging close to 120 degrees, is one spot that you may want to visit during the winter when the average high temp drops down to 65 degrees.
There's only one Catalina Island, and we're beyond lucky to have it right here in SoCal. Hop on a ferry and take a short ride to Avalon and you will find one of the most beautiful places on earth. Stroll through the main street, head to the iconic casino, and take in the beautiful views that can be enjoyed throughout this picturesque island.
Take a look at this video of Catalina Island by @OnlyInYourState:
6. Walt Disney Concert Hall — 111 S Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.
This architectural beauty, designed by Frank Gehry, is a true masterpiece that can only be experienced right here in Southern California. Whether you have the opportunity to attend a concert performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic or you just show up for a tour of this architectural masterpiece, this is one of many destinations that we are lucky to have in SoCal.
advertisement
7. The Wayfarer's Chapel aka The Glass Church — 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Nestled inside Rancho Palos Verdes you'll find a stunning Glass Church that is surrounded by redwood trees and a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. A perfect example of organic architecture, this magnificent church is flooded with light as the sun beams through the glass windows. Whether you're here for worship or to take in the beautiful surroundings, the Wayfarer's Chapel is one more awe-inspiring destination that can only be witnessed in SoCal.
advertisement
8. Watts Towers — 1727 E 107th St, in Los Angeles, CA.
Take a drive through Los Angeles in the Watts district and you'll spot this unique tower that stands almost 100 feet tall. Built by hand, these 17 interconnected towers are the work of Simon Rodia, who spent over 30 years creating this unique sculpture made from concrete, glass, tile and wire mesh.
Being home to one of the largest urban parks in the country is an honor we are lucky to have here in Southern California. Take a stroll through Balboa Park and you'll find stunning nature trails, a colorful rose garden, museums, a zoo, the world's largest outdoor organ pavilion, and restaurants and food carts galore to keep your taste buds happy all afternoon. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Southern California.
Although other Disneyland locations have popped up all over the world, no other place but SoCal can boast of being the home of the first and the original Disneyland. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, there's no question that this destination is truly the happiest place on earth and one of the most iconic SoCal places.
What do you think of these 10 iconic places in Southern California? What else would you add to this list?
Most of us want to enjoy our favorite scents, whether it be a candle, an air freshener, a body spray, or something else. But if you or a loved one have ever dealt with allergies, migraines, or skin sensitivities, you well know the frustration that strong fragrances can cause. And for many products, the choice has been all or nothing, but thankfully, that is no longer the case. There is a small woman-owned business here in Northern California that has become a welcome friend to those with sensitive noses. I am not exaggerating when I say I am already in love with it, and I think Sun Kissed & Co. in Sacramento just might win your heart as well.
advertisement
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
For founder Kimberly Lim, the origin of her business was deeply personal and rooted in her own family’s experiences. Struggling for years with migraines triggered by overly-scented products, she and her family members found themselves frustrated and with limited options.
“I knew there had to be a better way to experience scent,” Lim explains. “This challenge ignited the inception of Sun Kissed & Co., a sustainable fragrance company made for people with sensitive noses.”
Wanting to make fragrance an experience to be enjoyed, not just tolerated, Lim taught herself to formulate a variety of products. She spent countless hours doing research and experimenting to create high-quality products like perfumes and candles that people with sensitivities could use without being overwhelmed.
Lim defines her success by the strong sense of community the business has developed. In May 2022, she began bringing her products to a local farmers market. Being able to connect directly with customers and hear their personal struggles was a turning point.
As Lim told us, “I listened to stories of migraines, skin irritations, and the frustration of loving scents but not being able to enjoy them. These firsthand accounts reinforced the importance of our mission and guided the development of all of our products.”
advertisement
Being more involved in the community, hearing direct feedback, and building relationships keeps Lim passionate and motivated. As she continues to research and develop new products and scents, she loves knowing that she is about to have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Sun Kissed & Co. does more than create sensitive-friendly, sustainable fragrances. In November 2021, Lim launched a program called “Buy One, Plant One” to help combat climate change globally. For every online or in-person purchase, a tree is planted. Partnering with two non-profit organizations, Trees For The Future and One Tree Planted, the program has resulted in the planting of over 2,500 trees (and counting!) around the world.
It is no wonder that Lim’s products have gathered a loyal and supportive community around her brand. Sun Kissed & Co. offers a variety of perfectly-scented products for home and body, such as candles, hand wash, body butter, and traditional eau de parfum.
With playful names like You’re Cereal-ously The Best and Don’t Take Me Poma-granted and simple, friendly packaging, it is hard not to love this brand and to want to try them all. And with a cheery, user-friendly website, it is incredibly easy to do just that, no matter where you live!
You will love this brand even more when you learn that every hand-filled, small-batch product is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainable ingredients. What more could a sensitive nose ask for?
Many thanks to founder Kimberly Lim for sharing the story of Sun Kissed & Co. with us. You can learn more and support this delightful Northern California business by visiting the Sun Kissed & Co. website and Facebook page.
Of course, Sun Kissed & Co. is one of many incredible businesses doing great things in Northern California. Do you know of another business you’d like to see profiled on Only in Northern California? Nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only in Northern California on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems throughout the state.
