Ojai
Ojai has long been an oasis for artists and free spirits. Located about an hour and a half northwest of Los Angeles, the small town is tucked in a valley among the scenic Topatopa Mountains. The tranquil setting is prime for a mix of outdoor and wellness activities, from hiking to horseback riding to spa treatments at the renowned Ojai Valley Inn. Ojai Village, the town’s center, is home to Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a charming assortment of New Age shops, art galleries, and the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books. Pro tip: Don’t miss the “pink moment” at sunset, or you’ll have nothing to discuss over California chardonnay with the locals at dinner.
Sausalito
Drive or bike to the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll find yourself in one of the best small towns in California: Sausalito. The gorgeous bayfront location and picturesque architecture are all part of the charming package here. A stroll around Bridgeway, the town’s main drag, offers breathtaking water and San Francisco views, as well as access to quaint shops and restaurants. The Bay Area Discovery Museum, situated right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, provides family fun and natural education. Don’t leave Sausalito without admiring Galilee Harbor and Waldo Point Harbor’s colorful houseboats. Just be prepared for a dose of water-based real estate envy.
Avalon
Say goodbye to rush hour on the 101 and hello to touring the small town of Avalon, located on Catalina Island. There’s a long waitlist to have a car on the island, making it easy to explore the one-square-mile town on foot — or via golf cart. Favorite activities include snorkeling off the coast, relaxing on white-sand beaches, and hiking 38.5 miles of the Trans-Catalina Trail — the views are worth the steps. If you’re in Avalon for the world-famous sport fishing, The Lobster Trap will cook and serve your catch in laid-back, fishing-themed surroundings. Pro tip: A helicopter ride to Catalina is about $130 per person, if you want a totally memorable experience and epic views.
Solvang
Solvang…California or Denmark? This postcard-perfect small town in the Santa Ynez Valley is entirely Danish in style and architecture. Danish flags hang from street lamps in the town’s center, which fully replicates a Danish village. You can shop for wooden clogs, eat Danish-style food like aebleskiver (think donut holes), and take selfies in front of the iconic windmill. And since Solvang is a gateway to Santa Barbara’s wine country, there are also some quality tasting rooms available in town.
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