7 Old-World Towns To Visit In Southern California

The charming town of Solvang, California. Editorial credit: Benny Marty / Shutterstock.com.

While Southern California is well-known for its big (and busy) cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s also home to many lovely small towns that perfectly capture the state’s “Old-World” charm. The best of them feature well-preserved downtown districts that invite visitors to not only slow down but to also step back in time. And with much of their original 19th-century architecture still intact, these wonderful small communities have become extremely popular tourist destinations not just for history enthusiasts but for culture hounds and foodies, too.

Attractive main streets dotted with vintage shops and eateries, fascinating historic landmarks, and fun-filled annual events and festivals all add up to make these small towns great places to visit for those wanting to explore the quieter, more nostalgic side of SoCal. Find out more about these seven Old-World towns to visit in Southern California.

San Juan Capistrano

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, San Juan Capistrano’s most important landmark is its historic mission: Mission San Juan Capistrano. Founded by the Spanish in 1776, this impressive structure sits at the heart of the town’s historic downtown district and presents a unique opportunity to explore its well-preserved adobe buildings and gardens, as well as the ruins of its Great Stone Church, built in 1797.

Wander the town’s main street and you’ll also see many fine old homes and historic structures from the 1800s, many of them now converted into retail outlets or restaurants. A great time to visit is in March when San Juan Capistrano celebrates its annual Swallows Day Parade, honoring the return of the famous cliff swallows to the mission. One of the largest non-motorized parades in the U.S., this event features everything from horseback riders to folk dancers and even historical reenactments.

Ojai

Set in a lush valley an hour east of Santa Barbara, Ojai is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and its preservation of early California heritage. The downtown district, with its iconic Spanish-style arcade, was built in the early 1920s and remains a focal point for tourists and locals alike. Historic landmarks such as the Ojai Valley Museum, housed in a former Catholic church built in 1919, are also fun to visit and provide a glimpse into the town’s past.

The main street is immensely walkable, especially during events like the much-anticipated Ojai Day, a community celebration each October that dates back to 1917. Along with its live music, art exhibits, and historical displays, you’ll certainly feel the town’s acclaimed “Old World” vibe.

Solvang

Solvang is a charming town located in the Santa Ynez Valley, just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara. Founded by Danish settlers in 1911, Solvang’s downtown, with its half-timbered houses, windmills, and Old-World charm, will have you feeling like you’ve been transported back to the Denmark of days gone by. Highlights include the historic Bethania Lutheran Church, built in 1928, along with the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, which preserves the cultural heritage of Solvang and its Danish origins.

Wondering when to visit? September is a great time as Solvang hosts its always-fun Danish Days festival to celebrate the town’s cultural history. Highlights include Danish folk dancing, music, and tasty traditional foods such as Aebleskiver, a type of crispy apple treat.

Claremont

Located 30 miles east of Los Angeles in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Claremont is a college town with a deep connection to its early 20th-century origins. The town’s historic district is lined with charming “Craftsman-style” homes and mid-century buildings that certainly give the town an old-fashioned appeal. Be sure to plan a stroll through Claremont Village, a pleasant pedestrian-friendly area with tree-lined streets and vintage storefronts.

Historic must-visits include The Folk Music Center, established in 1958, and a cultural landmark full of vintage musical instruments from across the globe. Must-do events include Claremont’s annual Village Venture Arts & Crafts Faire, a 40-plus-year-old celebration of the town’s heritage with local artisans and plenty of live music.

Julian

Perched in the Cuyamaca Mountains about an hour’s drive from downtown San Diego, Julian is a small town that’s famous for its Gold Rush history and splendidly preserved Victorian-era architecture. Founded in the 1870s, many of its original buildings, such as the Julian Gold Rush Hotel (built in 1897), still stand today and can be visited. A meander down Main Street offers other glimpses into California’s gold mining past, including the Julian Pioneer Museum with its artifacts and displays from the town’s Gold Rush era.

A great time to visit is during Julian’s always popular Apple Days Festival. Held in August since 1909, highlights include farm tours, apple picking, tasty apple pies, and, for the kids, scarecrow building.

Los Alamos

Travel 20 miles north of Solvang and you’ll wind up in the pretty town of Los Alamos. Featuring a collection of well-preserved 19th-century buildings and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, Los Alamos was established in 1876 and is a must-visit for those who enjoy exploring an interesting historic downtown district. Among its most notable Old West-style buildings is the Union Hotel and Saloon, which has stood since 1880 and continues to offer first-rate accommodations.

The nearby Los Alamos Ranch House, built in 1840 and one of the best-preserved domestic architectural gems from SoCal’s Mexican period, is also worth seeing. If you do plan on a visit, shoot for fall when the town hosts its well-attended Los Alamos Old Days event to celebrate its rich heritage with a parade and a car show.

Idyllwild

Idyllwild, a peaceful mountain town located about 50 miles southwest of Palm Springs, provides a serene old-world experience that’s rare in these fast-paced times. Popular for its thriving artistic community as well as its rustic charm, Idyllwild’s history dates back to the early 20th century when it was developed as a resort area for those seeking a retreat from the desert heat. The downtown district is fascinating to explore and is filled with old wooden cabins and buildings that seem untouched by time.

This see-it-to-believe-it small town is home to the annual Idyllwild Art Walk & Wine Tasting Festival, a major event that has been celebrated for decades and which draws visitors from across the state to experience the town’s fascinating blend of culture and history. The town also celebrates its history through the work of the Idyllwild Area Historical Society, a dedicated group that hosts fun heritage walks and open houses that include many of the town’s historic landmarks and old homes, many not usually open to the public.

The Final Word

SoCal’s Old-World towns offer curious travelers no end of unique opportunities to explore the state’s rich history. Together, these small towns paint a fascinating picture of a bygone era with their preserved architecture and annual events that celebrate their heritage. Whether it’s exploring Spanish Colonial architecture in San Juan Capistrano or experiencing Danish traditions in Solvang, these seven “Old World” towns provide a fun journey into Southern California’s past.

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