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California's eclectic, small towns offer a spectrum of spectacular attractions for you to experience. From the heart of the Napa Valley to the coastal villages in the Channel Islands, these holistic communities have more to offer than just stereotypical California and superficial Hollywood. Instead, travelers will be drinking fine wine in Ojai and Saint Helena, immersing themselves into compelling moments of history in San Juan Capistrano and Solvang, and basking in the arboreal benevolence of the woods and mountains in Idyllwild and Wrightwood. This year, you should absolutely diversify your vacation plans by visiting these lesser-known, eclectic destinations in California.

Ojai

Ojai is a getaway in California鈥檚 captivating wineries and rural countryside. The Topa Mountain Winery is one of the best wineries in Ojai, specifically in the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, where you can delight in the nectar of California鈥檚 agricultural magnificence. The countryside beyond Ojai's quaint dwellings is certainly worth exploring, such as the vast woodland acres of the Los Padres National Forest. The Ventura River Valley is also a hospitable and remarkable destination for individuals interested in Ojai's scenic areas. More importantly, you will find no greater vantage point to view the entirety of Ojai than from the summits of the nearby Topatopa Mountains.

The town of Ojai is filled with a number of activities and events each year, like the Ojai Musical Festival in June and the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival in the same month. Lovers of reading will find many vintage and new books from the largest independent outdoor bookstore in the US, Bart鈥檚 Books. Moreover, if you are the type of individual eager to digest knowledge rather than Ojai鈥檚 wine, then you can savor the history of the town and the Chumash people who once roamed the area at the Ojai Valley Museum. When the day ends, you can always retire to one of Ojai鈥檚 resplendent lodgings like the Ojai Valley Inn or the Caravan Outpost.

Los Alamos

Los Alamos, about 46 miles from Santa Barbara, shines as one of the most eclectic towns in California worth visiting this year. Travelers will be amazed by the cottonwood forests in the area; Los Alamos derives its name from the Spanish word for 鈥渃ottonwood.鈥�

In September, Los Alamos hosts the Old Days Festival, complete with a chili cook-off, silent auction, cow pie bingo, and musical performances to celebrate living in Los Alamos. There are many more spots of interest for you to seek out, but first, consider looking into one of Los Alamos鈥檚 hospitality options, like the Union Hotel, Skyview Los Alamos, or the Alamo Motel.

Idyllwild

Few destinations in California are as idyllic and wild as Idyllwild. Deep in the San Jacinto Mountains, this community is a remarkable retreat. Only about two hours from Los Angeles, adventurers will feel a sense of oneness with nature when going through the Idyllwild-Pine Cove and Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Those with an inclination for braving the most arduous of endeavors can challenge their mind and muscles at the Tahquitz and Suicide Rock Climbing challenges or during a biking marathon in the Spring Challenge. Before undertaking any of these opportunities, you should definitely familiarize yourself with information about Idyllwild at the Idyllwild Nature Center.

Better yet, keep in mind that June is undoubtedly the best time to visit Idyllwild when the Jazz in the Pine festival fills the pines, forests, and mountains of the eclectic town with sweet improvisational jazz music. Once you are finished with all your rewarding explorations in Idyllwild, you should definitely find an idyllic place to rest up, like the Idyllwild Buckhouse, Silver Pines Lodge, the Fireside Inn, or Idyllwild Inn.

San Juan Capistrano

When colonists from Spain sought new homes in the New 麻豆AV, they found a good spot in California in 1776 and named their town after Saint John of Capistrano. Centuries later, the eclectic town of San Juan Capistrano continues to be one of the oldest and most historic towns in California. One of the town鈥檚 historic buildings, the Mission San Juan Capistrano, is a ruined church that an earthquake damaged some years ago鈥攊t is still open for tourists and locals to glimpse into the religious inclinations of this Spanish colony鈥檚 past. In contrast, the oldest neighborhood in California, the Los Rios District, preserves much of its historic architecture, like the San Juan Capistrano Basilica.

Meanwhile, the galleries and exhibits of the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum and Acjachemen Cultural Center showcase the Spanish artifacts depicting the everyday life and attitudes of the town鈥檚 founders. You may need to be observant of the skies on March 19 and October 31鈥攆or the former, huge flocks of swallows migrate back to San Juan Capistrano on Saint Joseph鈥檚 Day when winter is done, while for the latter, they depart from the town when Halloween and Saint John鈥檚 Day occur. Only about two hours away from Idyllwild, San Juan Capistrano treats everyone equally and fairly, even in the fine lodgings of the Inn at the Mission, Beachwood Village, or Capistrano Surfside Inn.

Wrightwood

Wrightwood rises 6,000 feet above sea level on the San Gabriel Mountains, an impressive height for a Mormon town that was once the home of the Yuharetum (鈥減eople of the pines鈥�). Wrightwood promotes a panoply of eclectic destinations and routes in the San Gabriel Mountains, specifically the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada. The Mountain High ski resort is one of the best locations for skiers and sledders to zoom down the San Gabriel Mountains' snowy slopes.

Meanwhile, Jackson Lake encourages visitors to soak up the sun or go paddling in its pristine waters. Surrounding Wrightwood are a number of canyons, valleys, and gulches, such as Acorn Canyon, Lone Pine Canyon, Mine Gulch, and Slover Canyon.

Solvang

Denmark may be across the Atlantic Ocean from the US, but people in California and in nearby states can enjoy the 鈥淒anish Capital of America鈥� in the form of Solvang. This eclectic Danish town upholds its Danish connections with the Solvang Danish Days in September, when the townsfolk reenact the lives and characteristics of the Vikings who once controlled old Denmark. People walking down Solvang鈥檚 Copenhagen Drive will feel like they are walking through a humble village in Europe. Even when you are praying or attending mass in the Old Mission Santa In茅s, an early-1800s Franciscan church, you will still feel like you are in the compelling corridors of Denmark.

More of Solvang鈥檚 Danish heritage can be admired at the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, complete with artifacts and photographs that each tell a story. On the other hand, the California Nature Art Museum showcases Solvang鈥檚 panoramic landscapes for individuals excited to see an artist's rendition of nature. Oddly enough, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic motorbikes made in America, Europe, and even Japan. With a diversity of attractions, Solvang is certainly an eclectic town worth visiting. So you ought to seek out accommodations at the Vinland Hotel and Lounge, The Hadsten Solvang, King Frederik Inn, or The Landsby for a lovely vacation in Solvang.

Avalon

In the legends of King Arthur, Avalon is a mystical land on an island beyond the timeless mists of the sea. Even though it may be impossible to find this mystical Avalon, travelers will certainly be satisfied with the eclectic town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. The island itself is one of the many Channel Islands that are famous for their beaches and seashores, and the town of Avalon is undoubtedly the most famous town to go sightseeing in the Channel Islands due to its attractions and culture.

The Catalina Island Museum for Art & History and Catalina Falconry Experience give travelers even more reasons as to why Avalon and the Channel Islands are so popular in California. Meanwhile, in places like the Descanso Beach Club and the Lovers Cove Marine Preserve, you can spend your days and nights at the beaches of Avalon, where there are tons of activities and fulfillment in store. Once all the activities and events get you weary, you can always retire to one of Avalon鈥檚 awesome establishments like the Bellanca, Atwater, Pavilion, or the Aurora hotels.

Sausalito

Bridges customarily go in two different directions, and in the case of the Golden Gate Bridge, it can either lead one towards the city of San Francisco in the south or to the opposing small town of Sausalito in the north. Even though many would be more familiar with San Francisco, you should not miss out on a ten-minute trip north of the city toward the eclectic community of Sausalito.

Photographers can get a better view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from one of Sausalito鈥檚 perfect vantage spots like Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove Campground, and Lime Point Historic Lighthouse. Individuals who enjoy long walks and treks can complete their exercise regimen at the Muir Woods and the Marin Headlands. Meanwhile, those with an affinity for history can learn all about Sausalito's origins as a humble fishing and port town at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Most of all, you should definitely book a room at either the Casa Madrona, Inn Above Tide, or Cavallo Point Lodge if you intend to stay long in Sausalito.

Saint Helena

The Napa Valley glimmers with vast acres of vineyards and bountiful farmlands. Located at the very heart of this fertile valley lies the all-embracing town of Saint Helena, a town only about an hour and thirty minutes from Sacramento. There you will find the headquarters of the CIA鈥攖he Culinary Institute of America, not the Central Intelligence Agency. As the premier cooking center in Napa Valley, the Culinary Institute of America offers a wide array of culinary lessons for everyone to unlock their cooking skills from Napa Valley鈥檚 experienced chefs. Some of the oldest and most delicious wines ever made are on display at the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum.

The Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, meanwhile, showcases a 36-foot water wheel and grist mill depicting the livelihoods of Napa Valley鈥檚 farmers in the 1800s. Amazingly, visitors to Saint Helena can learn all about the life and works of famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. You might also be interested in a hot air balloon ride to get an unspoiled and spectacular view of Saint Helena and the whole breadth of the Napa Valley. For those of you enthusiastic about the humble and laidback countryside of California, then book a room at one of Saint Helena鈥檚 saintly hostels, such as the Harvest Inn, Alila Napa Valley, or The Ink House.

California, the Golden State, radiates with endless possibilities, inviting you to explore its many diverse and eclectic small towns. Beyond the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, you can savor exquisite wines from vineyards in towns like Saint Helena and Ojai or wander the untamed countryside near Wrightwood and Idyllwild. The coastal charm of Avalon and the historic secrets of San Juan Capistrano will engage everyone in fun activities and mysteries that all will remember fondly. Most importantly, the unforgettable experiences and adventures you will uncover in these eclectic small towns in California will want to make you come back for more.