California is packed with places that straight-up stole their names from Europe, and honestly, we’re not mad about it.
From tiny farm towns to buzzing beachside spots, these places may not look much like their European twins, but they’ve got their own unique charm.
Some were named by homesick settlers, others by ambitious dreamers, and a few just went all in on the theme—yes, there are canals involved.
This road trip takes you through seven of the best, with plenty of weird history, fun stops, and maybe even a castle or two along the way.
Ready to see a side of California you never knew existed? Let’s go!
1. Etna – Siskiyou County
Etna is a tiny town in Siskiyou County with a population of just 678 people as of the 2020 census.
It was named after a local mill called ‘Aetna Mills,’ which took its name from Mount Etna in Sicily.
This place is all about small-town charm, craft beer, and easy access to the stunning Trinity Alps Wilderness—perfect if you’re into hiking or fishing.
2. Palermo – Butte County
Palermo, sitting in Butte County, is home to about 5,555 people (as of 2020) and totally borrowed its name from the famous city in Sicily.
Why? Because a bunch of early settlers decided to grow olives here, just like they do in the original Palermo.
These days, it’s a quiet little spot known for its orchards, rolling hills, and that classic rural California feel—think wide open spaces and a whole lot of fresh air.
3. Dublin – Alameda County
Dublin, in Alameda County, is a fast-growing city with a population of 72,589 as of 2020—way bigger than the last two spots on this list.
It got its name from the strong Irish community that settled here and the institutions they built.
These days, the Irish influence is still going strong, especially during the city’s massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which pulls in thousands of people for parades, music, and way too much beer.
4. London – Tulare County
London, tucked away in Tulare County, is a small, unincorporated community with a population of around 1,701 as of 2023.
Unlike London across the pond, you won’t find Big Ben or double-decker buses here—just farmland, quiet streets, and a whole lot of open space.
It was named after London, England, though the exact reason behind the name remains unclear.
Today, it’s mostly known for its agricultural roots and tight-knit community.
5. Venice – Los Angeles County
Located in Los Angeles County, Venice is a buzzing beachfront neighborhood with an estimated population of around 33,799.
It was named after Venice, Italy, because its founder, Abbot Kinney, went all-in on the whole canal thing—yes, there are actual canals here, and they’re ridiculously charming.
But let’s be real, most people come for the wild energy of the Venice Boardwalk, where street performers, skaters, and artists turn every day into a full-blown spectacle.
6. Florence – Los Angeles County
Located in Los Angeles County, Florence is a densely populated area with a population of 61,983 as of the 2020 census.
Its name origin is unclear, but don’t expect Renaissance art and fancy cathedrals—this Florence is all about urban energy and L.A. grit.
It’s best known for its history, diverse community, and its spot along Florence Avenue, a major street that runs through the heart of South L.A.
7. Santa Catalina Island – Los Angeles County
Santa Catalina Island, just off the coast of Los Angeles County, has a tiny year-round population of just over 4,200 people (as of 2022), but it sees way more visitors than that.
It was named by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno in 1602 in honor of Saint Catherine (Santa Catalina in Spanish).
Today, it features palm trees, bison introduced during a 1920s film production, and some of the clearest ocean water in California.
Most people head straight to Avalon, the island’s only real town, for seafood, snorkeling, and those iconic golf carts zipping around instead of cars.
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