If you’ve ever watched a Hallmark movie and wondered if those towns really exist, you don’t have to fly across the country or move to a snowy village to find out.
Southern California has its own lineup of dreamy small towns, filled with twinkly lights, adorable shops, historic buildings, and a hint of holiday magic.
Some have cozy cabins and snowy streets, while others have beachside sunsets and outdoor festivals, but all of them look straight out of a movie.
Keep reading to find 11 beautiful spots that’ll make you want to pack a flannel, grab a hot cocoa, and start your own feel-good adventure.
1. Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead Village is a cozy alpine spot located in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
It’s known for its Swiss-style buildings, lakeside dining, and the Lake Arrowhead Queen paddleboat, which offers 50-minute guided tours of the private 782-acre lake.
You’ll also find local shops selling handmade goods and classic sweets, plus a summer concert series set along the waterfront.
Come winter, the whole place glows as pine trees are dusted with snow and twinkle lights line every rooftop.
2. Solvang
Up next is Solvang, which brings a totally different kind of magic with its Danish-style charm and windmill-lined streets.
This small town in the Santa Ynez Valley looks like a slice of Europe, with half-timbered buildings, a horse-drawn trolley, and bakeries serving fresh aebleskivers.
You can spend the day visiting the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, enjoying a few wine tastings, or taking a photo with the giant windmill on Alisal Road.
It’s festive all year, but December feels extra cozy during Solvang’s Julefest, with lights, music, and even special Santa appearances.
3. Avalon
Just an hour by ferry from Long Beach brings you to Avalon, the postcard-perfect town on Catalina Island.
This seaside spot is all palm trees, pastel buildings, and golf carts zipping around instead of cars.
Here, you can tour the iconic Catalina Casino (an art deco theater from 1929), rent a kayak in the harbor, or hike the Garden to Sky Trail for scenic ocean views.
With boats bobbing in the turquoise bay and string lights glowing at night, Avalon feels like a beachy fairytale come to life.
4. Ojai
Set in the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai brings a relaxed, artsy atmosphere filled with sunshine, citrus, and creative energy.
This little town is best known for its pink-hued “Ojai sunset,” orange groves, and rows of cute shops and galleries on Ojai Avenue.
You can wander through the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market on Sundays, soak in a spa, or hike the 3.5-mile Shelf Road Trail for sweeping valley views.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and a little more at peace.
5. Old Town Temecula
Next up is Old Town Temecula, where the Wild West meets wine country in the most fun way possible.
Its wooden boardwalks, vintage storefronts, and 1890s-style buildings hint at cowboy days, while trendy restaurants and tasting rooms nearby bring it up to date.
You can start your day by browsing antique shops, catching live music, or strolling through the Saturday farmers’ market on Sixth Street.
And if you’re around in December, Temecula Chilled fills the place with ice skating, twinkling lights, and holiday-inspired drinks.
6. Julian
If you’ve got a thing for apple pie and cozy mountain towns, Julian is calling your name.
This old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains feels frozen in time, from its historic Main Street to its well-preserved storefronts.
Of course, no trip here is complete without a stop at Julian Pie Company, a favorite especially during the fall apple-picking season.
There’s also the 5-mile Volcan Mountain Trail if you’re up for a hike, and yes, you definitely deserve another slice of pie afterward.
7. Wrightwood
Then there’s Wrightwood, a quiet mountain town hidden high up in the San Gabriel Mountains.
It’s the kind of place where pine trees outnumber people and winters bring plenty of snow.
To unwind, you can hit Mountain High for skiing, follow the nearby Big Horn Mine Trail to an old gold mine, or grab a fresh cinnamon roll from the Village Grind.
And if you visit in late November, the town kicks off the season with the annual Mountain Holiday Celebration, festive décor, and visits from Santa.
8. Carpinteria
Craving a beach town without the crowds? Carpinteria is your laid-back escape just southeast of Santa Barbara.
It’s home to Carpinteria State Beach, which is famous for its super clean shoreline and often called one of the safest beaches in California.
You can walk down Linden Avenue for surf shops, burritos, and boutiques, or check out the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail for ocean views.
And if you love avocados, swing by in the fall for the California Avocado Festival, featuring food, music, and plenty of local flavor.
9. Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Located in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild-Pine Cove feels like a cozy forest hideout made for flannel shirts and cabin getaways.
This artsy little town is all about pine trees, woodsy trails, and mom-and-pop shops where you can sip hot cider and browse handmade pottery.
You can also hike the 4.7-mile Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail or stop by the Idyllwild Nature Center to learn about local wildlife and Cahuilla history.
And for one last surprise, Idyllwild’s honorary mayor is a golden retriever named Max who’s known to mingle with visitors.
10. Laguna Beach
Trading pine trees for ocean breezes, Laguna Beach shines with rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and a vibrant arts scene.
This beach town is dotted with galleries, tide pools, and beautiful spots like Heisler Park, with bluff-walking trails overlooking the Pacific.
If you’re into hiking, the Top of the World trail lives up to its name because it rewards you with sweeping ocean and canyon panoramas.
And in summer, the town buzzes with the Pageant of the Masters, a one-of-a-kind show where real people pose to recreate classic works of art.
11. Redlands
Last but not least is Redlands, worth visiting for its historic neighborhoods and citrus groves.
This SoCal gem features late 1800s Victorian homes, orange trees, and a downtown full of antique shops and coffee spots.
You can tour the lovely Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, catch a free summer concert at the Redlands Bowl, or hike nearby trails for a view of the valley.
And for a true Hallmark-style scene, plan your trip in December, when the Christmas Parade turns downtown into a festive wonderland.
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