Lined with antique stores and historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Arroyo Grande is as charming as small towns get—and it’s close to some of Southern California’s best wineries. A 171-foot bridge that spans a small creek near the town center is purported to be the only swinging bridge of its kind in the state of California. At the far end is an old schoolhouse where you can learn about the area’s history.

The resort community of Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island, can only be accessed by airplane or boat, making travel to and from this destination a bit more complicated. But it can be a fun place to visit during the off-season, when you won’t have to contend with summertime crowds. Your lodging will likely be cheaper as well, leaving a little extra spending money for the shops and restaurants that dot the waterfront.

The seaside community of Carpinteria combines beautiful beaches with a low-key small town vibe. A great place to hang out and watch the waves, the town is also home to the popular Island Brewing Company. It's got a stop on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route, so you can leave the car behind.

This desert town is, of course, known for the national park by the same name. But with numerous art galleries, restaurants, and vintage motels, downtown Joshua Tree is worth a visit by itself. As an added bonus, you’ll find plenty of roadside oddities along the way.

An old gold mining town up in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian has carefully preserved its old west aesthetic over the years. The town is perhaps most famous for its apples, which apparently took first prize at World’s Fairs in Chicago, Saint Louis, and San Francisco. Hot cider and pie make for a natural combination during the winter months.

A former gold mining outpost, Kernville is now one of California's finest spots for biking, hiking, rafting, camping, and a host of other activities. The town itself is worth a visit for its rustic charm and stunning natural surroundings. Learn a thing or two about its history at the Kern Valley Museum.

The town of Los Olivos, northwest of Santa Barbara, has plenty of nice restaurants and art galleries, but most come for the wine. With dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, it’s no wonder the town’s website declares that “every weekend is a wine-fest.”

There's plenty to do in this pretty seaside town north of San Luis Obispo, including kayaking, biking, and eating (fish and chips, anyone?). Take a stroll through the kitschy shops and grab some saltwater taffy and a postcard. Of course, the main attraction is the striking—and very photogenic—576-foot rock that rises majestically from the bay. Just don't try to climb it without a proper permit. It will not go well.

Like Julian, Oak Glen is known for its apples. You can pick them for yourself at several orchards during fall months. In winter, you’ll find plenty of hot cider. Quaint shops, restaurants, and bakeries are open year-round.

Historic San Juan Capistrano, the romantic setting for the first of Johnston McCulley’s Zorro stories, is a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers alike. Its oldest structure is the Great Stone Church, constructed between 1797 and 1806 and partially destroyed by earthquake in 1812. Also of note are the 31 historic structures of the Los Rios District.

This Santa Barbara County cowboy town has been around since the 1880s, and many of the buildings in its Old Town area were constructed around that time or shortly after. The historic facades along Sagunto Street offer a bit of nostalgia, while copious wineries and horse ranches offer plenty of activities for visitors. The area is also a popular spot for bicyclists, with miles of winding country roads.

Look, quiet beach communities are one thing, but if you're really looking to get lost, Slab City is the place for you. The site of a former Marine Corps base, it's now occupied by a colorful cast of squatters and nomads. There's not much in the way of services, but over the years a library and makeshift performance spaces have popped up. The community is best known for its incredible works of outsider art, including the striking acrylic paint monument known as Salvation Mountain.

An entire town devoted to the Danish heritage of its founders, Solvang can feel a bit like another country—or maybe Disneyland. The streets are lined with colorful Scandinavian-style buildings and replicas of notable monuments and sculptures found in Copenhagen. Between Thanksgiving and early January, you can check out the annual Julefest: a light-filled holiday event with food, drink, and hidden nisse (gnomish creatures from Danish folklore).

Heading to Sequoia or Kings Canyon? Three Rivers is a nice place to do a little shopping and dining en route to hiking, rafting, or simply admiring the beauty of the natural wonders nearby. Stop by the Flora Bella Farm for some fresh produce, or visit the town’s brewery of the same name.

Perched high in the San Gabriel Mountains, Wrightwood is the kind of town that looks like it belongs in a snow globe. And less than 90 minutes from Los Angeles (weather permitting), it's one of the closest towns where Angelenos can go to play in the powder.