Eight small towns in California that Look Like Europe

I have lived in the same city for over 40 years. CaliforniaI still haven’t tired of the Golden State, with its city adventures and off-the beaten path excursions. Even as a younger person, I knew a good thing when I had it—to live here is to have enviable access to some of Earth’s most spectacular places. It’s not surprising that the state has such a diverse landscape. This is part of what attracted the film industry to the state. Southern California At the turn of the century.

It wasn’t until I was in college that I left California or the country. I was a book lover and registered for a Shakespeare study abroad program. This allowed me to watch and read plays in England over a period of four weeks. I then went on budget sprees to Italy, Ireland, France, and Ireland. Although it wasn’t an expensive European vacation, I felt inspired and grateful.

While I do not deny that Champagne is a great drink, Champagne, FranceCalifornia has some excellent European replicas. Although I don’t travel to Europe often, I do spend more time on the roads and byways in my own state than most.

Eight California towns that look exactly like Europe

Catalina Island

• Dupe for : Santorini in Greece or the Amalfi coast of Italy  

California’s Channel Islands extend more than twenty miles off the coast. The southernmost of the Channel Islands. Catalina, is arguably the most popular, and it’s no wonder—with crystal-clear water, a gorgeous rock shoreline, and beaches for swimming and sunbathing, it’s often compared to Santorini or the Amalfi Coast.

Catalina Express is the most common way to reach the island. The island is small and therefore you do not need a vehicle to travel around. City of Avalon Seaside Transit You can always call us if you need to get somewhere. Shops and restaurants line Crescent Avenue—head to Luau Larry’s for a tiki drink and Lobster Trap for a lobster roll—or while away a day at Descanso Beach Club, where you can eat and drink with your toes in the sand. If you want to get more active, you can take the 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail across the island or even go for a swim. zip-line.

Solvang

Danish immigrants founded Solvang They were born in 1911. They also worked as dairy and grain farmers, built a folk-school and a Danish-language newspaper, and constructed a folk-school and a Danish church. The Bit O’ Denmark Restaurant, built in 1911, is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Open-faced sandwiches are available at the Bit O’ Denmark restaurant. frikadeller (sliced meatballs) sandwich or plate of flaeskesteg (roast pork). The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art The museum focuses on Danish heritage and history, and is worth a trip. The museum also features “Lulu”, a wooden figure created by Thomas Dambo from old pallets, wine barrels, and other found objects. California Nature Art Museum.

Windmill hunting is something I like to do with my children when we visit the area. We walk down Copenhagen Drive and see the Blue Windmill, then turn south onto Alisal Road for the Solvang Windmill. On the way, we enjoy Danish pastries such as Aebleskivers (round pancakes with jam filled) Mazarin Cakes and roulades Danish Mill Bakery.

Mammoth Lakes

When I picture Switzerland, the Swiss Alps immediately come to mind. The Sierra Nevada Range in California has (arguably) similar summits. For comparison, California’s Mount Whitney is 14,494 feet tall, while Switzerland’s Matterhorn is 14,692 feet—if these mountains could duel, the winner would be anybody’s guess.

Most travelers who head to the Sierras aim for Mammoth Lakes, a mountain town or its popular ski resort. Mammoth Mountain. Mammoth is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts like mountaineers, hikers and fishermen. I prefer visiting in the summer when I can fill my days with scenic, sunny hikes—but really, there’s no bad time to visit.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara‘s Spanish architectural details—cream stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and pretty arches—are striking. Spanish settlers first arrived in the region in late 1700s. You can still see some of their remnants. Franciscan Friars Take a look at the Old Santa Barbara Mission and see how the city’s unique style reflects its rich history. Take a Look walking tour to see sights like the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse (the view from its clocktower is hard to beat), or visit during Fiesta, an annual, multi-day fête that celebrates Santa Barbara’s heritage with song, dance, a rodeo, and more.

Mendocino

• Dupe for : England’s Coastal England and Ireland

The Village of Mendocino A misty blufftop vantage point offers a view of the Pacific Ocean. Mendocino Trail is a mile-long trail that undulates along the edge of the continent, providing a spectacular display of rolling waves, sea birds singing their wild songs from the tops of dramatic rock formations. Mendocino is known for its cute-as-a-button Victorian architecture, and there are also plenty of adorable shops to pop into and eateries aplenty—we never skip a chance to visit Good Life Cafe & Bakery.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Dupe for : Rural France, Germany

The Los Angeles area became very popular with storybook architecture in the 1920s.this one Beverly Hills, a small but undeniably fashionable town, is also a place where people turn heads when they cruise down North Walden Drive. Carmel-By-the-SeaIt is located on California’s Central Coast. The Cottage of Sweets or The Tuck Box, both of which are excellent examples of this architectural style can be viewed from the street. self-guided walking tour.

The Napa Valley Area

Dupe for : Europe’s Wine Castles

Europe has hidden castles Californians are no exception. Napa Valley area—and not only are they gorgeous, but they are also fantastic places to taste wine. These are our top picks. Castello di Amorosa Calistoga is a castle based on Tuscan castles from the 14th century. You can book a seated wine tasting that includes a flight and some time to explore the castle. About 20 miles from the castle, in Kenwood is the Chateau Montelena Winery. The winery has been around since the late 1800s. It offers tours, tastings on reserve and limited walk-ins.

Temecula

Dupe for : Tuscany

Southern California wine region is a popular destination for tourists. Temecula Valley The rolling vineyards are often compared with those of Tuscany. There are dozens wineries If you’re looking for a European getaway, then head to Europa Villag Wineries & Resort, which—as its name implies—was designed to make guests feel as if they were in Europe (Spain, Italy, and France, to be specific). Three tasting rooms are available, representing each country in the trio. You can even spend the night at Europa—take your pick of a Bolero casita or a hilltop inn with vineyard views.