7 Places in California That Look Like Europe
Many people dream of flying to Europe, but it can be a daunting adventure if you have kids or are on a tight budget. Instead, check out these places in California that look like Europe! You’ll get a taste of the European culture, food, architecture, and landscapes.
As a family who lived in this beautiful state, we can attest that oft times we felt no reason to ever leave it to travel elsewhere. And taking all of our kids across the Atlantic to Europe would be a huge and expensive undertaking. Luckily, the Golden State’s diverse topography and rich history will make you feel like you’re enjoying a swanky European vacation on a dime–and the bonus: no passport required.
7. Victoria Beach, Orange County
Feels like: Germany
Victoria Beach is home to the famous Pirate Tower of Laguna Beach. While it’s affectionately known locally as the Pirate Tower, many people think it looks more like Rapunzel’s tower from German fairytales. Either way, the tower makes Victoria Beach one of the most unique beaches in all of California.
6. Temecula, CA
Feels like: Spain
This city in Riverside County is considered Southern California’s wine country and is one of the top places in California that look like Europe. Between the vineyards and Spanish-influence buildings, it will transport you to Southern Spain. This felt fun to us because this is where I was born in the area and there was a lot of nostalgia telling the kids about the fresh fruit I would pick off trees in my grandma’s backyard! We also visited our friends from Spain that we met when we lived in LA and who have since settled down in Temecula. The kids loved every minute of it and even asked to grow our own lemon tree so they could make lemonade.
With its sprawling vineyards, fragrant lemon orchards, lush green hills and endless olive trees, we felt like we were in the Mediterranean climate–but only 700 miles from home.
Family Friendly Things to Enjoy:
Where we stayed: Springhill Suites Temecula Valley Wine Country – we recommend staying here for an affordable, family-friendly hotel with large suites that sleep 6, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast.
Family trip or romantic getaway, it is hard to go wrong with Temecula. And yes, get the chocolate- covered bacon! Also, if you go to the Farmer’s Market with kids, make sure you stop by the playground off of Old Town Front Street and eat your treats in the SoCal sun!
5. Solvang, CA
Feels like: Denmark
European town in California:
Solvang is a little slice of Denmark nestled in beautiful Santa Barbara County and is another place in California that looks like Europe. That’s because it was actually founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. Upon arrival, you’ll likely see freshly painted half timber architecture, a darling danish windmill and a replica of the Little Mermaid–Copenhagen’s bronze statue dedicated to its famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, the fable writer and storyteller.
Solvang is one of the best towns to visit on an epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip. When we got out of the car, we couldn’t help but notice all the delicious smells coming from the many bakeries. Our first stop was the Solvang Windmill and the Solvang Bakery which are right next to each other. While the Danish possibilities are endless, our favorite was the Danish Almond Kringle.
Family Friendly things to enjoy:
Where we stayed: Worldmark Solvang
Since we had limited time, just strolling down the street with the ambience and the charming boutique shops felt magical for our little family. I did a long run out to the wine country and through the town. I noticed many parks and places to obtain ancestral information and family shields!
Solvang is a gem for everyone but it was especially memorable for us because our roots are Scandanavian—and quite frankly, apple fritters and almond kringles are in our blood.
4. Venice, Los Angeles, CA
Feels like: Amsterdam, Holland (even though it’s named after Venice, Italy)
Lining the Pacific coast in southern LA, Venice is known for its Muscle Beach boardwalk but the Venice Canal District offers an entirely different ambience. When you stroll the canals, it feels almost like a mix of Venice and Amsterdam. Built in 1905, the Venice Canal Historic District is famous for its man-made canals, which evoked the canals of Venice, Italy and likewise features gondola rides.
As a family, strolling the canals and admiring the architecture and grand homes is such a treat. When our family lived in LA, we would often come to the canals as a sanctuary to daydream about Europe, and escape the boisterous noise from the city.
- Family-Friendly Things to do:
- Stroll, paddleboard or Kayak the Venice Canals
- Ride in a Gondola
- Shop and eat on Abbot Kinney
- Grab European Style donuts at Blue Star Donuts
- Visit Mother’s Beach Park
- Top Doner Factory European Street Food
- Italian at Fabio’s
Where to stay: Marina Del Rey Marriott – situated right on the marina and walking distance from Mother’s Beach and the Venice Canals.
While you’re in Los Angeles make sure to check out these 15 FREE Things to Add to Your Los Angeles Bucket List!
3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Feels like: Stratford-upon-Avon, England
We first experienced Carmel after driving the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles. After passing through the natural wonders of Big Sur, arriving in Carmel felt like stepping into a fairytale. With its English cottages, it is another one of the awesome places in California that look like Europe, and remarkably so! Even the name of the town feels like a tribute to Stratford-upon-Avon of Shakespearean fame.
There are tons of quaint little shops, restaurants, and art galleries. And as its name implies, the seaside town boasts some of the prettiest beaches in Northern California. It’s a little surreal to walk down a street that feels like you’re in England one minute and then onto a classic California beach the next. Fun fact, Clint Eastwood was once the mayor here.
- Family-friendly things to do:
- Buy imported English candy at the Cottage of Sweets
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Do the scenic 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach)
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Where to Stay:
We actually stayed just north of Monterey, not too far from Carmel, at the Worldmark Marina Dunes. We loved it because it was right on the beach with some really cool sand dunes. But if you’re not a Worldmark owner we’d also recommend the Springhill Suites The Dunes on Monterey Bay or the Monterey Marriott.
2. Big Sur, CA
feels like: Greece
Situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur has a stunning green mountain landscape, deep rocky cliffs and a deep blue sea hue that will just take your breath away. Although it is a quiet stretch of of the California Coast and doesn’t have many structures like say, Santorini, it is well worth a visit just for the gorgeous topography.
Our family could not believe how turquoise the water was for a California beach. We loved Julia Pfeiffer State Beach. And seeing a waterfall that falls right onto a sandy beach is a rare treat, so McWay Falls is perfect just for stunning views.
- Family-Friendly Things to do:
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Beach Park
- Sand Dollar Beach
- Hikes and Horseback-riding
- Andrew Molera State Park
Where to Stay:
To save money, it is wise to stay in Monterey at somewhere like the Monterey Marriott which is a 40 minute drive. Because Big Sur is secluded, hotels near it are limited and very pricey. Plus, Monterey is a family friendly town with an aquarium, a pier and more to do than staying in Big Sur.
1. Avalon, Santa Catalina Island
Feels like: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Places in California that look like Italy:
It boggles my mind that a place like this exists so close to home! It is without a doubt the best places in California that looks like Europe. Our kids felt like they had walked into the movie Luca. Part of the magic of visiting Catalina Island is that the only way to get there is by ferry and visitors aren’t allowed to drive cars. Most residents get around by golf cart! If you’re just doing a day trip, renting a golf cart is a little pricey at $50/hour but it’s worth it for an hour or two to explore the island and see some very picturesque vistas. But if you’re staying for a few days, many of the hotels and condos come with a golf cart for you to use while you’re there.
Make sure to check out this DAY TRIP TO CATALINA ISLAND ITINERARY for all the best things to do.
The town of Avalon sits right on the water and you can walk the whole town starting from where the ferry arrives. There are some charming restaurants and shops and the style has a very Mediterranean feel to it. We loved the turquoise pier and eating fish and chips right on the beach.
Bonus: another place with an Italian feel is the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco!
Money-saving tip: take the Catalina Flyer out of Newport Beach and use this Groupon (valid Mon-Thurs).
So, if you’re looking for a European-ish vacation without actually going to flying overseas and spending a ton of money, look no further than these places in California that look like Europe.
For more ideas of cool places to visit in California, check out our California Bucket List with the top 100 family-friendly things to do in California!
XOXO
Brittany and JJ