Do you ever find yourself exploring the same parts of Southern California over and over again? It's easy to be drawn to the familiar and return to places that are only a short drive from where we live; but wouldn't it be fun to hop in the car and head to a new town in SoCal in the middle of nowhere and explore for a day?

That's exactly what we did and we discovered a new place that was so worth the journey. Take a look at this little gem in Southern California that we think you might want to explore, too.

The town of Santa Ysabel may be small, but it's definitely large in the charm department. Located along Highway 78 and 79, it's out in the middle of nowhere, but it's worth a drive to experience for yourself.

One of the first things you'll want to do in Santa Ysabel is grab a slice of pie. You might think you have to head to Julian to enjoy the Julian Pie Company, but you can devour a piece of the best baked pies and baked goods on the planet right here in Santa Ysabel.

Julian Pie Company is located at 21976 Hwy 79 in the heart of Santa Ysabel.

The Santa Ysabel Store and Backcountry Visitor Center, located at 30275 Hwy 78, is one place you won't want to miss.

Dating back to 1884, this store is quite the landmark in the center of town. Fully remodeled and updated but still maintaining its original charm, this is one destination that will give you a taste of what Santa Ysabel was like in the good ol' days.

For nature lovers, you'll be delighted to find the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve. You can hike along picturesque trails, relax for a picnic, and enjoy the wildlife all around you.

Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve is located at 29300 Highway 78.

The Barn Vintage Marketplace, located at 4559 California 78, is a wonderful place to shop and browse for unique and vintage treasures.

After all that shopping, hiking, and nature exploring, you're bound to work up an appetite. The Apple Country Restaurant is where you'll want to stop to grab a bite to eat in the heart of town. You'll find all sorts of comfort food here that will make you feel right at home.

You can find The Apple Country Restaurant at 30270 Hwy 78.

If you explore Santa Ysabel on a Sunday, you'll find a farmers market worth exploring. On Sundays from 12-4, the Santa Ysabel Farmers Market is filled with all sorts of fresh produce from local farms. You can find the market at 21877 Washington Street right off Hwy 78.

And last but not least, you'll want to visit Dudley's Bakery. Consistently voted as one of the best bakeries in San Diego County, this local bakery has been whipping up some of the best local bread and baked goods around since 1963.

Make sure to stop in while visiting Santa Ysabel and grab a loaf of freshly baked bread to take back home. Dudley's Bakery is located at 30218 Hwy 78.

Have you ever been to Santa Ysabel? It's positively delightful! If you haven't had a chance to explore it for yourself, make sure to plan a day to hop in the car and take in the charm of this small town out in the middle of nowhere.

What are some of your favorite places to explore in Southern California that are out in the middle of nowhere? Please share in the comments as we'd love to know!