The thing about college towns is that they tend to have a little bit more of a creative and cultural atmosphere - and usually some great independent businesses, from cafes to shops to museums and more. If you ask me, all of that makes for a great place to sneak away for a weekend. Each of these five college towns in Southern California has a unique personality and plenty of cool and interesting things to do.

1. Long Beach

For a relaxed beach town vibe with the attractions of a city, and practically perfect weather all year long, you can’t get much better than Long Beach, CA. Home to one of the largest Cal State University campuses and a nationally recognized art museum, this small city truly has something for everyone, starting with fantastic shopping and dining options - I highly recommend The Attic, an off-the-beaten-path restaurant with an incredible menu full of upscale comfort food for both brunch and dinner.

You can visit the renowned Aquarium of the Pacific, tour the historic Queen Mary oceanliner, stroll along pretty beaches, and explore the picturesque waterfront communities of Naples and Belmont shores, just to name a few of the many things to do in town. There are plenty of options for an overnight stay, from high-end hotels to charming vacation rentals like this sweet Belmont Shore home.

2. Claremont

Claremont is your quintessential college town within the city of Los Angeles, often referred to as the "city of trees and PhDs." The town, which is home to several prestigious colleges, is marked by charming tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a walkable downtown Village. Stroll the town to discover cool galleries and public art pieces, vintage shops, and boutique stores, as well as delightful cafes and coffee houses. Visit the old packing house repurposed as home to an eclectic collection of shops and restaurants. Attend fun outdoor art shows and music events held throughout the year and connect with nature, whether you prefer hiking, skiing, horseback riding, or strolling through a botanical garden. Consider a stay right in Claremont Village at Hotel Casa 425 as your home base for the weekend.

3. Pasadena

Pasadena, like Long Beach, is technically a city, but it has a true small-town feel and is full of beautifully preserved history, culture, and gorgeous architecture, an example of which is the historic Pasadena City Hall. This charming city is known for its Old Town district where you’ll find stunning Victorian and Art Deco structures, quaint alleys, tiny brick buildings, and world-class shopping and dining options - including a must-visit (but slightly tricky to find) speakeasy. 

Pasadena also has a truly unique neighborhood known as “Bungalow Heaven,” an entire community that was named a Historic Landmark District and is characterized by tree-lined streets and over 1,000 craftsman-style bungalow homes from the 1900s. After a day of exploring, eating, and browsing, settle in for a luxurious hotel stay at the Langham Huntington.

4. Redlands

Sitting at the base of the San Bernardino mountains and once known for its sprawling citrus groves, Redlands is now a bustling town full of small businesses, vibrant street murals, a whimsical umbrella alley, and charming historic buildings. You'll love browsing the amazing Saturday farmers market, exploring lush parks and gardens, and enjoying lively theater entertainment. If you are interested in history and architecture, visit gorgeous gems like the historic Smiley Library and the Victorian Kimberly Crest House. Several hotels make for a comfortable weekend stay, but I love this stunning historic Airbnb (and so do past renters!) within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.

5. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara - with its beautiful sandy beaches, palm trees, signature red tile roofs, and Spanish architecture - is like a world of its own. Spend a day strolling down State Street exploring its many shops, ducking into hidden plazas, grabbing a bite or drinks at a sidewalk cafe, and following it down to Stearns Wharf over the water. Take in one of the most incredible views in Southern California from the top of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. And spend some time wandering around what is known as the Funk Zone, an artsy neighborhood near the beach with cool public art, an urban wine trail, art galleries, local boutiques, and delicious coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. 

Santa Barbara is also home to a rare piece of SoCal history known as Painted Cave as well as a unique botanical garden called Lotusland - reservations are required, but it is so worth planning ahead to visit. As for where to spend the night, consider a room at the luxurious Mediterranean-style Kimpton Canary Hotel.

So, which of these Southern California college towns will be your next weekend getaway? Do you have another favorite college town? We'd love to hear about it! Share your best recommendations with us in the comments.