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Embarking on a journey to the oldest towns in Southern California is like stepping into a living history book. As you wander through the narrow streets and gaze upon the centuries-old buildings, a sense of awe and wonder engulfs you. In San Diego, the birthplace of California, you can explore the storied Mission San Diego de Alcalá and immerse yourself in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. In San Juan Capistrano, the echoes of Spanish influence resonate at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, where time seems to stand still. These oldest towns in Southern California offer a glimpse into the region's past.

San Diego

Established in 1769 by Spanish explorers, San Diego, California, is significant in California's past. As you explore the city, you'll encounter remnants of its colonial past, including the iconic Mission San Diego de Alcalá. This historic Spanish mission stands as a testament to the town's origins. The Gaslamp Quarter, with its Victorian-era buildings, offers a glimpse into San Diego's bustling past. Explore the city's historical heart at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which transports you back to the early days of Spanish colonization. Stroll along the Embarcadero, soaking in bay views and visiting iconic landmarks like the USS Midway Museum. Explore and enjoy San Diego's past and present.

Los Angeles

Offering a blend of history and culture that will captivate visitors, Los Angeles's history stretches back centuries since established in 1781. The largest city in California, the area that is Los Angeles, originally belonged to the Tongva and Chumash Native American tribes. You can visit the beautiful Mission San Gabriel Arcángel or stroll through the colorful marketplace of Olvera Street, where you can find authentic Mexican cuisine and unique souvenirs. The nearby El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is a must-see, featuring a collection of historic buildings from the city's early days. Sunny beaches, Hollywood glam, and delicious food – LA has it all!

San Juan Capistrano

A town that grew around the mission of converting indigenous people to Christianity, San Juan Capistrano, California, history dates back over 200 years. A visit to San Juan Capistrano should include exploring the iconic landmark of Mission San Juan Capistrano, known as "The Jewel of the Missions." Nearby you will find the Los Rios Historic District, charming adobe houses, and colorful gardens. In addition to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park and Los Rios Park, visitors can stroll along the San Juan Creek Trail or meander through the verdant gardens.

Santa Barbara

With a presence and influence still honored and celebrated in the Santa Barbara community, the Chumash people were the first settlers of the Santa Barbara area, with the region soon falling under Mexican rule in 1822 and American power in 1848. Today, visitors can enjoy the Santa Barbara Waterfront, where you can bask in the coastal beauty or walk along Stearns Wharf, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Stroll down State Street, and explore the eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and boutiques, offering everything from designer brands to local crafts. Escape the bustling streets and appreciate the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Embrace Santa Barbara and create unforgettable memories.

Ventura

Ventura, California, was established in the late 18th century with the arrival of Spanish settlers and the establishment of Mission San Buenaventura in 1782. The Ventura County Museum of History and Art offers visitors a chance to delve deeper into the region's heritage, showcasing artifacts and exhibitions that tell the story of Ventura's past. The town boasts many parks, including the Ventura Botanical Gardens, Grant Park, and the Ventura Harbor Village, where visitors can explore hiking trails, relax on scenic beaches, or embark on a boat excursion to witness the breathtaking coastal landscape. As you wander through its streets, immerse yourself in the tales of early settlers, admire the architectural gems, and embrace the vibrant cultural scene.

San Gabriel

Step back in time and discover the captivating history of San Gabriel, California, where tales of Native Tongva heritage, Spanish missions, and cultural legacies intertwine in a tapestry of historical significance. The annual San Gabriel Mission Fiesta pays homage to the town's Spanish and Mexican roots, featuring traditional music, dance, and delicious cuisine. Visit the magnificent Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, a cornerstone of California's colonial past and marvel at its impressive architecture, explore the peaceful gardens, and gain insight into the lives of the early settlers. Attend a San Gabriel Mission Playhouse performance, participate in community events celebrating the town's heritage, stroll through Vincent Lugo Park, or sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Riverside

Uncover the fascinating history of Riverside, California, where tales of citrus groves, the birth of the California citrus industry, and a pioneering spirit converge amidst scenic beauty. Prominent horticulturist Eliza Tibbets planted two Washington Navel orange trees in Riverside in 1873, marking the birth of an empire. Stroll through the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which boasts stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The Riverside Art Museum showcases contemporary art and hosts a variety of special exhibits throughout the year. Mount Rubidoux Park and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park are parks and reservoirs for nature lovers. Visiting the old town of Riverside is a fun and exciting trip to California.

Anaheim

Disney and theme park lovers will love Anaheim, California. A town founded by German immigrants in 1857 did not become the home of the original Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park until 1955. Take a walk down Main Street, USA, and ride the iconic attractions like Space Mountain and Piratown. There is also the Anaheim Packing District, a hip food hall with over 20 artisanal food vendors, and the Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home of the MLB's Los Angeles Angels. Yorba Regional Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails, while Anaheim Coves Nature Preserve provides scenic river views and hiking trails. Visiting Anaheim is genuinely a dream come true.

San Bernardino

After discovering gold in nearby Holcomb Valley in San Bernardino, California, they witnessed a gold rush in the mid-19th century. With many flocking to the area to gain riches, the city also emerged in the citrus industry, pushing the population and economy to new growth. In addition to the San Bernardino Asistencia and California Theater of Performing Arts, visitors can also visit other iconic landmarks. Indulge in classic American comfort food, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, or try international flavors worldwide. Visit nearby parks and green spaces, such as Perris Hill Park or Seccombe Lake Park, where you can stroll, picnic, or relax amidst the beauty of nature.

Redlands

The land where Redlands, California, now stands was inhabited by the Serrano and Cahuilla Native American tribes. Amidst the area's natural splendor, these indigenous communities formed a deep connection with the land and left a cultural imprint still felt today. Today, visitors can stroll through the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, a stunning example of French Château architecture, or explore the Morey Mansion, a beloved local landmark. Enjoy the majestic peaks and cascading waterfalls in the San Bernardino National Forest, or explore the lush flora at Smiley Park, a historical Redlands Conservancy park with lush vegetation. The iconic Redlands Bowl is a venue for concerts and plays that visitors can enjoy.

Next UpExplore 11 most picturesque small towns in Southern California.

From the sun-soaked shores of San Diego to the picturesque streets of San Juan Capistrano, Ventura, and Riverside, each town offers a unique glimpse into the past. The well-preserved missions, charming architecture, and intriguing stories within these towns transport us to a bygone era, evoking nostalgia and appreciation for Southern California. Whether exploring the birthplace of California or wandering through the historic streets of the inland settlements, celebrate the diverse tapestry of the region's past.

Whenever I visit Central California, there is one coastal city at the top of my “Must-Visit’’ list: Ventura. Think small-town beach vibes where artists-in-residence, professional thrifters and leisurely surfers coexist within their own unhurried circadian rhythms. In a way, our own Small Lake City has a kinship with Ventura. Everyone knows everyone, and it’s nearly impossible to pass a stranger without offering a quick head nod or polite, “Hi there!” But you can’t deny that some things—amusement parks, farmer’s markets and women’s rights, to name a few—are just better in California. I know we love to hate on California but it’s time to explore another city, one that makes the case for the Golden State.

Scenic coastline views, endless outdoor adventures and Main Street hotspots have made Ventura a cultural hive—one that was named the most desirable place to live in America in 2015 based on the USDA’s index ranking the “natural aspects of attractiveness.”

The intrinsic appeal of the city has drawn individuals for hundreds of years, including Saint Junipero Serra who established California’s ninth mission San Buenaventura in 1782. The Mission is named after the Italian Saint Bonaventure, who is known for both the exclamation of “O Good Fortune!” that gave the mission its Spanish name and also, cringingly, as the Patron Saint of bowel disorders. (How’s that for a Biblical contradiction?) The area became a thriving agricultural hub and was officially incorporated into California in 1873. Today, the Mission remains a defining feature of Ventura’s downtown district and offers tours daily. Stop in between sunrise and sunset to tour the lush gardens and restored artifact collection.

Long before Ventura’s official induction into the California cool kids club, it was home to the indigenous Chumash tribe, whose thriving territory spanned the coastline from Malibu to Paso Robles. For 10,000 years their maritime lifestyle manifested advanced building techniques, transportation methods and knowledge of astronomy. Often regarded as the most unique on the continent, many Chumash traditions have been preserved and re-created at Wishtoyo’s Chumash Village in neighboring Malibu. The living museum offers a glimpse of authentic Chumash life with traditional storytelling, hands-on activities, ‘Ap dwellings, and Tomol canoes.

Considering its deep historical roots, it’s only natural that Ventura nurtures a connection to the past. Furthering a sense of nostalgia, several thrift and consignment shops line downtown’s Main Street. While unassuming on the outside, Coalition Thrift Store and SPARC Second Chance Store house an impressive collection of clothes and furniture. Plus, each donates a portion of proceeds to victims of domestic violence and no-kill animal shelters respectively. One short block away, Goodwill is an obligatory pitstop for any credible thrifter. If on-trend and vintage fashion is what you’re after, Throwback Junction and Buffalo Exchange promise a brand name bargain or a too-good-to-pass-up novelty find (read: neon light-up daisy backpack).

Trading the chaos of Los Angeles for Ventura’s soothing scenery, many creatives call the coastal town home. The influx of artistic flair is embodied in countless galleries and artist’s spaces, like the Bell Arts Factory—a grassroots community housing ceramicists, painters and writers that invites the public to experience artists at work. Other creative sanctuaries include Art City Studios, Working Artists of Ventura and Vita Art Center. Peruse Main Street for a mix of fine art and photographic galleries like Latitudes Gallery and H Gallery + Studios.

And if you really want to blend in with the locals, visit the city during their ArtWalk event in October. Now in its 27th year, ArtWalk is a free self-guided tour of pop-up venues and galleries, studios and more. To find more information on this year’s participating artists and experiences, visit ArtWalk’s website.

The Channel Islands are home to 150 endemic species of seabirds, mammals and predators, earning them the nickname the “Galapagos of North America.” Seeds carried by birds, island foxes carried over by Chumash canoes and wild game planted by well-heeled sportsmen have culminated in biodiversity found little elsewhere on earth. Having recovered from the brink of extinction only a few years ago, the Dwarf Santa Rosa Island fox is a personal favorite. (House-cat sized AND easily tamed? I need to speak with my landlord.)

Experiencing Ventura wouldn’t be complete without strolling down Main Street and pursuing whatever sight, smell or sound calls to you. Now extending in 2024, the city has closed off five blocks (from the mission to Fir Street) to accommodate a pedestrian-only promenade. Think Salt Lake’s Open Streets but with less inebriated Greek lifers and more sandy-toed and slightly-stoned surfers. (I’ll take that trade!)

It’s practically law to start with brunch—this is SoCal after all. Grab a bacon flight at Immigrant Son Caffe and don’t shy from the breakfast lasagna. Also, sangria and lots of it. Fuel up with an ancho chili mocha at Palermo and grab a gluten-free donut while you’re at it.

For midday sunbathing, hit the patio at Paradise Pantry. Choose from five artisan cheese boards paired with certified California vino. They also offer regional wine and cheese tours so you can sip your way through Greece, Spain and Italy. If your vibe is less caviar-meets-cabernet and more I-need-a-beer-right-now, head up to Fluid State Beer Garden for sourdough pizza and rotation beer selection. Other brew hubs include Poseidon Brewery Company, Madewest Brewing Company and Barrelhouse 101.

When it’s officially cocktail hour, visit The Saloon, a western-style bar, for a seasonal libation and an all-vegan menu. (I did say “western-style.”) Inside a historic building, Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust serves Italian-inspired drinks named to match the many wizard motifs found inside. (Gandalf the Grey-Hound was my personal fave). Go full beach-mode at Ventiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai where authentic Mai Tais are paired with spam musubi and surfer tunes.

For dinner, take advantage of fresh coastal seafood at Lure Fish House or Rumfish Y Vino. Spencer Makenzie’s has the best fish tacos in Ventura and homemade chowder to boot. For a romantic Italian dinner, visit Barrel 33 or grab a casual bite at Thai/Korean fusion restaurant Asiatique Eatery.

Considering their nearly 273 sunny days per year, Ventura is a town quite literally made of the outdoors. Sweeping beaches and a wealth of surf breaks offer a haven to surfers, who can find beginner to advanced waves at Mondo’s, Ventura Point and South Jetty. Ventura is also a great launch point for whale watching during their migration period, and the folks at Island Packer’s offer whole and half-day trips.

If you feel a true call to the wild, the nearby Channel Islands promise untamed adventure and sweet solitude. One of America’s least visited National Parks, the string of five islands can be explored via kayak or on foot. Paddle into sea caves, snorkel around the coast or embark on a remote camping excursion. Roam the sandy beaches and craggy cliffs of San Miguel island, once the home of pygmy mammoths and the Arlington Springs Man—the oldest human remains discovered in North America. Or, take in the vast ocean views from Anacapa island, where Seussical wildflowers paint the hills in splendor. At the end of your adventure, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the sunset. Are you in the golden state of mind yet?

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Home > Case Studies > Ventura, California: Affordable Farmworker Housing Designed for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency

In 1992, Thelma Hansen left her assets to the University of California “to support and maintain research and affiliated activities that support the sustainability and benefit of agriculture and natural resources in Ventura County.” The estate included a 36-acre property in Ventura, California, a mid-size coastal city approximately 65 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. In 2015, the university sold the property to support the Hansen Trust’s programs and prepared a site plan for a predominately residential neighborhood “based on the principles of smart growth, sustainable development, and traditional neighborhood design.” This portion of the site was developed with more than 100 single-family houses as well as 34 row houses and public green space. With strong advocacy from House Farm Workers!, the university donated a 1.4-acre portion of the site to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) for farmworker housing. The affordable housing development, known as Rancho Verde, opened in 2019 with 23 apartments for farmworkers with very low and extremely low incomes. The project was designed in a sustainable and climate-conscious manner capable of generating energy on site. Rancho Verde won a 2020 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Award and received LEED Platinum certification.

Housing for Farmers

The one- to four-bedroom apartments in Rancho Verde are spread across 11 one- and two-story buildings. Of the development’s 24 units, 3 are reserved for households earning up to 30 percent of the area median income (AMI), 6 are for those earning up to 45 percent of AMI, and 14 are for those making up to 50 percent of AMI, with one manager’s unit. All of the apartments include a full kitchen with a stove, oven, and dishwasher. The two-unit buildings frame courtyards with seating. A common building has a computer learning center, kitchen, and community room. Rancho Verde is HACSB’s only development dedicated to farmworkers.

Ventura County’s $2 billion agriculture industry is the 11th largest in the nation employing approximately 42,000 workers to harvest strawberries, lemons, avocados, peppers, and other crops. These workers, many of whom are immigrants, make an average of $22,000 a year while the median yearly rent in the county is more than $20,000. The high cost of housing has forced many workers to live in substandard and overcrowded units as well as garages and sheds. The county and the city have acknowledged the need for affordable farmworker housing in their housing plans and subsequent ordinances. For example, in 2012, the city council amended the zoning code to permit housing for farmers by right in agricultural zoning districts, starting with an allowance of up to 12 dwelling units on parcels of at least 40 acres.

Sustainable Design

Rancho Verde incorporated numerous sustainable methods and technologies to receive LEED Platinum certification. This included recycling or diverting nearly 80 percent of the waste from construction. Ceiling and roof designs also reduced the amount of framing materials. Rancho Verde’s buildings also have low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets to conserve water. A greywater system recycles about 600 gallons of water each day from laundry machines. This system, along with the drought tolerant plants, reduces the strain on the water supply while also saving residents money. The development was designed to operate at net zero energy. Roofs were shaped to maximize southern exposure and were covered in photovoltaic panels to offset the community’s energy use. Although the development can take energy from the electric grid when needed, the photovoltaic system provides energy back to the grid. A portion of the solar energy is stored in a battery that powers the community room in the evening or during emergencies. To further Rancho Verde’s goal of sustainability, the development was built to be all electric, in combination with using ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers. This nevertheless created a challenge because electric clothes dryers and water heaters are generally more expensive to operate than gas appliances and required enlarging the photovoltaic system, according to Shane Hansen, an associate principal at the sustainability consulting firm Green Dinosaur. The buildings’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are also energy efficient. To ensure all these features are used to their best advantage, residents receive green training. Upon moving in, all residents and the building manager walk through the house to get familiar with its sustainable features; each household also receives a manual on how to make sustainable lifestyle choices.

Financing Rancho Verde

The development cost about $14 million, which was financed through three primary sources (table 1). Most of the funding was low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity. In addition, HACSB provided two loans, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported the project with a Section 514 loan. USDA also supplements farmers’ rents so that no one pays more than 30 percent of their income in rent.

Table 1: Financing for Rancho Verde

Sustainable Living

Hansen also credits the development team for going beyond the state’s and USDA’s sustainable requirements. For example, the USDA loan required the development to produce on site at least 80 percent of the energy consumed, but the photovoltaic system was designed to more than offset the site’s total energy load. Similarly, the loan stipulated that the greywater system had to provide at least 50 percent of the site’s irrigation water, yet the system was designed to provide all of Rancho Verde’s irrigation needs. Furthermore, the development was designed to use less than 75 percent of the state’s 2013 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards before factoring in the photovoltaic panels, and Hansen believes Rancho Verde would likely comply with the forthcoming 2022 version of the standards. The development’s energy-saving features have reduced residents’ energy bills by approximately $800 a year. Although Rancho Verde was HACSB’s first net zero and all electric development, the agency has similar affordable housing projects underway. According to Karen Flock, the deputy director for real estate development at HACSB, the agency plans all future housing projects to be net zero.

The Mission Basilica San Buenaventura becomes the sixth Minor Basilica in the State of California, and the 88th in the United States.

“With all praise and glory to God, Pope Francis has elevated Mission San Buenaventura to the status of a Minor Basilica, the first basilica in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.” The announcement of the papal honour was made on the Mission’s website on Wednesday, the feast of St Bonaventure.

The Mission San Buenaventura was founded on Easter Sunday, 31 March 1782, by Fra Junipero Serra. It was the ninth and last of the historic missions founded by the Franciscan saint. The original church building was destroyed by fire, and construction of a second church was abandoned when “the door gave way.” The present church was begun in 1792, but not completed until 1809. The Church was dedicated on 9 September of that year, with the first Sunday liturgy celebrated the following day.

The Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura

“This is holy ground”

News of Pope Francis’s decision to raise the Mission to the status of a Basilica was communicated to the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop José Goméz, on June 30. Following the announcement, Archbishop Goméz celebrated a special Mass at the Mission, joined by regional Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron and Father Tom Elewuat, San Buenaventura’s pastor.

During the liturgy, Archbishop Gomez explained, “When the Pope designates a basilica, it means this is holy ground, that something beautiful and important in the history of salvation happened here.” The designation of a church as a minor Basilica is a recognition of its importance in the pastoral life of the local Church, often because of its historical significance, its status as a shrine, or because of the presence of major relics of a saint or of a notably venerated sacred image.

New ways of evangelization

Churches with the title of Minor Basilica are marked in a special way by their connection to the Pope and the Church of Rome, and so serve as a sign and symbol of the universality of the Church. Basilicas are granted the privilege of an “ombrellino” – a red and yellow, cone-shaped canopy — and a “tintinnabulum,” a bell mounted on a pole that can be carried in processions. Basilicas are also permitted to use the crossed “papal keys” on banners and signs.

Commenting on the Mission’s new status as a Basilica, the pastor, Fr Elewuat, said, “This is going to put a greater responsibility on the parish leadership and the people of the parish to discover new ways of evangelization in the spirit of St. Junípero Serra and St. Bonaventure.”

The pastor of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura voiced his concerns to Ventura County officials about “inaccurate, inflammatory testimony” targeting the legacy of St. Junípero Serra that led to the removal of the Franciscan missionary’s likeness from the county seal earlier this year.

“The missions in California remain a testament to the founding of Western civilization and the introduction of the Catholic faith — which most Indigenous descendants in California profess,” said Father Thomas Elewaut in remarks to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Sept. 20.

On May 24, 2022, the supervisors voted 4-1 to approve a new county seal depicting Anacapa's Arch Rock, a landmark near the county’s Channel Islands. In addition to an image of St. Junípero, the new seal also removed images referring to the oil industry, sailing, agriculture and atomic energy that were in the original seal.

The pastor has said that he “disagrees strongly” with why the decision to remove the saint from the seal was made and “finds the motive at variance with the facts.”

Father Elewaut, who also serves as director of Historic Mission Sites for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, told the supervisors that he was offering the clarifications “in the spirit of dialogue.” He cited the research of several secular historians in his remarks, including Drs. Rose Marie Beebe and Robert Senkewicz of Santa Clara University, Gregory Orfalea (formerly of the Claremont Colleges) and retired University of Redlands historian Dr. James Sandos.

Among the claims refuted by Father Elewaut is that St. Junipero was responsible for genocide of California’s native peoples.

“Comparison [of Franciscan acts] to genocide is false. The U.S. Government paying people to slaughter others, that’s genocide,” said Father Elewaut, quoting Dr. Sandos.

The priest also cited research showing that contrary to claims made by some activists, indigenous peoples were not forced into the mission system under St. Junípero.

“They voluntarily came in for a variety of reasons that ranged from disorientation due to smallpox and other diseases that were ravaging their villages, to protection from inter-tribal warfare to clothing and food,” said Father Elewaut.

The mission system was active in areas comprising just one quarter of California’s native population at the time, the priest said. He cited research estimating that only about 10 percent of natives ever fled the missions.

“We may ask ourselves: If things were so bad, why did 90 percent stay?” said Father Elewaut at the meeting.

Father Elewaut concluded his remarks by thanking the board “for the opportunity to correct an inaccurate, inflammatory testimony about Junípero Serra that appears to have contributed to actions that do not conform to the facts.”