California is packed with small towns that look like they were pulled straight from a movie, from the sun-soaked Scandinavian charm of Solvang to alpine escapes like June Lake. Now, one of the Golden State’s quirkiest and most beloved destinations is getting a national spotlight for its Old West atmosphere and creative desert scene.
Pioneertown was included in Country Living’s annual 10 Best Small Towns in America list for 2026, making it one of the 10 best small towns in the country and the only California destination to make the cut.
Pioneertown: a Western movie set you can actually visit
Tucked into the high desert near Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneertown was literally built for the movies. Established in 1946, the town was designed as a backdrop for Western films and TV shows, complete with an 1880s-style Main Street where Hollywood cowboys could supposedly kick off their boots after filming.
The heart of town is Mane Street, a pedestrian- and horse-friendly stretch lined with Old West storefronts. Visitors can start at the Pioneertown Film Museum before browsing cowboy hats, boots, and vintage belt buckles at the Pioneertown General Store.
The town’s creative side is just as compelling. Soukie Modern sells Moroccan rugs and textiles, while Xēba Botánica offers locally made natural skincare products. For food and drinks, Red Dog Saloon serves Tex-Mex, with Sunday evenings bringing honky-tonk music and jalapeño-infused margaritas.
And then there’s the music. Pioneertown’s legendary Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace has hosted everyone from Paul McCartney to Robert Plant, making this tiny desert town an unlikely live-music destination.
For an overnight stay, the historic Pioneertown Motel offers hammocks and plenty of desert atmosphere. Country Living also notes that Gene Autry once played poker there until dawn.
Beyond this beloved and one-of-a-kind desert town, here’s the full lineup of America’s 10 best small towns for 2026:
- Waverly, Alabama
- Livingston, Montana
- Paoli, Wisconsin
- Taos, New Mexico
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Leesburg, Virginia
- Alpine, Texas
- North Branch, New York
- Pioneertown, California
- Pella, Iowa
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