Some folks think that Fillmore is the last, best small town in Southern California.
Fillmore's motto is more than words. Sunset Magazine named Fillmore one of "The West's Best Cities", an honor given to only 24 communities in the western U.S.
Fillmore, the last unspoiled small town in Southern California, is nestled in the heart of the Heritage Valley among lush citrus groves. Fillmore was founded over a hundred years ago beside a Southern Pacific railroad station and today, when Hollywood is looking for the nostalgic feeling of a small town, this is where they film!
Meanwhile, neighboring
Santa Paula is nestled among the lemon, orange, and avocado orchards of the Heritage Valley, the last great citruscape in California. Rising to the north and south of the city, the picturesque San Cayetano and Oakridge mountain ranges are incised by the free-flowing waters of Santa Paula Creek and the Santa Clara River.
Santa Paula celebrates its heritage and culture with special events throughout the year! From the Santa Paula Art and Photography Show in February to the year-end downtown Christmas Parade, there is a fun family event for everyone. Santa Paula prides itself on its annual attractions like the De Colores Art Show & Festival in the spring, the Citrus Festival and the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival in July, Moonlight at the Ranch in the Fall and the Pumpkin Patch at Faulkner Farm throughout October.
As the initial headquarters of the Union Oil Company of California,
Santa Paula was one of the early centers of California's enormous
petroleum industry.