5 California towns that are dupes for these European hot spots

While the lure of a European summer endures, one expert says these California locations deliver old-world charm without the expense or hassle of international travel.

Travel enthusiast Daniella Bragg recently highlighted a fistful of California destinations that are near-dupes of popular Euro locales.

Bragg’s recommendations come as travel costs are climbing and European ports of call are increasingly besieged by hordes of tourists seeking the same damnable selfie.

Here are her California picks for getting your Euro fix.

Catalina Island /Amalfi Coast

Just south of Naples, the postcard towns along Italy’s Amalfi Coast have long been destinations for those seeking a taste of the good life, from Elizabeth Taylor to Kylie Jenner.

But with the rise of influencer travel, these locations have become more of a nightmare stampede than a sweet refuge, making California’s Catalina Island a contender with similar vibes and less maddening crowds.

A 76-square-mile island, anchored by perfectly crescent-shaped Avalon Bay, Catalina features steep cliffs, color-drenched villas and a mild climate that make it a kind of domestic dolce vita.

“Catalina Island transports you to the Amalfi Coast with beautiful clear waters and a Mediterranean feel,” emphasized Bragg.

Earlier this summer, the iconic isle, also known as the ‘Caribbean of California,’ and the ‘Amalfi Coast of Orange County‘ earned its place among Travel + Leisure’s best islands in the continental US.

Big Pine Lakes /Switzerland

Bragg shared that Big Pine Lakes in the Golden State’s Eastern Sierras are a high-altitude dupe that takes visitors “straight from California to the mountains and turquoise lakes you’d find all around Switzerland.”

Other experts muse that the 8.6-mile out-and -back trail to Big Pine Lakes is among the best in the state, recommending that visitors plan to spend the night to see both sunset and sunrise below the Alps-esque Temple Crag.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve /Mallorca

Bragg notes that while Mallorca, the Balearic island 125 miles off the coast of Spain, “is known for its cliff-lined swimming coves,” similar scenery can be found at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Monterey County.

This cinematic spot affords spectacular views over the Pacific.

Bonus: from the shore you can spot sea otters, harbor seals and even gray whales during their December-to-May migration.

Put that in your paella, Spain.