California surprised me in ways I never expected. Everyone knows Hollywood and the Golden Gate Bridge, but my jaw actually dropped in places like Ojai, where the mountains literally turn pink at sunset while locals casually played guitar at a nearby winery like it’s no big deal. And Point Arena? I stood on coastal bluffs watching whales with nobody else around, seriously questioning why this spot wasn’t packed.
After exploring this massive state for years, I’ve found some of the best places in California that tourists usually miss. The Tufa Towers at Mono Lake made me feel like I’d landed on Mars, and hiking the Trinity Alps without seeing another person for hours felt almost illegal in a state with 40 million people. These 12 spots proved California has way more magic than those cheesy Hollywood tours ever hinted at.
Must-Visit Places in California
Looking to uncover California’s hidden gems? From the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park to the rugged beauty of the Alabama Hills, the Golden State offers a plethora of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored.
Wander through the enchanting landscapes of Point Reyes National Seashore, marvel at the alien-like Tufa Towers of Mono Lake, or stroll the charming streets of Ojai. Explore the serene trails of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the historic allure of Nevada City, or the pristine shores of Point Arena. Whether you’re into nature, history, or unique adventures, here are 12 of California’s most underrated destinations!
1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Ever stood face-to-face with a 350-ton metal dragon in the middle of a desert wildflower bloom? Welcome to California’s most surreal landscape.
Just two hours east of San Diego lies California’s largest state park, where otherworldly landscapes await. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park transforms into a wildflower paradise each spring, but its year-round appeal comes from the surreal metal sculptures scattered across the desert floor.
Over 130 of artist Ricardo Breceda’s creations emerge from the sand like desert mirages. For the best experience, base yourself in the quirky town of Borrego Springs and explore Font’s Point at sunrise. I’ve never seen desert vistas quite like this anywhere else in California.
Hikers should tackle the moderate Palm Canyon Trail leading to a hidden palm oasis. After dark, the internationally recognized dark sky park offers stellar stargazing. Visit between November and April to avoid scorching temperatures.
2. Lake Arrowhead
Need a mountain escape that doesn’t require crossing state lines or emptying your bank account? This alpine gem delivers cabin vibes just 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead offers alpine charm without the Tahoe crowds or prices. This private lake community centers around the quaint Lake Arrowhead Village, where waterfront dining and boutique shopping create a distinctly un-California mountain vibe.
While the lake itself remains private, visitors can experience the crystal-clear waters aboard the Arrowhead Queen, a narrated boat tour revealing hidden celebrity homes and mountain scenery. Hiking trails abound in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, with Heart Rock Trail offering rewarding views without punishing elevation gains.
The fall colors here rival New England’s, and winter brings light snow, perfect for ambiance without requiring chains. I’ve found midweek visits feel like discovering a secret mountain town hiding in plain sight.
3. Solvang
Craving European charm without the jet lag? This Danish village hidden in wine country serves up windmills, pastries, and vineyard views just hours from LA.
Transport yourself to Denmark without leaving California in this charming village nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara. Solvang’s windmills, half-timbered buildings, and European bakeries create an unexpected Danish oasis amid rolling wine country.
Sample authentic aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls) at Solvang Restaurant, then explore the surprisingly excellent Elverhøj Museum showcasing the town’s Danish heritage. Wine enthusiasts can explore the Santa Ynez Valley vineyards made famous in “Sideways,” with over 120 wineries within a 20-minute drive.
I particularly love visiting during the annual Danish Days festival when folk dancers and Viking reenactors take over the streets. For the perfect day trip, arrive early on weekdays to avoid tour buses and explore before the afternoon heat.
4. Salvation Mountain
Want to witness what happens when religious devotion meets desert psychedelia? This technicolor mountain stands as one man’s 28-year artistic pilgrimage.
Rising from the desert floor near the Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain stands as one man’s technicolor testament to faith and obsession. Located just outside Niland, about 90 minutes southeast of Palm Springs, this 50-foot tall painted adobe clay mountain represents Leonard Knight’s artistic mission.
The mountain’s psychedelic colors and biblical verses create a surreal sight against the stark desert landscape. Wander through the intricate maze of painted caves and rooms where every surface bursts with color and religious messages.
Photography enthusiasts will find endless compositions here, especially during the golden hour. While visiting, extend your adventure to nearby Slab City, a free-spirited off-grid community. I’ve never experienced a more striking juxtaposition of beauty and decay. Visit between November and March to avoid dangerous summer temperatures.
5. Channel Islands National Park
Imagine having an entire national park practically to yourself, with coastal views that rival Big Sur and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth—all just an hour from LA.
California’s most overlooked national park floats just 12 miles off the Ventura coast yet feels worlds away from mainland bustle. Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands, each offering pristine natural experiences without crowds, concessions, or cell service.
Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most accessible, delivers immediate rewards with its dramatic sea caves perfect for kayaking through Scorpion Anchorage. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot the rare island fox found nowhere else on earth.
I’ve found experienced hikers can tackle the challenging trail to Montañon Ridge for panoramic ocean views without another soul in sight. Plan ahead, as all visits require boat transportation via Island Packers from Ventura Harbor. Spring and fall offer perfect hiking weather and migrating whale sightings.
6. Julian
Looking for a mountain town where the scent of freshly baked apple pie replaces coastal fog and desert heat? This gold-rush hamlet delivers autumn vibes year-round.
Tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains just an hour east of San Diego, this former gold mining town delivers small-town charm with a delicious twist. Julian has reinvented itself as Southern California’s apple country, where orchards and pie shops replace the expected desert landscape at this 4,200-foot elevation.
Begin your visit at Julian Pie Company with a slice of their famous apple pie topped with cinnamon ice cream. I drive two hours just for this perfect combination. History buffs should explore the preserved Eagle Mining Co. with guided tours revealing the town’s gold rush origins.
Time your visit for apple picking season (September-October) when Volcan Valley Apple Farm offers u-pick adventures. Winter brings occasional snowfall, creating a surprising mountain getaway for snow-starved Southern Californians. The town makes an ideal base for exploring nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
7. Vasquez Rocks
Ever wondered where Captain Kirk battled the Gorn? These iconic tilted rocks have starred in more sci-fi shows than you can count, yet remain blissfully uncrowded.
Just 45 minutes north of Los Angeles, these dramatic tilted sandstone formations have starred in countless films yet remain surprisingly uncrowded. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area features 932 acres of otherworldly geology created by seismic activity along the San Andreas Fault.
Hike the easy 1-mile Geology Trail to experience the most iconic formations, including the famous 150-foot angled rock that appeared in everything from Star Trek to Blazing Saddles. History runs deep here, as the rocks were named after notorious bandit Tiburcio Vásquez, who used them as a hideout in the 1870s.
Visit the excellent Nature Center to learn about the area’s geology and Tataviam Native American history. I’ve found fall and spring weekdays practically deserted, creating a prehistoric playground all to yourself just minutes from LA’s urban sprawl.
8. El Matador Beach
Tired of sharing sand with thousands at Santa Monica and Venice? This dramatic cove offers sea caves, rock arches, and Instagram-worthy sunsets without the usual crowds.
Hidden along Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu and Ventura County, El Matador Beach ranks among Southern California’s most dramatic coastal settings. Massive sea stacks, wave-carved arches, and intimate coves create a photographer’s paradise just 10 miles northwest of Malibu Pier.
The steep staircase descent from the small parking lot deters casual beachgoers, rewarding those who make the effort with smaller crowds than nearby beaches. Explore the fascinating sea caves and rock formations accessible during low tide, but check tide charts carefully.
The golden hour before sunset transforms the beach into a magical landscape beneath the rocky archways. I’ve visited dozens of California beaches, but none match El Matador’s perfect combination of accessibility and raw natural beauty. Combine your visit with stops at neighboring La Piedra and El Pescador beaches for a full day of exploration.
9. The Integratron
What happens when you combine extraterrestrial inspiration, perfect acoustics, and crystal singing bowls in a wooden dome? The desert’s most mind-altering experience requires no substances.
Rising from the Mojave Desert like a retrofuturistic spaceship, this 38-foot tall white dome sits just 20 minutes north of Joshua Tree National Park in Landers. The Integratron was built in the 1950s by George Van Tassel, who claimed to receive instructions from extraterrestrial visitors.
Today, it hosts the famous Sound Baths using quartz crystal singing bowls that must be booked months in advance. The building’s remarkable acoustics create an experience where sound feels almost physical as it washes over you.
Before or after your sound bath, explore nearby Giant Rock, once considered the world’s largest freestanding boulder. For the full experience, pair your visit with a stop at Pioneertown. I’ve never experienced anything quite like lying inside this acoustic marvel while cosmic tones vibrate through your entire body.
10. Lotusland
Want to explore gardens designed by an eccentric Polish opera diva who spent her fortune creating living art? This botanical wonderland makes conventional gardens seem boring.
Hidden behind unassuming gates in Montecito just south of Santa Barbara lies one of America’s most extraordinary botanical gardens. Lotusland represents the 37-year vision of eccentric Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, who created 25 distinct garden areas across the 37-acre estate.
Advance reservations are required for guided tours showcasing the remarkable collection, including the dramatic Blue Garden filled with plants selected solely for their silver-blue coloration. The Japanese Garden features one of the most important collections of cycads in the world.
The theatrical Topiary Garden reveals Madame Walska’s flair for garden drama with its menagerie of living sculptures. I’ve visited world-famous gardens across five continents, but none match Lotusland’s eclectic artistic vision. Tours operate February through November with limited availability, so book well in advance.
11. Slab City
Ready to experience the “Last Free Place in America” where artists, outlaws, and dreamers create their own society far from civilization’s rules?
Beyond the realm of conventional travel lies this off-grid community 50 minutes north of the Mexican border near the dying Salton Sea. Slab City exists on abandoned concrete slabs from a former WWII Marine training facility, now home to artists, snowbirds, and those seeking life outside society’s constraints.
The community’s unofficial entrance welcomes visitors through Salvation Mountain before revealing this remarkable desert experiment. The settlement’s creative spirit shines at East Jesus, an outdoor art installation built entirely from discarded materials, and The Range, an open-air nightclub hosting Saturday night performances.
Accommodations are limited to primitive camping, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making winter visits ideal. I’ve found this raw, unfiltered slice of alternative living provides fascinating insight into those creating communities beyond conventional society.
12. Catalina Island
Dreaming of Mediterranean island hopping without the transatlantic flight? This island paradise sits just an hour from Los Angeles yet feels worlds away.
Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast yet worlds away from mainland bustle, Catalina Island offers Mediterranean vibes without international travel. Ferries from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Newport Beach deliver visitors to Avalon, the charming main town where golf carts replace cars on narrow streets lined with restaurants and shops.
Beyond Avalon’s waterfront scene, the island rewards adventurous travelers with unexpected wilderness. Book the guided Bison Expedition to track descendants of animals brought for a 1924 movie shoot, or hike sections of the challenging Trans-Catalina Trail for breathtaking coastal views.
For underwater exploration, Casino Point Dive Park offers Southern California’s best shore diving. I suggest staying overnight to experience Avalon after day-trippers depart. For a truly unique experience, secure permits for the primitive campground at Parsons Landing with spectacular sunset views toward the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Hidden Gems in California
Are you looking for more content about where to go in California? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about the most underrated places in CA.
Where is the prettiest place in California?
California is brimming with beautiful spots, making it hard to pick just one. From the coastal beauty of Big Sur to the alpine charm of Lake Tahoe, there’s no shortage of stunning places in California. However, many travelers and locals alike rave about McWay Falls in Big Sur, where an 80-foot waterfall cascades directly into the Pacific Ocean.
What hidden gem is 2 hours from Los Angeles?
A fantastic hidden gem roughly two hours from Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park. While it’s becoming more popular, there are still plenty of secluded spots within the park where you can admire the unique Joshua Trees, fascinating rock formations, and star-studded night skies, making it feel like a world away from the city hustle.
What is something special in California?
California is a treasure trove of unique attractions and experiences. One particularly special feature is its Redwood National and State Parks. These parks are home to the tallest trees on Earth, the ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants have been around for over 2,000 years. They reach heights of up to 379 feet. Walking among these towering trees, you can’t help but feel a profound sense of awe and connection to nature. The serene, cathedral-like groves offer a quiet respite from the modern world, making it a spiritual experience for many.
What California is most known for?
California is a state of many wonders. Here are five things it’s famous for:
- Beaches & Surfing: From the sun-kissed shores of Malibu to the surfer’s paradise in Huntington Beach, California’s coastline is legendary.
- Hollywood: The global entertainment capital, where stars are born and movies come to life.
- Napa Valley: Sip and savor some of the world’s best wines amidst rolling vineyards.
- Tech Innovations: Silicon Valley is the birthplace of tech giants like Apple and Google.
- Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path spots like Joshua Tree National Park and McWay Falls that offer unique Californian experiences.
Are there any underrated coastal destinations in California?
Certainly! While many are familiar with the renowned beaches, there are hidden coastal gems worth exploring. Mendocino, for instance, offers a harmonious blend of dramatic cliffs, historic architecture, and artisanal shops. On the other hand, Pismo Beach provides a unique experience with its drive-on beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the Pacific’s beauty up close.
What’s a standout hidden gem in Northern California?
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a remarkable destination in Northern California. The park boasts an array of geothermal wonders, from bubbling mud pots to fumaroles. Alongside these, visitors can enjoy serene mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s a location that beautifully captures the essence of Northern California’s natural splendor.
Any unique desert experiences to recommend in California?
The Salton Sea is a fascinating choice for those seeking a distinct desert experience. Located in California’s southeastern desert, this saline lake is surrounded by remnants of once-thriving communities, offering a glimpse into its storied past. The area also serves as a vital habitat for numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts on California’s Hidden Gems
California, with its vast landscapes and diverse attractions, truly has something for everyone. From the sun-kissed beaches of the coast to the rugged peaks of the Sierras, every corner of this state offers a unique adventure.
We’ve journeyed through hidden gems in California, from serene lakes to dramatic deserts, each spot telling its own tale of natural beauty and wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone looking for that next great escape, the Golden State beckons with promises of unforgettable experiences.
So, if you’re deciding where to go in CA, let this guide be your compass. Dive into the lesser known, embrace the beauty off the beaten path, and discover a California that’s waiting just for you. Here’s to the adventures that lie ahead and the memories waiting to be made!
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