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The 16 Unusual and Weird Places in California Out of the Ordinary

When you think of California what do you first think of? San Diego, Los Angeles, Hollywood probably come to mind. That’s the California we all know. Sure, you could visit some of the more normal sights and attractions in  California. But how about visiting the weird, strange, and tantalizing instead? There are tons of strange and wonderful places to explore in California . From old abandoned railroads and strange lakes to sunken ships and pygmy forests, these attractions are sure to entertain. We’ve rounded up 16 must-see unusual places in California for anyone interested in the unusual and obscure. 

Weird and Unusual Places In California

1. bodie ghost town.

Bodie Ghost Town

This is one of the most well-preserved ghost towns. This quirky place in California is managed by the National Park Service. This old mine town was abandoned after the gold rush due to a fire that burnt down over half of the town. Today, the ruins are still kept and preserved as if nothing has changed. You will feel like you are traveled back in time and see what it was like back then. The none existent graffiti, trash, shops, and conveniences make this abandoned town a truly unique experience.

Address: Bridgeport, California.

2. Fort Bragg

Set along the spectacular Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is about three hours north of San Francisco off of Highway 1. This unusual place to visit in California used to be a former army garrison built during the American Civil War, it boasts a spectacular Northern California coastline with views of the Pacific Ocean. Fort Bragg has a pleasant, mild climate all year and is perfect for a few day’s getaway. While there, be sure to take a walk along Glass Beach, a former glass dump site that is now a fascinating state beach. You should also stroll along the coast at MacKerricher State Park – keep your eyes peeled for tide pools and seals! You can also take a ride on the historic Skunk Train or ride a horse along the beach. 

Address: Fort Bragg, California 95437, USA.

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3. Salton Sea

One of the largest lakes in California is the Salton Sea. Every summer, the oxygen in the water becomes so scared that it creates a massive die out. Dead tilapia fill the shore and the beach is covered in fish bones. Abandoned buildings are scattered along the shore. Once this unique place to visit in California used to be a popular vacation spot and now it turned into a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie.

Address: Salton Sea, California, USA

4. Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is an area often overlooked by those touring the state who focus on either the San Francisco Bay Area or the LA Basin but that is not without its own hidden gems. This one of the weirdest places in central California located on the Central California Coast. The area was named after the Chumash word for tar, “Pismu”, which was gathered in a nearby canyon. The Spanish were the first Europeans to travel through the area, at the time called “Alta California”, which has been inhabited by westerners since then. This long, wide beach is beautifully surrounded by cliffs and the expansive Pacific Ocean. Check out Dinosaur Caves Park and browse the local Pismo Beach Farmers Market for a snack. Let the ocean breeze refresh you and the waves relax you.

Address: Pismo Beach, California, USA

5. Desert Sculptures Of Anza Borrego

Desert Sculptures Of Anza Borrego

The most southern desert park in California is Anza Borrego. Near the town of Borrego Spring, there are dozens of art installments place throughout the desert. These animal metal sculptures are created as a ploy to attract tourists. These sculptures are truly fascinating. There are dozens of them from horses and elephants to dragons that can be found here in this weird place in northern California.

Address: Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, California

6. Museum of Death

Museum of Death

The Museum of Death is a collection of morbidly fascinating stories and disturbed souls. Although the space is not large, the artifacts and displays are well-consolidated in each of the rooms. Some highlights of this weird place in California are severed mummified body parts, the taxidermy collection, a detailed timeline of the Manson murders, autopsy videos, and artwork from John Wayne Gacy who murdered 33 people. According to the staff, the most popular subject is the letters from Jeffrey Dahmer, along with his biography that might stir some sympathy. There was speculation on how Jeffrey Dahmer may have switched overnight from a young, happy boy to a psycho, all from hernia surgery in his childhood. 

Address: 6031 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

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7. Redwoods in Arcata

Redwoods in Arcata

Arcata is adjacent to Arcata Bay and home to Humboldt State University located in Humboldt County. A former logging town, Arcata survived the flux of the industry to resist becoming a ghost town and the university has kept it busy. Except for the townspeople and students, very few people stop in to visit this charming town, even though they pass right by when visiting the iconic Californian redwoods. One of the big attractions of Arcata and one of the strange places to visit in California is its proximity to the Redwoods National Forest. Explore the coastline or hike through the trails winding among the redwoods. 

Address: Park Dr, Arcata, CA. 

9. Underground tunnels of LA

Underground tunnels of LA

This 11-mile long, 40 feet underground tunnel was once the clandestine drinking spot for Los Angeles. There is a public debate about whether it’s open to the public or not. The answer is yes, during daytime business hours and with very tight security. The 1920’s ban on alcohol was a time of religious movement and the “dry crusade.” Because of this campaign, the resistance created an underground demand for alcohol to rise, and supplying drinks outside the law became profitable, including hidden local speakeasies.  Today, unusual places to see in California is part of the municipal buildings and their utilities. Visitors can walk through the corridors accompanied by the hissing sounds of engines and pipes.

Address: Los Angeles County Hall of Records 222 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

10. Cabazon Dinosaur

Cabazon Dinosaur

This is where you will find the largest dinosaur in the U.S. On your next drive to Las Vegas make sure to stop and pay a visit to one of the most popular road stops near Palm Spring. This dinosaur gift shop sells a lot of quirky toys and dinosaurs souvenir. If you or your kid a fan of little foot and t-rex, you don’t want to miss this weird place to visit in California.

Address: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA

11. The Houdini Mansion

The Houdini Mansion

The estate is not owned by Harry Houdini, but by Ralph Walker, a close friend of Houdini. Having gone through some brush fire, the current mansion is a restoration of the classic, palatial European house with stone carvings, waterfalls, exotic plants, and French gardens. Situated in Laurel Canyon, this unusual place to see in California was once a lookout mountain where Houdini used this place to practice his underwater routines. But there were unconfirmed documents or pictures of the man himself being photographed here. The rumor of ghost sightings, therefore, might not be related to Houdini, but to the scandalous murder cases that happened here before Houdini’s time. 

Address: 2400 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA

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12. Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

California is known for its grand mansions in Malibu, but one rarely thinks of castles when they picture this sunny state. Hearst Castle, built-in Cambria, California, defies these expectations. This unusual place in California was designed by architect Julia Morgan, one of the first major female architects, for newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. He worked with Julia to bring to life the different styles he’d seen in Europe and the bungalow he originally envisioned morphed into a sprawling estate of expansive gardens and 3 houses – the main Casa Del Mar and two guest houses, Casa del Monte and Casa del Sol.

Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA

13. Old LA Zoo in Griffith Park

Old LA Zoo in Griffith Park

The old LA zoo used to house only 15 species of animals. Opened in 1912 and officially closed in 1966, the zoo lacked proper funding while the animals faced cramped living conditions, starvation, and death. Hence, the new LA Zoo was moved 2 miles down the road with bigger and better infrastructure, along with improved and humane living space. The most photographed area is the chimpanzee pit with manmade cave structures and small, abandoned, graffiti-lined cages. 

Address: Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90189, USA

14. Desert Christ Park

Desert Christ Park

Hundreds of faithful Christians traveled on the easter day of 1951 out into the desert near Palm Springs to observe the installments of dozens of ministry statues. These statues have a combined weight of 7 tons. You’ll imagine them being very hard to move back within the ’50s. Today, the statues are still standing strong and can be visited by any visitor and the unique history of it make it one of the strangest places in California.

Address: 56200 Sunnyslope Dr, Yucca Valley, CA 

15. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch on route 66

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch on route 66

Millions of trips are made between Los Angeles and Las Vegas every year, but more than 99% of the people will miss one of the coolest sites and weird places to see in California right the middle between the two cities. Elmer Long spent years turning in his front yard into an incredible forest of bottle trees. These art installations make Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch one of the coolest roadside stops in the country.

Address: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA

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16. Noah’s Purifoy’s Desert Art Museum

Noah’s Purifoy’s Desert Art Museum

Noah Purifoy was once tired of city life and seek to find a place big enough to express his great creativity. The desert of Joshua Tree is the same place where he picked to spend the next several years creating large-scale artworks. Today, visitors can stop by this outdoor art museum that is also known as one of the unusual places to visit California to appreciate dozens of art installments in the middle of the desert. This place is located near the town of Joshua Tree and only a few miles from Joshua Tree National Park.

Address: 62975 Blair Ln, Joshua Tree, CA

The post The 16 Unusual and Weird Places in California Out of the Ordinary appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

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The Big List of 75+ Northern California Strange & Unique Spots

After writing about my favorite strange spots in Southern California , I realized that there are a lot of people that like exploring unique stuff like I do. While I haven’t traveled to Northern California as much as I would like, I do have a lot of recommendations, and this post will continue to grow and expand as I find new places to visit. Be sure to leave a comment in the post below if you have a recommendation for me, and don’t hesitate to dive into all the awesome places below (counties listed in alphabetical order, click the photo to read the post about the location).  Last updated in October 2021.

Alameda County

Albany Bulb

Albany Bulb sits on the east side of the San Francisco Bay, and this former landfill has now become a city park that many artists have decided to turn into a palette. You never really know what you will see when you go there, but it is always different than what you would expect.

Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon

Heinold’s is a famous bar in Jack London’s Square with over a century of history. This small one-room spot was even an inspiration for some of Jack London’s stories as he was known to frequent the place as he was growing up. It’s an excellent spot for a drink in downtown Oakland.

Amador County

Black Chasm Caverns

A beautiful cavern that you can go down into and explore. You can only see it by taking one of the tours, but it is so amazing with massive rooms and rock formations that it is worth taking the trip to see it.

Indian Grinding Rock State Park

This park is exactly as the name implies; it is a MASSIVE rock that was used by the Indians that lived in the area to grind their food on. I have honestly never seen a rock in the ground like this and of this size, definitely worth checking out.

Butte County

Honey Run Covered Bridge (Destroyed in 2018 fire)

This covered bridge outside of Chico is one of the most unique bridges in the entire state. Be sure to add it to your list, especially if you are a photographer.

Calaveras County

Moaning Cavern

A cave the size of the Statue of Liberty that you can repel into, Moaning Cavern is a spot that should be on every adventurer’s list.

Contra Costa County

Mt Diablo is known as one of the best places in the United States for views. On clear days, it seems like you can see forever. This mountain is accessible via a road you can drive all the way up, or you can hike one of the trails if you so desire.

Del Norte County

Fish Hatchery

Located only 15 minutes from the Oregon / California border is a fish hatchery that is open to the public where you can observe the life cycle of fish. They even have tours during the day where you can listen to them talk about why a hatchery is needed and show you how the process works.

Fresno County

Forestiere Underground Gardens

This fantastic spot in Fresno allows you to tour a historical set of underground caves created by one man in the early 1900’s as a way to escape the Fresno heat.

Humboldt County

Eternal Treehouse

At the North end of the Avenue of the Giants sits the Eternal Treehouse. While there is not much to do here, it is still an impressive treehouse made at the bottom of a massive redwood. You can walk inside and even sign the guest book.

Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree

The most popular of the three drive-thru trees, this tree in Leggett, CA has been attracting visitors for decades. You will probably wait in line to drive through it, but it is worth it.

Trees of Mystery

Redefining what a roadside attraction should be, the massive Trees of Mystery should be a stop on everyone’s list. As soon as you see the 60 foot tall Paul Bunyan and his Ox, pull off and explore all of the crazy trees they have in the park and take the sky tram up above the trees for a spectacular view.

Mendocino County

Glass Beach

An infamous spot on the California Coast, Glass Beach has been attracting visitors for years. The beach is full of tiny glass pebbles that washed up after the city threw its trash into the ocean decades ago. It is a unique stop.

Pygmy Forest

The pygmy forest near Mendocino is home to tons of minuscule 100-year-old trees. Due to science that I do not fully understand the trees are not able to fully develop. It has an impressive walkway that takes you through the trees to explore the area.

Napa County

Old Faithful Geyser

In the city of Calistoga sits this unique old geyser that still erupts every hour for 4 to 8 minutes. It is a super fun place to visit for the whole family and is known as the Old Faithful of California.

Petrified Forest

Only about 10 minutes from the Old Faithful Geyser sits this collection of some of the best-petrified trees in the entire United States. There is a half-mile loop trail that you can take which allows you to see a whole bunch of them.

Castello di Amorosa

If trees and geysers are not your thing, then be sure to check out the castle winery called Castello di Amorosa, which is a fantastic spot to spend a half day exploring.

Nevada County

Donner Summit Railroad Hike

Located near the top of the Donner Summit Pass, the old abandoned railroad tunnels are a spooky but unique place for a hike. I walked through them for a mile or so but wish I would have had time to see more.

Kentucky Mine Museum

This museum is one of the best-maintained gold mines in all of California. It is four stories tall, and the belt-based system is still functional to this day. They also have a ton of bats that live in the stamp mill, and if you are lucky, you can see those as well.

Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout

As one of my favorite hikes in the entire state, this is a must do for the adventure seekers. Let me warn you though, it is pretty crazy when you get to the top of this old fire lookout and have to climb a series of staircases with significant drop-offs on either side.

Sacramento County

The Squeeze Inn

This burger joint has been making burgers for over a decade with a cheese skirt. The cheese is piled on then ice is used to keep it from burning, creating a crazy and unique burger.

Fanny Anns Saloon

Located in Old Town Sacramento this fun restaurant is an overload of your senses. It is full of artifacts and history from the state capitol and has a selection of crazy types of hamburgers that you can partake in.

Old Town itself is a fun place to explore in Sacramento. The city streets are designed to look like the historic days of California, and they are full of shops, food spots, and museum. You can easily spend a half day exploring here.

Toad’s Hollow

An underpass explicitly designed for frogs, allowing them to make a safe crossing at a major street.

Sutter’s Fort

A well built historic fort right in the middle of bustling Sacramento,  Sutter’s Fort is a stop that will help you learn about California’s past.

San Francisco County

Mosaic  Steps

The mosaic steps in San Francisco are one of those places everyone has seen in an online photo, but few know where they actually are. When you see them for the first time, you will be blown away by how beautiful and artistic this small community project ended up turning out.

Lucasfilm Yoda Statue

Lucasfilm, the makers of Star Wars, has their corporate offices in San Francisco. You can visit the lobby and see memorabilia as well as pay homage to the bronze Yoda fountain that sits in front.

Lombard Street

I am sure you have seen this famous San Francisco attraction on TV or in a movie, but it is still fun to visit in real life.

Cypress Tree Tunnel

One of the most beautiful spots in the entire county for photos, the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes National Seashore is a must visit.

The wave organ is a unique art installation in San Francisco. It is said that when the waves crash into it, you can hear different sounds like an organ. When I have been there, I have never heard anything, but it is a fun spot and has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Palace of Fine Arts

Another place where you will have a hard time believing that it is in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning spot. I love just strolling through the park and walking under the central dome. It is like seeing Europe in the USA.

Sutro Baths

These historic swimming pools were once a huge attraction in San Francisco. All that is left now is the rubble, but it is an excellent spot to explore and to watch the sunset at.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

When visiting San Francisco’s Chinatown, be sure to walk down the alley and see the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Here you can add your own fortune to a cookie or even buy a jumbo one.

No trip to San Francisco is complete without riding on its historic cable cars. I recommend trying to get a spot where you can hang off the side as that is the most fun.

Rincon Park

Home to the famous bow and arrow art piece known as Cupid’s Span, Rincon Park is a quick stop in San Francisco with a great view of the Bay Bridge as well.

I am sure you have heard of this historic jail before; but if you haven’t visited it yourself then you really need to, it’s awesome.

Museum of Ice Cream

Right in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square is a fun museum that is focused on ice cream and Instagram photos. We got a chance to check it out during their Christmas event and had a total blast.

Andy Goldsworthy’s Art at The Presidio

If you are looking for a fun hike or drive in the Presidio, take this trail to visit all four of Andy Goldsworthy’s art pieces scattered around the park.

San Joaquin County

A&W Root Beer Birthplace

Explore the birthplace of this famous fast food establishment in the city of Lodi.

Santa Clara County

Garlic World

I am sure you know that Gilroy is pretty much the garlic capital of the world, but if you are stopping by during a time when the festival isn’t going, check out Garlic World. They have garlic chocolate chip cookies and ice cream as well as the world’s longest garlic braid.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Regardless of how you feel about Egyptian history, this is one of those museums that I highly recommend you visit. I had a blast here and learned a lot. They even have a full tomb you can walk into and explore.

World’s Largest Monopoly

If you have ever wanted to play human-sized Monopoly, then you can totally do that in this park in San Jose. You can visit without playing, but to play you have to get an appointment weeks in advance to have someone bring the pieces and facilitate the game.

Winchester House

I visited here a long time ago, but the tour of this crazy eclectic house is something that everyone needs to go on at least once. The house is so big and convoluted that you walk a full mile while on tour.

San Mateo County

Ano Nuevo State Park

A park where you can hike and get up close to elephant seals in their natural habitat. It is a lot of fun and provides many hiking trails to explore.

Devil’s Slide

This old section of Pacific Coast Highway was closed to drivers but open to hikers and bikers. It is an excellent spot for an enjoyable hike along the old road.

Taco Bell on the Beach

Not much to say about this spot other than that it is a Taco Bell that is pretty much right on the sand in the city of Pacifica. If you want a cheap taco and a view it is hard to beat.

Shark Fin Cove

This awesome beach has a massive rock out in the water that looks like a big shark fin. It is one of my favorite places to explore in the area and a great stop on any road trip.

Davenport Pier

The Davenport Pier is a fun spot for photography. Most people will choose to just see it from the bluffs, but some do hike down the trail to see it from below. It is a steep and slippery trail though so this is not recommended. Still a cool spot for some photos though.

Santa Cruz County

Egg Vending Machine

In the city of Aptos near Santa Cruz sits a vending machine that sells eggs. Yes, a vending machine. It is attached to an egg farm, and when you buy your eggs a curtain rises, and you get to see a fun musical show.

Bigfoot Discovery Museum

In the hills overlooking Santa Cruz, you can talk to some people who are 100% sure Bigfoot exists. This small two-room museum is home to a ton of information on Bigfoot as well as souvenirs and maps of where he has been seen.

Sunken Ship

At the end of the pier in Aptos is a massive sunken cement ship from the WWII era. It is a fantastic place to take photographs and a unique site to see. It is located in Seacliff State Beach.

Mystery Spot

One of Santa Cruz’s most famous attractions, the Mystery Spot is a place you need to experience on your own. I could tell you about it but it wouldn’t really make sense, so if you are interested then just go see it.

The Giant Dipper

No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without a ride on one of California’s oldest roller coasters. It is located right on the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Roaring Camp Train Ride

Roaring Camp Railroad is a super fun adventure in the Santa Cruz area, where you can ride behind an old steam engine as you go through a grove of massive redwoods. It is a little pricey for a whole family, but you can’t really do this anywhere else.

Felton Covered Bridge

As one of the tallest old covered bridges in the entire United States, the Felton Covered Bridge is easily worth a stop. The bridge has fallen into disrepair over the years, but you can still walk through it and explore it.

Shasta County

Shasta Caverns

One of the best show caves I have ever been to in California, Shasta Caverns is a must visit on any trip up Highway 5. You have to take a boat across the lake and shuttle up to the cave entrance, but it is an entertaining adventure for the whole family.

Sundial Bridge

Located in Redding, this famous bridge is both loved and hated. Regardless it is a beautiful bridge and a great place to explore. I for one like that it is so unique.

Siskiyou‎ County

One of the most impressive caves in California, Skull Cave is a must visit in Lava Beds National Monument. You can read about all the best spots in the Lava Tube National Monument here .

Pluto’s Cave

Pluto’s Cave is located outside of the town of Weed, and it is a great place to go caving if you can’t make it to Lava Beds National Monument.

Yak’s on the 5

Voted one of the best restaurants in the United States by Yelp, this small roadside diner has some killer burgers and cinnamon rolls.

Weed Gift Shop

The small town of Weed is home to an amusing gift shop. You can tell that a lot of college students come up here just for a new Facebook photo, but some of the stuff they had there made me laugh as well. It is right on Highway 5 and is an easy stop.

Headwaters of the Sacramento River

The Sacramento River is an incredibly important waterway for the state of California and a massive river that runs through much of the north part of the state. You can visit the simple headwaters in Mt Shasta city, and many people believe it even has healing properties.

Solano County

Jelly Bean Factory

The Jelly Bean Factory in Fairfield is a fantastic spot for the whole family. You can just stop by and sample some of the most popular flavors, or you can take a tour and see how the famous candies are made. Either way, it is worth a stop.

Lake Berryessa Glory Hole

While it doesn’t overflow very often, the Lake Berryessa Glory Hole is a fantastic site to see when it does. This drain system keeps the water from overflowing the dam and does it spectacularly.

Sonoma County

Jack London State Park

In the heart of Sonoma Valley, Jack London State Park is a great stop to explore the ruins of the house that burned before he was able to finish it and just to walk in the footsteps of this famous author.

Paradise Ridge Winery (destroyed in 2017 fire, so you can no longer access it)

Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa has a large collection of sculptures, many of which were taken from Burning Man and moved to this location. It is a great spot to have some wine and just to walk around and explore the property.

Snoopy’s Home Ice

Santa Rosa is the home of Peanuts, and you can read about that here . If you just want one quick stop though, check out Snoopy’s Home Ice, which is the ice rink that Charles Schulz made for the community and which is still a famous ice rink to this day.

Ziplining in the Redwoods

Ziplining courses are fun by themselves, but being able to do it in the view of California’s massive redwood trees is an entirely unique experience. There are multiple courses for all levels here, and the experience is pretty great.

Tehama County

Bumpass Hell

The geothermal pits in Lassen National Park are a total trip. They stink, are strangely colored and are hot. It is like what you would see in Yellowstone, only in California. It is a place you need to have on your list.

The Olive Pit is on here since I just always love stopping at it while I am driving in Northern California. It usually has 20 different samples of olives and another 20 samples of olive oils. It is a fun spot to go hungry too.

Trinity County

Weaverville Joss House State Park

Joss House is one of the most unique state parks in the California state park system. It is a Taoist Temple from the 1850’s, and you want to make sure if you visit it that you do it when there is a tour available. The one-room temple is a very impressive site to see, but the location itself is pretty out of the way.

Tulare County

Bravo Farms

My go to stop while driving on Highway 99 is Bravo Farms. This magical roadside attraction has everything from shopping and restaurants to a full seven-story tall tree house that you can explore. There are even animals to feed out back if your children want to do that. I can easily spend an hour just looking at all the crazy stuff they have here.

Kingsburg Jail

This historic jail located right off Highway 99 is a fun little stop. The jail itself is only a few rooms, and it sits under a massive Swedish Coffee Pot Water Tower. Yes, another thing you need to see to believe.

Sun-Maid Store

The Sun-Maid Raisin store, which is located adjacent to the distribution center, holds the world’s largest raisin box on its hallowed grounds. The store also has a ton of samples that you can partake in as well and is a fun stop for a few photos.

So there you have it, my list of strange and fun places in Northern California. This list will continue to expand as I explore more, and I would love to hear what you think I left off in the comments.

Also, read all about my Southern California spots here .

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11 Unique Places to Visit in California

Pick your favorite spots among the most unusual places to visit in California and build an adventure of your own.

December 19, 2021

The Golden State is no stranger to the strange. Built on the backs of adventurers, dreamers, speculators, gold-seekers , and those who wanted to escape the ordinary, California has always inhabited a lifestyle that tethered on the edge of normalcy. Unsurprisingly, the state’s unconventional history has also left it dotted with plenty of unusual attractions and weird towns you can visit today. An abandoned warship that used to host parties, a kitschy cafe that found itself as the set in a foreign film, a little house on the seventh story of a college campus are all among the most unique places to visit in California—each has plenty of stories to tell.

Pick your favorite spots among the most unusual places to visit in California and build an adventure of your own. The Golden State embraces its weirdness in the best way, and visiting these places will prove to you why that is so.

Unique Places to Visit in Northern California

1. Empire Mine State Park

Location : Grass Valley

Grass Valley was once a Gold Rush era boomtown in every sense. During this period, the Empire Mine was a major point of attraction, producing 5.8 million ounces of gold between the years 1850 and 1956. While it’s no longer in operation, you can still tour one of the most unique places to visit in Northern California and get a taste of its olden glory days.

2. Sacramento’s Original Street Level

Location : Sacramento

Did you know that Sacramento once stood 10 feet lower than it does today? You can still see remnants of the original street level by visiting a sunken courtyard in Old Sacramento. Located just opposite the entrance to the California State Railroad Museum , this unique place to visit in California gives you a taste of the state capitol in the 1860s. 

3. Foresthill Bridge

Location : Auburn

Foresthill Bridge is the tallest bridge in California. Opened in 1973, this structure was built as part of the Auburn Dam Project, which would have filled the canyon below, drowning the road that connects the town of Foresthill to the rest of the world. While the project was halted for environmental concerns, the one-of-a-kind bridge is still extensively used and one of the most unique places to visit in California.

4. Sacramento Old City Cemetery

Albeit a bit eerie, the oldest cemetery in the state capital deserves a visit. Take a volunteer-led tour and see graves of historic governors, criminals, and other historical persons of interest. This unique place to visit in Northern California also offers a popular nighttime tour before Halloween—do mark it on your calendar next time your favorite holiday rolls around.

5. SS Palo Alto

Location : Aptos

SS Palo Alto has gone through four phases in its lifetime. It was originally built to be a World War I tanker, but was later converted into a floating amusement park. Soon, the ship was abandoned and turned into a fishing pier. Now, it's sunken enough to be an artificial reef. As one of Aptos’s main attractions, this unique place to visit in Northern California is still peeking out from its surrounding waters. Visit, admire, and take pictures of it, but don’t attempt to go near—it’s not safe enough to do. 

6. Black Chasm Cavern

Location : Volcano

Black Chasm Cavern is a 20-foot long crack in the earth hiding millions of sparkling crystals, which was a well-kept secret until gold miners swarmed the area in the 1850s. The calcite formations it houses—called helictites—are rare geological treasures that are better looked at than touched. Head to this unusual place to visit in California for a very interesting and educational guided tour.

Unique Places to Visit in Southern California

Location : Santa Barbara County

Solvang is a Danish village in the Golden State—yes, really. Delightfully unusual in the best way, this charming small town in SoCal has a rich history, Scandinavian architecture, and delicious bakeries that’ll keep you cheery, stuffed, and busy throughout your stay . 

8. The Houdini Estate

Location : Los Angeles

Two cheetahs guard the entrance to what once used to be Harry Houdini’s home .  They say that Houdini and his wife Bess stayed here while he worked on films like The Grim Game   and  Terror Island . However, the underground tunnels that connect this mansion to another create an air of mystery, suggesting that Houdini might have not actually been residing in the building after all. You can check out this unusual place to visit in California, but since it’s private property, you’ll have to settle with admiring the exteriors.  

9. Bagdad Cafe

Location : Newberry Springs

Bagdad Cafe might not mean much to tourists, but to old-school international film buffs, it’s a bucket-list destination . Having served as the set of a 1987 German indie cult-classic film, this unique place to visit in California is the Mojave Desert’s cinematic claim to fame. Get a burger and a cup of coffee to go and admire the cafe’s interior covered in flags, photographs, stickers, and guest books overflowing with comments in every language.

10. The Love Signs of Twentynine Palms

Location : Twentynine Palms

You can certainly feel the love at this unique place to visit in Southern California. A fairly recent addition to California’s long list of quirky roadside attractions , these colorful signs in various languages are an artistic collaboration meant to remind us that love knows no boundaries. The bright signs are written in English, Amharic, Chinese, Spanish, Farsi, and Kannada; they look striking against the backdrop of the arid desert.

11. Fallen Star

Location : San Diego

Aptly named Fallen Star, this little blue house looks like it dropped from the sky and landed straight over the campus of UC San Diego . Installed by Do Ho Suh—a Korean-born and Rhode Island School of Design-trained artist—this house is actually fully furnished with a cozy interior you can step into. Just be careful when you attempt this unique thing to do in Southern California. Due to its slanted floors, spending too much time in the house will make you feel light-headed.

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Unusual Things to Do in Southern California: Offbeat Destinations

May 15, 2024 by DayTrippen

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Explore unique and unconventional destinations in Southern California that are not commonly found on tourist maps. We offer a great selection of places to explore. If you’re interested in offbeat experiences, consider adding these unusual attractions to your SoCal bucket list.

Take a Sound Bath at the Integratron Dome

The Integratron Dome in the Mojave Desert just outside Landers resembles a small observatory. Visitors can experience a sound bath and a sonic healing session with quartz crystal bowls played live in the Integratron’s multi-wave sound chamber. The Integratron Dome offers a unique blend of science, spirituality, and UFO folklore, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience in the California desert—i ntegration website .

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden Escondido, CA

The French artist Niki de Saint Phalle created the unique Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden. She was inspired by her visions of early California history, myths, and Native American culture to create the magical artworks found in the garden. The central sculpture of Queen Califia, standing on a five-legged eagle and raising a small bird above her head, is the centerpiece of this unusual garden. The sculpture garden is in Kit Carson Park at 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, California.

Korean Bell of Friendship San Pedro, California

The Korean Bell of Friendship only rings five times yearly, but you can visit the bell pavilion anytime. The bell replicates the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, a Korean national treasure cast in 771. Adorned with intricate reliefs, it depicts the Statue of Liberty alongside a Korean goddess, symbolizing the spirits of freedom, independence, peace, and prosperity shared between America and Korea. Visitors to the Korean Bell of Friendship can enjoy breathtaking views of the Los Angeles harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Address: 601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, California.

The Last Bookstore Downtown Los Angeles

The Last Bookstore, located in a former bank building in downtown Los Angeles, is a must-see attraction. One of its most striking features is the tunnel of books, which might make you feel like you’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland. With over 250,000 books, it is California’s largest new and used bookstore. The store is also known for its unusual displays and book sculptures, making it a popular spot for social media photos. The address is 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, California. Visit the Bookstore website for more information.

Malibu Hindu Temple in Santa Monica Mountains

The Malibu Hindu Temple is beautiful and peaceful in the Santa Monica Mountains. It welcomes guests from all religions. Although located in Calabasas, most people call it the Malibu Hindu Temple. The temple is dedicated to worshiping the Hindu god Venkateswara and has additional shrines for other deities. It stands as a magnificent testament to the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism in the United States. The temple is open to everyone. It’s a place where one can find peace, beauty, and some delicious samosas and pakoras, which, as we all know, are the true indicators of spiritual enlightenment. Please check the Temple website for operating hours.

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Desert Hot Springs

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Southern California is a truly unique building. What makes the museum especially interesting is its design. Yerxa, a true pioneer, used various materials to construct the Pueblo, including reclaimed lumber and adobe bricks that he made himself. The museum is more than just a collection of artifacts and art; it’s a narrative of the American West, a story told through the perspective of a man who was both an adventurer and an artist. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum visitors are in for a treat as guided tours offer a comprehensive look at Pueblo’s history and the artifacts on display. Address: 67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, California. Visit the Cabot’s website for more information.

Tankland South El Monte, California

Tankland offers a unique and educational day trip where visitors can explore a collection of nearly 200 tanks and vehicles, showcasing military history from various conflicts, including World War One, World War Two, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and Operation Desert Storm. The museum preserves the rich history of military vehicles and equipment. It looks like a scene from an apocalyptic movie and provides a captivating journey through military history. For those interested in exploring the American Military Museum, it is open from Friday to Sunday at 1918 Rosemead Blvd, South El Monte, California—T ankland website .

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum Joshua Tree, CA

Artist Noah Purifoy moved to the desert to escape because Los Angeles was too expensive. He spent 15 years creating unique sculptures, buildings, and artwork from recycled materials. Visitors to the museum are treated to a range of intriguing and sometimes unsettling sculptures, such as “The White House,” a centerpiece of the museum, and “65 Aluminum Trays,” which demonstrates Purifoy’s ability to turn everyday objects into a thought-provoking commentary on society. The museum is open every day of the year from sunrise until sunset, and admission is free. Got it! Address: 62975 Blair Lane, Joshua Tree, California. Visit the museum’s website .

Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Final Resting Place for Movie Stars

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place for famous movie stars and celebrities, making it a popular tourist destination. Many stars from Hollywood’s golden age, such as Mel Blanc, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Mickey Rooney, Tyrone Power, Douglas Fairbanks, Johnny Ramone, and Dee Dee Ramone, are buried there. Visitors to Hollywood Forever Cemetery can explore its rich history with self-guided and guided tours. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, California. Please visit the website for more information .

Borrego Springs Prehistoric Animal Sculptures

Galleta Meadows Estates is a collection of over 100 welded-steel sculptures in and around Borrego Springs, California. Ricardo Breceda created these sculptures depicting prehistoric animals, farmworkers, saints, and cacti. Many statues can be easily spotted from the road or during a short hike. The sculptures are inspired by extinct animals based on fossils in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, historical characters, and whimsical creations that include fantastical creatures and a 350-foot-long serpent. Borrego Springs website .

Trona Pinnacles Wind-Swept Towers

Trona Pinnacles is situated roughly 20 miles to the east of Ridgecrest in northeastern Kern County. The terrain in this area resembles something you might see in a science fiction movie. The tufa pinnacles found here have been used as filming locations for movies such as Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and the original Planet of the Apes film. The Trona Pinnacles are unique rock formations created over 10,000 years ago when this area of the Mojave Desert was covered by water. After thousands of years, the lake that once covered the site disappeared, leaving behind only the wind-swept towers we see today. Visit the BLM website .

Vasquez Rocks: Out of This World Formations

The Vasquez rock formations were created before our time by the San Andreas Fault. The notorious bandit Tiburcio Vasquez used these rock formations to evade law enforcement between 1873 and 1874, hence its name. Numerous movies, television shows, and music videos have been filmed at Vasquez Rocks. Music video artists filmed locally include Michael Jackson for his “Black or White” video, Rihanna’s “Rehab,” Marilyn Manson, Enrique Iglesias, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center are at 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road in Agua Dulce, California. Visit website .

Burro Schmidt Tunnel: Shortcut to Gold

Burro Schmidt was a determined individual who spent 32 years burrowing through rock to create a shortcut for bringing gold ore to the smelters near Mojave. Although Burro never found any gold ore, he successfully finished his tunnel. Schmidt was recognized as the “human mole,” and his tunnel was featured in Huell Howser’s California Gold Series. Today, the tunnel is a popular tourist attraction despite being atop the El Paso Mountains. More information about the Burro Schmidt Tunnel .

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 26 Amazing Hidden Gems in California

26 Amazing Hidden Gems in California

Famous cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are the first places that people think of when thinking about California , and stereotypes come to mind about beach blondes or surfer guys, images reinforced by Hollywood movies time and again. However, as wonderful as the cities are, there is so much more to California waiting to be discovered.

Rent your own car and get ready to veer off the beaten path to discover forests and beaches so far removed from civilization that you will feel like they were made just for you! Spend some time getting to know the real California, rich in history and natural resources and breathtakingly beautiful.

It will give you an entirely new appreciation for the state aside from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood or the artsy quirks of San Francisco. So buckle up, bring your camera and get ready to discover a few places perhaps not in your guidebooks, but very much worth the time.

Check out our recommendations for the best hidden gems in California !

1. Fort Bragg

Tucked away along the spectacular Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is about three hours north of San Francisco off of Highway 1. A former army garrison built during the American Civil War, it boasts a spectacular Northern California coastline with views of the Pacific Ocean. Fort Bragg has a pleasant, mild climate all year and is perfect for a few days getaway.

While there, be sure to take a walk along Glass Beach, a former glass dump site that is now a fascinating state beach. It might not sound like much, but over time, the ocean has refined the glass to create beautiful sea glass that now sparkles on the shore. Don’t take any with you, though, because it is a state beach. You should also stroll along the coast at MacKerricher State Park – keep your eyes peeled for tide pools and seals! You can also take a ride on the historic Skunk Train or ride a horse along the beach. It’s a perfect, out of the way Northern California seaside getaway.

2. Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is located on the Central Californian Coast, an area often overlooked by those touring the state who focus on either the San Francisco Bay Area or the LA Basin but that is not without its own hidden gems. The area was named after the Chumash word for tar, “Pismu”, which was gathered in a nearby canyon. The Spanish were the first Europeans to travel through the area, at the time called “Alta California”, which has been inhabited by westerners since then.

This long, wide beach is beautifully surrounded by cliffs and the expansive Pacific Ocean. Digging for clams was once a popular activity that is still permitted, and you’ll occasionally see both people and sea otters off searching for a meal. Try skim boarding in the ocean, but remember to wear a wetsuit as the water is a little cold. Or, check out Dinosaur Caves Park and browse the local Pismo Beach Farmers market for a snack. Let the ocean breeze refresh you and the waves relax you.

3. Redwoods in Arcata

Located in Humboldt County, Arcata is adjacent to Arcata Bay and home to Humboldt State University. A former logging town, Arcata survived the flux of the industry to resist becoming a ghost town and the university has kept it busy. Except for the townspeople and students, very few people stop in to visit this charming town, even though they pass right by when visiting the iconic Californian redwoods.

One of the big attractions of Arcata is its proximity to the Redwoods National Forest. With the bay to one side, with spectacular Pacific Ocean views, and the majestic redwoods to the other, the town is surrounded both ocean and forest. Explore the coastline or hike through the trails winding among the redwoods. Once back in town, have a coffee in the Plaza, the heart of Arcata. In the past, it was where goods were shipped out on mule trains. Now, enjoy the green grass and restored historic buildings, like the Pythian Castle, or hit the beach!

4. Hearst Castle

California is known for its grand mansions in Malibu, but one rarely thinks of castles when they picture this sunny state. Hearst Castle, built in Cambria, California, defies these expectations. It was designed by architect Julia Morgan, one of the first major female architects, for newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. He worked with Julia to bring to life the different styles he’d seen in Europe, and the bungalow he originally envisioned morphed into a sprawling estate of expansive gardens and 3 houses – the main Casa Del Mar and two guest houses, Casa del Monte and Casa del Sol.

Following its decline after its heyday in the 20s and 30s, Hearst’s family found the upkeep very expensive and donated it to the state. Tour Hearst Castle to admire the different architectural influences and sheer grandeur of the buildings. There is a majestic outdoor pool called the Neptune Pool, designed in the style of a Roman temple. This masterpiece faces the gorgeous Pacific Ocean which can be admired from the hills, along with the castle towers fashioned after a church Hearst visited in Spain. A curious design for California’s less formal environment, this gem of a modern-day castle never fails to impress visitors with its whimsy.

5. El Dorado County

Located in the historic Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada, El Dorado County was the site of the 1848 gold discovery at Sutter Mill that led to the 1849 California Gold Rush, and was one of the original 27 Californian counties created in 1850. Filled with natural resources and gorgeous state parks, as well as the well-known popular winter destination, Lake Tahoe, El Dorado is brimming with life and beauty waiting around each bend.

Bring your hiking boots and check out El Dorado National Forest or Desolation Wilderness – both great backpacking destinations for the outdoors enthusiast. Don’t forget to stop by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where you can relive the exciting Gold Rush times and even pan for gold yourself! Or, head up the mountains to Lake Tahoe for some skiing in the winter. No matter the time of year, there is always something to keep you busy here.

6. San Juan Bautista

Located in San Benito County, this town is named after its Mission San Juan Bautista. Originally inhabited by a branch of the Ohlones, the Spanish were the first European visitors to the region. A Franciscan monk, Fermin de Lasuen, founded the mission to convert the native Americans to Catholicism and a town soon formed around the mission, which still stands to this day.

Stop by this charming historic town to see the old Mission. You can visit the grounds and see firsthand the Spanish architecture that has been preserved here. Or, stretch your legs at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park to see some preserved historic state buildings and surrounding nature. When you’re done, stroll along Third Street and explore the shops. Fremont Peak State Park is also nearby and perfect for more rigorous outdoors activities such as hiking.

7. Guerneville

Guerneville was a former logging community in the popular Russian River Valley, close to the towering redwoods. The town was named after George Guerne, a businessman in the 19th century who owned the local sawmill. Now, people continue to be drawn to the town for its small-town charm, which can be found in the plaza that is still the center of town affairs.

Enjoy a chess game with friends or locals at the permanent chess tables in the plaza, or wander the small shops to do some shopping. In warm weather, head down to the public beach area on the Russian River – you can fish, swim or boat! Or, sunbathe and catch up on the rays. It is close to the beautiful Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve as well. Enjoy this quiet, charming community that is far enough away from cities to be peaceful but close enough that you don’t have to venture too far to reach it.

8. Sierra City

Sierra City is located in the canyon of the North Yuba River, in the Tahoe National Forest area. The town reached its peak population during the gold rush, and has since been reduced in size. However, Sierra City’s main business now is tourism because of its history and picturesque location.

Wander downtown Main Street to visit the Busch Building, a historic structure which the Wells Fargo Company occupied in the 1800s, and a Masonic Lodge (you wouldn’t expect one here, would you?). You can also tour a mining museum in the now closed history gold mine, the Kentucky Mine. If you’re here in the summer, fish in the North Yuba or go mountain-biking. You can stay and camp at Wild Plum Campground and enjoy an outdoor getaway.

9. Point Reyes

Point Reyes is a cape off the Pacific coast in Marin County, just 30 miles north of San Francisco on the Point Reyes Peninsula. A beautiful stretch of seashore and coastline, the cape protects Drakes Bay on the southern side and was first named Punto de los Reyes (King’s Point) by the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino when he anchored in Drakes Bay, a name which has survived to this day.

Head up to Point Reyes to hit the trails – there are many popular hiking routs along the cliffs offering great exercise and perfect views. You can also take a kayak out at Tomales Bay! Enjoy the vistas from the Point Reyes Lighthouse lookout point, and bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching; the seashore boasts some of the best birdwatching in the United States. You should also keep an eye out for elephant seals if you’re here in the winter. Grab a bite or put your feet up at Inverness, a small picturesque community lucky enough to be located in this stunning environment.

10. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

More commonly known as Point Lobos, this beautiful stretch of coast is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, along the north end of Big Sur. A local engineer, Alexander Allen, purchased a large part of the land in 1933 to prevent its development, which has allowed the longstanding wildlife protection and seascape to remain well-preserved and open today for your visit.

Bring your hiking shoes and explore the trails that follow the ocean and remember to enjoy the fresh, salty, pine scented air. There are also a few beaches that are simply peaceful and relaxing, as well ideal for scuba diving! Visit the whaling museum and see the historic building once used by local fisherman, or go kayaking or swimming to get more acquainted with the marine life – sometimes you’ll see sea otters floating on their backs as you pass them by!

11. Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful tourist destination today, but thousands of years ago, a volcano exploded, creating the terrain that we enjoy now, and leaving behind a network of hot springs. Several of these have been developed for safe use, mostly located between Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes and awaiting your visit.

Stop in at the almost-ghost town of Benton to find nine hot springs awaiting your soaking pleasure, all filled with pure spring water. Use the taps to control the temperate and spend a day or two relaxing here at the Old House and Inn! You can also enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada while you relax in a hot spring at Travertine Hot Springs, off U.S. 395. You can camp nearby for the ultimate outdoor experience. Relax in any of these natural Jacuzzis and enjoy the relaxation while surrounded by beautiful nature at this true gem of a California nature getaway!

12. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located in the White Mountains in a protected area of Inyo County. Home to the Great Basin Bristlecone Pines, these trees grow in the Inyo National Forest between 9,800 – 11,000 feet above sea level, along with Foxtail Pines, and are far older than most other things found in California.

Visit this impressive, distant wilderness and follow the Methuselah Grove trail along its 4.5 mile loop to explore the grove where the tree “Methuselah” stands. Scientists have determined that it is 4,848 years old! It has not been marked to avoid vandalism, but the trail keeps you close by. Open from mid-May to end of November, this ancient forest is well worth the visit.

13. Bodie Ghost Town

Bodie is a ghost town located in the Bodie hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, now designated as the Bodie Historic District and National Landmark. In 1962 it became Bodie State Historic Park and has preserved a part of the historic town that was born in the Gold Rush. Originally a mining camp, Bodie was at its heyday in 1878, and was one of the larger settlements of California at the time. Boasting amenities of large towns, there was a bank, jail and lots of saloons along Main Street!

The lively town declined through the 1800s and by the 1940s, was considered a ghost town. The land owners hired caretakers to preserve the buildings, and thus converted Bodie into a Wild West ghost town. Walk the deserted streets and pass one of the many former gold mills or old storefronts and saloons. Everything has been left as is, included the interiors with their goods. Enjoy the authenticity and give yourself some time to retrace the steps of those who once walked these streets trying to make their fortunes in these hills.

14. Nitt Witt Ridge

Nitt Witt is located in Cambria, California and was built by the artist Arthur Beal, who bought the hillside and gradually carved out the terraces of his house with a pick and shovel to create his castle on a hill. Arthur was a unique person, known as Captain Nitt Witt (hence the name of the property), who collected garbage for Cambria and repurposed much of the waste to build his property. It is even said some remnants are from nearby Heart Castle, where he worked for a time!

Come visit for a guided tour courtesy of the owners, who cleaned up and repaired the house after it fell into disarray following the death of Arthur Beal and have passionately preserved his dream. You can still see knick-knacks and his unique architectural style in the house, which is considered a California Historical Landmark. Enjoy the beautiful views and the unusual charm of Nitt Witt Ridge.

15. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Preserve

Located on the Central Californian Coast, Piedras Blancas has become a curious attraction over the past few decades. In the fall of 1990, over 20 northern elephant seals were seen in the cove near the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Since then, they’ve returned each year, and always with more elephant seals to enjoy this beautiful beach!

Visit any time  during the year, but the best times are in late January, late April or late October to see over 15,000 elephant seals resting on this secluded beach. Docents will provide you with any information about these curious creatures, and you can see them up close and personal! Don’t forget to bring your camera and enjoy the ocean background and these popular seasonal visitors at Piedras Blancas!

16. Cayucos

Sandwiched between the beaches at Cambria and Morro Bay, Cayucos is located on the San Luis Obispo County coast. It was previously inhabited by the Chumash people prior to the Spanish exploration, who then named it “Cayucos”, their interpretation of the Chumash word for kayak. It is now a charming beach town complete with friendly locals and good weather.

Take some time off to enjoy this quiet, relaxing gem of a beach town. There are no stoplights here and Cayucos is filled with good local food and wine, made even more pleasant by beautiful ocean vistas and the sea breeze. There are several routs for aspiring cyclists as well or plenty of kayaks if you want to explore the kelp groves off shore. Whether you stop off the highway to stretch your legs or you stay a bit longer, the relaxed beach town of Cayucos is sure to enchant you.

17. Placerville

Placerville is located in El Dorado County, near Sutter’s Mill (where gold was first discovered in California). Placerville was formerly known as Dry Diggins because of the miners’ methods of hauling dry soil to running water to separate the gold from the dirt, and eventually was the third largest town in California and a hub for mining operations.

If you visit the town now, you’ll see many preserved buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, like the old Soda Works, Confidence Hall, or Church of Our Savior. While perhaps not as shiny as actual gold, the region struck figurative gold and is now rich in wine production in areas like Apple Hill and Pleasant Valley, known for vibrant, flavorful wines. Stop by to revisit Gold Rush History or take a wine-tasting tour!

18. Franceschi Park

Located at the heart of Santa Barbara’s Riviera, Franceschi Park is named after a noted Italian horticulturalist, Francesco Franceschi. He imported plants from around the world and planted them in Santa Barbara to his garden and building the house in which he resided that is now at the center of these gardens.

While the house is a bit run down, the 15 acre park is crisscrossed by trails, and boasts many high vistas from which to observe the town below. The views extend out to the ocean, and are beautiful even if the streets below are shrouded in fog. Bring a book or a camera to enjoy the peace and quiet of this out of the way park, filled with interesting plans and a curious old house. Getting off the beaten path can be rewarding sometimes, and this Santa Barbara gem is no exception.

19. Avila Beach

Avila Beach is an unincorporated community in San Luis Obispo County, located almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Named after Miguel Avila, who owed Rancho San Miguelito, the town was established at the end of the 1800s and served as the main shipping port for San Luis Obispo for a time.

Avila was renovated in the late 90s and now modern walkways and sea motifs line the seashore. There are also 3 piers: Avila Beach Pier, Harford Pier, and the Cal Poly SLO pier used for marine research only. Avila Beach is a great place for whale watching to spot the gray and humpback whales that come to visit or just enjoy the long stretches of sandy beaches. Grab a drink or snack from the shops that dot the beach and enjoy the mountainous backdrop to the Pacific Ocean.

20. Stewart Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Right at the mouth of the Carmel River and the Pacific ocean is this little-known gem of a beach. While Stewart Beach is often overlooked by tourists who flock to the larger, adjacent Ocean Beach, this small and unassuming beach has been a local favorite for years. Shaped in a crescent and filled with soft sand, it’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and relax.

There is plenty of space for those looking to tan, or it’s also a good scuba diving spot to see the diverse marine life. If you wander down to the edges of the beach, you’ll discover tall rocks. Climb up them and search for hidden tide pools filled with sea creatures and watch out for the occasional spray from the waves crashing into the rocks! A true local secret, come snag your parking spot early – the parking lot is small and fills up quickly!

21. College Cove, Trinidad State Beach

An open, sandy beach on the Pacific ocean, College Cove is a beautiful, rocky beach in Humboldt County. A perfect swimming destination in the summer, there are also ample surfing opportunities here for those brave enough to walk the steep trail down to the beach. The long beach is split in two when the tide rolls in, with the surfing area to the northern end and a more secluded beach and natural arch at the southern point.

While you’re here, you might see sea lions or seals, and sometimes whales who all come visit this secluded spot. When the tide recedes, explore the tide pools left behind for starfish, clams, sea urchins and mussels! Enjoy College Cove, one of Northern California’s finest beaches, surrounded by the ocean on one side and pine and spruce on the other.

22. Badwater Basin in Death Valley

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, about 282 feet below sea level. Located in Death Valley, this sinkhole is consisted of a small spring-fed pool that is tainted with salts from the surrounding basins, making it undrinkable and adding to the unique physical appearance of the basin. Many people feel they have been transported to another planet when they see the basin stretching out before them, covered by the salt crust cut into hexagonal honeycomb shapes from the constantly evaporating water.

Come visit this curious corner of the world and bring your camera – there is animal and plant life existing in the pool, such as pickleweed and the Badwater snail. Check out the sign marking “sea level” on the cliffs overlooking the Badwater Basin, and take care if you decide to cross the salt flats as it can be just a thin white crust over mud. Enjoy the biodiversity present and unique salt flats of the Badwater Basin – bring your own camera and bottle of water!

23. Solana Beach

A coastal city in San Diego County, Solana Beach is located near Cardiff-by-the-Sea and was first inhabited by the George Jones family in 1886. In the early 1900s, Ed Fletcher began developing the land to provide access to the beach and establish a community which has continued to grow to this day.

Now, Solana Beach is a charming surf community on some of the prettiest stretches of San Diego coast. Head out to Fletcher Cove Park or take a hike at Annie’s Canyon Trail. The town is filled with delicious restaurants and cute shops lining the beaches! Enjoy some seafood at the Fish Market and enjoy some wine at Carruth Cellars Urban Winery and enjoy this Southern California gem.

24. The Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is a curious attraction in San Jose, California. It was the former personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of the gun magnate William Winchester. She designed the house as a Queen Anne Style Victorian mansion but without any master building plan or architect, building frantically as she claimed that the house was haunted by the ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles, and demanding construction continue 24/7 without breaks.

Sarah Winchester’s curious life is reflected in the oddities of the house, which has been open to tourists for years now. Staircases end and go nowhere, doors open into walls, windows face only more interior rooms.. A structure extending seven stories high by the time she passed, many believe these abnormal characteristics has something to do with her attempts to appease the spirits she believed followed her. Nowadays you can tour the house with a guide and see for yourself these oddities. You’ll notice it is only 4 stories tall as the house was damaged following as series of earthquakes, but the strange air about it is well preserved.

25. Hidden Tunnels of Los Angeles

Prohibition was a dark time in U.S. History. Outlawing alcohol, shutting down popular bars and effectively hamstringing those who loved the nightlife, many people decided to search for alternative ways to continue having a good time. It should be no surprise to anyone that Los Angeles never missed an opportunity for a good party. Despite rigid alcohol laws, over 11 miles of tunnels under the city became passageways to speakeasies, like the famous King Eddy Saloon that doubled as a piano store, but whose basements formed part of the tunnel networks.

While these tunnels are not in use any longer, they are still used as film locations or easy shortcuts by city employees. If you’re dying to escape the crowded LA streets and head off the beaten path, slip behind the Hall of Records on Temple Street and look for an unassuming elevator. This will take you down to a subterranean passageway filled with street art. Different gates limit your exploration to earthquake safe areas. It should be noted that the tunnels are officially “closed to the public” so explore on your own time. Or, you can also have a now legal drink at the King Eddy Saloon, operating as a bar once again! The basement still remains attached to the network of city tunnels.

26. Pescadero, California

Located in San Mateo County, Pescadero is a small community just south of Half Moon Bay. Surrounded by the Pescadero Marsh, a wildlife refuge, and Pescadero Creek, the town is a local tourist destination during the warm summer months. Campgrounds are nearby, such as Memorial Park, as well as rural roads perfect for biking and trails ideal for hiking through the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Wander the quaint small town main drag off of Pescadero Creek Road or stop in for a drink at Duarte’s Tavern. There is a local Harley Farms Goat Dairy, or a beloved taqueria at the gas station called Taqueria y Mercado de Amigos. Stop in at Arangeli’s Market for some delicious, homemade bread that locals and tourists rave about. Next time you’re in the area, stop in. It might look small, but this small town packs a lot of spirit and is a true California gem.

26 Amazing Hidden Gems in California:

• Pismo Beach
• Redwoods in Arcata
• Hearst Castle
• El Dorado County
• San Juan Bautista
• Guerneville
• Sierra City
• Point Reyes
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs
• The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Bodie Ghost Town
• Nitt Witt Ridge
• Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Preserve
• Placerville
• Franceschi Park
• Avila Beach
• Stewart Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea
• College Cove, Trinidad State Beach
• Badwater Basin in Death Valley
• Solana Beach
• The Winchester Mystery House
• Hidden Tunnels of Los Angeles
• Pescadero, California

The Weirdest Places in California

It would be tempting to assume you know everything about California . Large California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are among the top destinations for tourism and business in the U.S., while the state's beautiful scenery has been in the living rooms of the world since the dawn of the film age. Even California tourist spots like San Diego and Big Sur have become household names, to say nothing of how much Death Valley's visibility spiked thanks to the recent super bloom.

And yet, for all its ubiquity among travelers, American ones and otherwise, California is chock full of destinations you probably never knew existed, of both the natural and manmade sorts.

Although you don't have to see these weird California attractions on a road trip, it's preferable—the only thing more bizarre than some of these places is the Golden State's lack of public transport outside major cities! Make sure you've got a fully charged smartphone or GPS device, up-to-date car insurance, and patience. California is huge!

The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obipso

David McSpadden / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

The bad news? Madonna Inn , located near the city of San Luis Obispo, has nothing to do with the singer of the same name. Actually, that could be good news depending on your opinion of her, a variable that might also influence how you feel about the Inn itself.

Madonna Inn, to be sure, manages to be as quirky as Madonna herself, but in a way that's wholesome to the point of being bizarre, from the uniforms the staff wear, to the penchant of waitresses for recommending teas and cakes at all hours of the day, to the extremely pastel interior decoration. A more apt name for this place might be the "Alice in Wonderland Inn."

One fact that makes the Madonna Inn seem all the more bizarre is that its nearest city, San Luis Obispo, is decidedly ordinary, with all due respect to it. 

Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

Courtesy of WeirdCa.com

Speaking of unconventional places to eat, if you like dinosaurs as much as you like greasy diner food, and you happen to be driving I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, make a stop at Peggy Sue's Diner-saur Park near the town of Yermo. While the dinos on offer here are (obviously) not real, they add a touch of California quirkiness you might not expect to find so far outside of, say, the Haight District in San Francisco or Venice Beach in Los Angeles.

Tip : Want to see metal dinosaurs, but don't plan to be on this particular stretch of California interstate during your trip? You can also find metal dinosaurs at Spanish Town in Half Moon Bay near Santa Cruz, in Pismo Beach at T-Rex Eats Tourists, and at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, to name just a few places.

The Canals of Venice

Brian Sterling / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

The existence of a place called Venice Beach in California isn't a shock to most people, particularly since the Venice Beach Boardwalk is easily among the top five or 10 tourist attractions in California. What can be a bit more of a surprise, however, is the canals that exist just back from the boardwalk and the beach, which are actually the reason the city bears the same name as the Venice in Italy.

The best news of all? You can enjoy gondola rides here, and you don't have to speak Italian to negotiate the best rate. Of course, while the houses built along the canals in California's Venice are nice, they pale in comparison to the UNESCO World Heritage that rises around the ones on the other side of the planet.

(Then again, California's Venice will remain above the surface of the sea for far longer than the one in Italy, so perhaps one day these mansions will be considered world heritage in their own right!)

Morro Rock: America's Answer to Gibraltar

When it comes to the central California Coast, most people's knowledge begins and ends at the aforementioned Big Sur. While Big Sur is incredible and totally worthy of the hype built up around it, it's not actually the most impressive place in this part of California. 

No, that honor belongs to Morro Rock, a gigantic "volcanic plug" that serves as America's answer to the Rock of Gibraltar. Adding to Morro Rock's cool factor are the nearby towns of Morro Bay and Cayucos, its convenience to big cities like Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, and the existence of an incredible oyster farm only a short (and beautiful!) boat ride away from the rock.

International Banana Museum

sporst / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Although the world's biggest banana is across the Pacific Ocean from California in Coffs Harbour, Australia, the Golden State still maintains street cred—everyone's favorite yellow fruit. Enter the International Banana Museum, located on the northeastern shore of the Salton Sea.

There are a lot of weird things about the International Banana Museum. First of all, it's located in a town called Mecca, that's not in Saudi Arabia. Secondly, it sits on the "shore" of a "sea" that's been dry for decades. Finally, well, it's a museum dedicated to bananas.

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Scenic California Drives: 7 Routes That Will Make You Swoon

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Unique Places To Visit In California – 11 Weird And Cool Things To Do And See

Posted on Last updated: 18/01/2024

Categories CALIFORNIA , USA

With an overwhelming diversity of places to see, California has something for everyone. But I would like to focus on places that are more unusual, so here is a list of recommendations for some of the most unique places to visit in California.

The Golden State is loved for its perpetually sunny weather, the stunning combination of mountains and coastline, and the all-around good vibes. 

There’s no doubt you know all about the cool places in California, the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, the impressive Golden Gate Bridge, and the natural splendor of Yosemite. 

But what about the ‘secret’ places in California? The lesser-known spots, the hidden gems? That’s what we’re interested in, so I’ve put together a guide of the most unique places to visit on your next Californian getaway.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Capitola, Santa Cruz County
• 1.2 Salvation Mountain, Calipatria
• 1.3 Santa Catalina Island
• 1.4 Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara
• 1.5 Muir Woods, San Francisco
• 1.6 Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
• 1.7 Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
• 1.8 Sonora, Tuolumne County
• 1.9 Solvang Village, Santa Barbara
• 1.10 Hot Creek Geological Site, Mono County
• 1.11 Underground tunnels, Los Angeles
• 2 Which of these unique places to visit in California will you try first?

Unusual Places and Hidden Gems in California

From exploring wine country on an epic California road trip, to chasing waterfalls in one of the many beautiful state parks , there is no shortage of amazing things to see in the Golden State.

Let’s dive into some of the hidden spots to find some unique things to do in California.

Capitola, Santa Cruz County

Capitola is very close to Santa Cruz , and it’s definitely worth a visit while you are in the area. There is so much to do that you could easily spend a couple of days here.

The oldest seaside resort on the Pacific Coast, Capitola started its life as ‘Camp Capitola’ in 1876 and over time it grew into “Capitola by the Sea,” a holiday spot with a 160-room hotel.

The iconic and colourful Venetian Court is a thing of beauty, and you can admire it and take photos from the beach side. You can enjoy the quiet but beautiful Capitola Wharf, go wine tasting at Arminda Winery Tasting Room and ride a funicular to dinner at Shadowbrook Restaurant.

If you are on a California road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, make sure you take a detour to visit Capitola. You won’t regret it.

Salvation Mountain, Calipatria

A monument created by local visionary Leonard Knight, Salvation Mountain is a tribute to all things God and their gift of love to the world.

Located 100 miles east of San Diego, the idea of this artwork was conceived back in the 70s when Knight painted the message ‘God is Love’ on a hot air ballon. The balloon failed to fly, so instead he built decided to build a mountain instead.

This Southern California hidden gem is made of adobe clay mixed with straw and paint, lots of bright and colorful paint. It is 50 foot high and it’s one of the most surprising and unique places to visit in California.

Santa Catalina Island

This island is reminiscent of a Mediterranean isle, only 30 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. It’s small, only 22 miles long, and is perfect to explore by golf cart — a popular activity. 

There are plenty of snorkeling spots to discover the multi-colored reefs and marine life. As well as a zipline and even a semi-submarine cruise . Head out onto the water on a paddleboard, kayak at Avalon Canyon, or embark on the spectacular Trans-Catalina Trail. 

You can reach Catalina Island via a high-speed ferry in just one hour. The Catalina Express departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point, while the Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach. 

Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara

If you’re looking for a grape day out with a laid-back atmosphere and an impressive diversity of wines, this is the place to go. 

The climate changes from chilly and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east. This means that silky Pinot Noirs, smoky Syrahs, and buttery Chardonnays thrive in the colder climates, while earthy Bordeaux and peppery Zinfandels flourish in the east. 

The area offers you an incredible journey through diverse wines without the stifling pretentiousness that’s usually associated with wine country. It’s also affordable and downright beautiful — what more could you want? 

Treat yourself with a Santa Barbara wine tour that visits four unique wineries for tastings. 

Muir Woods, San Francisco

California has no shortage of spectacular state parks , for when the mountains are calling and you must go. This magical park is named after, and dedicated to, renowned conservationist and father of national parks, John Muir. 

Here you can meander among ancient redwoods, and choose between several hiking trails that wind under the tree canopies. It’s completely off the grid, offering the perfect opportunity to disconnect and commune with nature. 

Parking is quite limited and reservations are required, so book your parking spot in advance or visit the park with public transport. 

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Even if the idea of stargazing and storytelling doesn’t thrill you, Griffith Observatory is worth the visit for the panoramic views over Los Angeles. Here you can ponder the night sky through free use of the public telescope.

Otherwise, check out one of the fascinating exhibits or sit in on a 15-minute presentation about understanding light. 

It’s fun and educational and you can turn it into an adventure by hiking to the Observatory. There are a couple of trail options, including the 2.6-mile round trip Ferndell Trail and the 2.1-mile West Observatory Trail. 

Or you can enjoy an alternative view of Griffith Observatory from Brush Canyon Trail, one of the best hikes in Southern California .

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Glass Beach is a beautiful spot located near Fort Bragg, in the Mendocino Coast. As the name suggests, the beach is covered with small pieces of glass smoothed out by the eroding effect of the sea, giving it a colorful and sparkly appearance.

In the early 20th century it was a dumping site where local residents disposed of their trash, which included a lot of glass. It is now completely clean and safe and what was once a dumping ground, is now one of the most unique sites in California. 

Sadly, the amount of sea glass has been depleted over the years due to visitors collecting the colorful sea glass and taking them home.

It is not only illegal to remove it from the beach, but it is harmful to the environment too, so please visit Glass Beach to admire the beautiful sea glass but leave it for others to enjoy.

Sonora, Tuolumne County

Founded in 1848, Sonora was one of the first mining camps in Gold Country, and it became one of the largest and most prosperous.

The town was known as ‘Queen of the Southern Mines’, and it was built on the wealth generated by mining. This heritage is still very much present.

Walk along the main street, Washington Street, and you will see buildings from the Gold Rush era as well as other architectural styles – Victorian, Mission and even Art Deco.

There is one particular vestige of its Gold Rush mining past that has now become one of the quirky things to do in Gold Country . A visit to Legends Books, Antiques & Soda Fountain, a charming bar that hides a secret. 

Below this unique bookshop you will find part of the old gold mine shafts that run below the surface of the town. Buy a book, grab a coffee or a soda, and sit down to enjoy this unique and enchanting place.

Solvang Village, Santa Barbara

Is it Denmark or California? This Scandinavian village tops the list of hidden gems in Santa Barbara . The colorful and quirky town will make you feel like you’ve stumbled on Santa’s hideout only to find out that it’s a whole lot warmer than you expected. 

Early Dutch and Danish settlers determined to preserve their heritage established the village in 1910. Today, it’s a charming spot that gives you the opportunity to ‘travel’ to Europe on a day trip from Los Angeles. 

Watch out for the horse-drawn carriages as you stroll between European architecture and windmills. Pick up some traditional Danish baked goods and feast on Scandinavian cuisine. This little village is an ideal spot to spend a couple of hours exploring. 

It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Southern California, and while you’re there you can visit museums that will tell you all about how this village came to be. 

Visit during the month of September for their Danish Days festival, during which there are parades, Danish food, and live music. Or visit during Christmas to see the streets lit up with cheerful decorations, and when it becomes one of the top Christmas vacation spots in the US .

Hot Creek Geological Site, Mono County

Mammoth Lakes boast some of the best hikes in Northern California , so why not soothe your wandering body in one of the several hot springs peppered around Mammoth Lake after a long walk? It’s certainly one of the most unique places to visit in California.

These natural hot rock baths are part of Hot Creek Geological Site and they are dotted around the base of Mammoth Mountain make for the perfect post-hike soak. They remind me of the hot pools in Myvatn in Iceland . Although you can’t really get in the water there.

When you explore the area you’ll stumble upon jacuzzi-sized rock features with deliciously-warm water. Some are clothing optional, such as Pulkey’s Pool, and others offer a couple of hot pools to choose from, such as Wild Willy’s. 

Wallowing in the warm waters with a view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains under the vast skies may just be one of the coolest things to do in California. 

Underground tunnels, Los Angeles

14 years of prohibition didn’t turn Los Angeles into a town of teetotalers — the parties simply moved underground.

While unbeknownst citizens above ground were forced to go dry, corrupt city officials utilized 11 miles of service tunnels as passageways to basement speakeasies.

In the belly of LA, the mysterious tunnel network didn’t just serve as a booze boulevard. There are stories of mobsters stashing bodies, police transporting prisoners, and even banks using these networks to move large sums of money. 

If you’re looking for unusual and fun things to do in California, check out Cartwheel Art’s walking tours. It’s one of the only organizations in LA to have permission to explore the privately-owned portions of the tunnels. 

Which of these unique places to visit in California will you try first?

From outdoor paradises to downright weird, there are some seriously cool and crazy things to do in California. If you’re heading to the Golden State, why not add some of these to your itinerary to shake things up and do something a little different?

What else would you add to this list of unique places to visit in California? Let me know in the comments!

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Teresa is an award-winning travel blogger based in London. She’s on a mission to explore the world through responsible cultural and adventure travel , and through deeper, more meaningful local experiences. She’s a lover of adventure, the outdoors and everything food related, and she’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact through sustainable travel .

Tuesday 12th of September 2023

This was really helpful! Our friends just moved to California and we went to visit them but they had a carpet cleaning so we wanted to get out of the house for a few hours while everything dried. We used your blog to help us know what to do! Thanks for the help.

Andrew Ayala

Sunday 19th of February 2023

I was visiting my friend one day in Sonora and we were wandering around town. I found myself in that bookstore being told by my friend that people came from all over to be there because of the gold mine - neat experience.

Pranita Purohit

Sunday 9th of May 2021

it’s really difficult to decide which place to visit first for all of them are really unique and amazing. I am glad that I found your post and got to know about such marvels of California. But if time permits and luck is by my side, I would definitely visit the Griffith Observatory first. After all, how can I miss the chance of enjoying a panoramic view of Los Angeles? At the same time, I will pray that I get to see all the places you’ve listed in the post.

Teresa Gomez

Friday 18th of June 2021

There's so much to do and see in California! You'd probably need a lifetime for it all. I hope you get to make the most of your time there :)

Rita Mansfield

Tuesday 4th of May 2021

Great article, want to see all those places

Thank you! Add them to your list! :D

Tony Ray Nunes

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

This article is pretty cool especially the bookstore in Sonora California. I do have a spot for a peoples bucket list of places to be seen and admired. 1one of which is in the city of Fremont California, & that would be "Niles" township of the great city of Fremont California. This little township of Fremont started the as the original Hollywood as we know of today in Los Angeles California. Niles being the original Hollywood. With the making of many old western movies along with the great Charlie Chaplin living here in this neat little olde town of Niles California. Not to mention the great Niles canyon. Which connects the great Livermore, Pleasanton areas to the great east bay area. The canyon used to offer skunk train rides. (Not sure this skunk train is still in operation). Downtown Niles still has many of the original building still being occupied from the 1800's till this very day. Come to Niles & learn of it's amazing history. You will be amazed....

Oh that's really cool to know! I'd never heard of Fremont, so I'm adding it to my list for my next visit. Thanks so much for sharing! :D

8 Unique Places in California That You Need to Visit

The rhythmic sound of birds chirping forms a soothing melody as the faint outline of tufa towers along Mono Lake’s shallow lakefront slowly comes into focus in the distance. Making my way up the Eastern Sierra, a remote California region east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, my  weekend getaways  through the state are spent hiking through ancient waterfalls and rejuvenating in roadside natural hot springs. And, that’s just the start—the treasures of both Northern and Southern California still await.

From the  epic Pacific Ocean  swells along NorCal’s rugged coast to  Temecula Valley’s underrated wine region  in SoCal, you don’t have to leave the  state of California  to experience something memorable. Here are eight of the best unique places to visit in California. Have you already been to all of them?

1. Eureka: California's Oyster Capital With 19th-Century Architecture

Conveniently situated mid-point between Portland and San Francisco, the charming city of  Eureka  offers much more than its prime location to Redwood National Park. In addition to its official designation as a state historic landmark, the coastal city is also considered to be part of California’s oyster capital. T

he fresh waters of Humboldt Bay  producing approximately 10 million oysters annually  and more than half of the state’s shellfish.

For a taste of the bay’s best bivalves, head to  Cafe Waterfront , one of the city’s most iconic oyster bars where Kumamotos and Bucksports, two local favorites, are served in shooters, on the half shell, grilled, or in a stew. A casual stroll through Eureka’s historic Old Town neighborhood takes you past rows of neatly restored Victorian-era homes like the Carson Mansion—considered one of the country’s most masterly pieces of Queen Anne architecture—offering visitors a glimpse of the city’s prosperous bygone era.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Eureka

2. mono lake: a million-year-old-lake pit stop along california's highway 395.

Despite being less than 15 miles away from one of California’s most popular outdoor sites,  Yosemite National Park ,  Mono Lake  remains surprisingly undiscovered to nature revelers. Formed from the remains of a prehistoric sea that once flowed inland, this million-year-old saline lake—it’s  almost three times as salty as the ocean —is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to head off-the-beaten-path for a truly unique part of California’s diverse landscape.

Other-worldly Instagram shots await as you make your way toward the lake’s uncharacteristically low shoreline where hundreds of species of birds congregate atop atypical limestone spires known as tufa towers. Formed as a result of freshwater springs mixing with the lake’s alkaline waters, these rugged calcium-carbonate formations could only be seen above the surface after 1941, when most of its water was diverted to Los Angeles to meet the metropolis’ growing water needs.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Bridgeport

3. fossil falls and death valley: california's geological extremes.

California’s geographical heterogeneity knows no bounds, and the many wonders that arise from the state’s arid eastern deserts are proof of that. Sitting in the middle of the Coso Range of Eastern California is  Fossil Falls , a striking collection of basalt rocks dating back over 20,000 years. Formed by the interaction of lava from pre-historic volcanoes—the area is also home to Red Hill, a prominent cinder cone volcano that is now commercially mined for its porous lava rock—and the gushing waters of the once-powerful Owens River, the falls are a preserved slice of history waiting to be explored.

A short hike takes you down steep cliffs of sculpted black lava rock that were once an impressive collection of waterfalls. Fossil Falls is an ideal and quick stopover before heading into  Death Valley National Park . As the driest location in North America, this desert valley is known for its extreme climates that include record-breaking summers, wildflower super blooms in the spring, and snow-capped mountains in the frosty winter months. While hiking trails abound, nature’s real delight is  best experienced by stargazing at night —the park received the highest rating of darkness by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2008.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Death Valley

4. solvang: practice the danish concept of hygge in california's santa ynez valley.

Founded in 1911 by Danish Americans who moved from the Midwest, the quaint little Danish village of  Solvang  cozily sits in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. From traditional windmills and thatched roofs to old-world Northern European architecture and scintillating aromas wafting from tempting Danish bakeries, expect to completely immerse yourself in the famous  hygge— the warm and cozy Danish lifestyle.

Feast on plates of caramelized Brussels sprouts and pan-roasted fish at  Mad&Vin , a modern restaurant serving coastal California fare with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce from surrounding farms. When you’re planning a trip to Solvang, aka one of the most unique and  fun places to visit in California , remember to chalk in some time wine tasting at either  Lucky Dogg Winery  or  Carivintas Winery —after all, the area is home to over 120 wineries and vineyards.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Solvang

5. san luis obispo: a laid-back seafood paradise in californian central coast.

From the white-sand shores and warm waters of Avila Beach along San Luis Obispo Bay to the numerous hiking and cycling trails like Bishop Peak, the town’s highest point, the laid-back Central Coast town of  San Luis Obispo  truly has something to offer everyone. Especially seafood lovers.

Colloquially referred to as SLO by locals, this chill, coastal town is a haven for seafood, with restaurants like Ciopinot and Ox and Anchor serving up some of the best and freshest seafood specials. You can’t go wrong with an order of crab cakes, grilled lobster tails, oysters on the half shell, or hearty bowls of clam chowder.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - San Luis Obispo

6. temecula: a weekend getaway to southern california's burgeoning wine valley.

Though most people immediately associate California wine country with  Napa Valley , there are other wine regions worthy of a visit, namely  Temecula Valley . This Southern California town, thanks to its unique microclimate and granite-rich soil, is teeming with vineyards that grow everything from Syrah and Viognier to Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grape varietals.

Spend the day exploring the vineyards of  Bella Vista Cilurzo Winery , one of the first three wineries to be established—Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc were the very first vines planted in 1968 by then-owners Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo—and set the stage for viticulture in Temecula. Be sure to also take in a piece of history while strolling through Old Town Temecula, the town’s historic district that’s filled with antique stores and rustic storefronts, taking visitors back to its heyday during California’s Gold Rush.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Temecula

7. santa catalina island: california's remote channel islands.

One of several islands that make up the state’s Channel Islands,  Santa Catalina Island  or Catalina as it’s commonly called by locals, is one of the easiest to access. A weekend visit is just the right amount of time to get acquainted with all that the island offers, which surprisingly includes  Rusack Vineyards , the island’s very own wine estate.

Whether you arrive by private boat, passenger ferry, or helicopter, visitors to the island can choose to stay in one of two locales: the lively waterfront city of Avalon on the east end of the island or the quieter town of Two Harbors in the west. The rest of the island is a preserve managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, which offers guided summer hikes and eco-tours by jeep. Expect to see endemic plant and animal life like the Catalina cherry and mariposa lily, as well as the Santa Catalina island fox and a herd of American bison, whose ancestors were first brought over in the 1920s as movie extras.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Santa Catalina Island

8. pioneertown motel: stay on a former old western movie set.

Built in 1946 by actor Roy Rogers and several of his Hollywood friends,  Pioneertown   served as a former movie set for old Western films. Today, the property is incredibly hip and draws an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs and artists from near and wide, who mainly come to visit the magical landscape that exists at Joshua Tree National Park.

The original motel, which used to function as accommodations for actors on set, now offers 20 warmly decorated TV-free rooms. You can also access the fully restored 19th-century western town replica with an old-fashioned saloon, post office, bowling alley, and trading post. It`s definitely a place in California that is so unique that it’s worth a visit!

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Pioneertown

Hero Image: Courtesy of Visit California

Unusual Places

California archive.

Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at [email protected].

More by this Author

There are some pretty quirky places here in Northern California, and the ones on this list are the cream of the crop. Those of us who know and love this place are pretty used to its stranger charms, but when you stop and really think about these things, it’s pretty clear how odd they really are.

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Wow…Northern California’s “weird” places are some of the best places in the state! What are your favorite unusual or off the wall destinations in NorCal?

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10 Least-Crowded, But Still Scenic Places To Visit In California

• California's hidden gems offer a peaceful escape from bustling cities and tourist attractions, with serene corners and untouched beauty waiting to be explored.
• From the charming Victorian village of Ferndale to the coastal town of Morro Bay, these least-crowded but still unique places in California offer tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty.
• Whether you're seeking history, outdoor adventure, or a relaxing family trip, these hidden gems in California provide unforgettable experiences and a chance to discover the serene beauty of the Golden State.

Embark on a journey through the golden state, where the magic lies not in bustling crowds but in the hidden gems that whisper tales of untouched beauty. California, often synonymous with lively cities and iconic attractions, also cradles serene corners that offer a respite from the hustle of busy lives.

From Morro Bay to Bishop to Riverside and Danville, California unveils its secrets to those who seek solace in its natural wonders. These hidden oases promise not just tranquility but an intimate dance with landscapes that remain blissfully untrammeled.

Join other guests on a journey beyond the tourist throngs, where the whispers of nature replace the chaos of city life, and every viewpoint is a private sanctuary. Here are some least-crowded but still unique places to visit in California , where peace and scenic splendor intertwine to create an unforgettable escape from the ordinary!

Ferndale, a charming Victorian village nestled in the heart of Humboldt County, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its rich history and picturesque beauty. Well-preserved houses adorned with intricate gingerbread trim line the cozy streets, transporting visitors back to the 19th century. Ferndale is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the modern world, offering a serene oasis where visitors can soak up the charm and tranquility of a bygone era.

• Population : 1,402 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Victoria Gothic Shaw House, Ferndale Museum, The Old Steeple, Ferndale Arts Gallery, Lost Coast, Fleener Creek, Centerville Beach County Park
• Best place to stay : Gingerbread Mansion Inn
• Best place to eat : VI Restaurant

Riverside, the quaintest metropolis of the Inland Empire, offers a quirky respite from the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles. Nestled in the heart of Southern California, Riverside is home to many unique attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Victorian houses line the tree-lined streets, whispering tales of a bygone era.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Mount Rubidoux beckons with its towering peak and breathtaking views. Riverside is a city that invites its visitors to explore its rich history, embrace its quirky charm, and discover its hidden gems.

• Population : 2,486,747 as of 2023 census
• Best attraction : Mission Inn, open-air California Citrus State Historic Park, Mount Rubidoux, World Peace Bridge, World's Largest Paper Cup
• Best place to stay : Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown
• Best place to eat : Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Dreaming of a tranquil family getaway from San Francisco without straying too far? Danville, a quaint hamlet nestled just 30 minutes away, beckons with its idyllic charm. The picturesque streets in the town center are dotted with verdant parks and historic buildings, offering a tranquil oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area.

Indulge different culinary cravings at the myriad restaurants and cafes, each offering a unique dining experience. From cozy cafes serving mouth-watering pastries to upscale restaurants showcasing the finest local produce, Danville has something to tantalize every taste bud. Danville is the quintessential sleepy town with a vibrant heart, offering a plethora of activities for guests of all ages.

• Population : 42,652 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Museum of the San Ramon Valley, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, Iron Horse Regional Trail
• Best place to stay : Best Western Danville Sycamore Inn
• Best place to eat : Esin Restaurant & Bar

Related: These Are The Most Unique Small Towns To Visit In California

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Bodega Bay is a coastal village that offers visitors a taste of paradise. With its easily accessible beach panoramas, fantastic surrounding parks, and wonderful natural attractions, Bodega Bay is the ideal destination for nature lovers and those who seek remoteness and vastness.

For fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Bodega Bay is a special place. The town was used as a filming location for the classic horror film The Birds. Visitors can tour some of the filming locations, including the Potter Schoolhouse and the Tides Wharf & Restaurant.

• Population : 1,139 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Bodega Dunes Beach, Westside Regional Park, road trip from Bodega Bay to Duncan’s Landing Overlook
• Best place to stay : The Lodge at Bodega Bay
• Best place to eat : Boat House

When the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles becomes overwhelming, escape to the tranquil oasis of Claremont. This suburban charmer, nestled just 30 miles from the popular downtown LA , offers a world apart from the noises and rhythms of the megalopolis. Its picturesque streets are lined with tree-lined neighborhoods, elegant Victorian homes, and quaint shops and cafes.

Visitors can wander through the town center, admiring the architecture and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Looking for a day trip or a longer getaway? Claremont is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of LA and experience a tranquil and scenic town with something to offer everyone in California.

• Population : 34,445 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : The Village, California Botanic Garden, Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
• Best place to stay : DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont
• Best place to eat : Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

Napa Valley may be the most famous wine region in California , but Temecula is quickly gaining popularity as a hidden gem. This charming town in the Inland Empire offers visitors a taste of the Cali countryside with stunning scenery, delicious wines, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Temecula's underdog status means that there are fewer crowds and more space to explore. Visitors can enjoy tastings at boutique wineries, wander through picturesque vineyards, and picnic among rolling hills.

• Population : 112,382 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Old Town, Pennypickle’s Workshop, Temecula Valley Museum, Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
• Best place to stay : Holiday Inn Express Temecula, an IHG Hotel
• Best place to eat : Yard House

Related: 10 Beautiful Things To See In Old Town Temecula

Nestled in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, the charming town of Bishop is a gateway to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state. Surrounded by the mighty peaks of the White Mountains on one side and the scenic Sierra Nevada on the other, Bishop is the perfect base for exploring the region's endless outdoor opportunities.

From hiking and camping to climbing and backpacking, Bishop has something to offer every nature lover. With miles of trails and wilderness areas to explore, visitors can truly escape the crowds and connect with California's grand outdoors.

• Population : 3,814 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Bishop Pass Trail, White Mountain Peak Trail, John Muir Wilderness, Bishop Creek Canyon, Mount Whitney, Sad Boulders, Mount Tom, Lake Sabrina Boat Landing
• Best place to stay : Eastside Guesthouse & Bivy
• Best place to eat : Jack’s Restaurant

Morro Bay, a charming coastal town along California's Central Coast, is a place of breathtaking beauty and serenity. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Luis Obispo Mountains, Morro Bay is home to a variety of natural wonders, including the iconic Morro Rock, a volcanic monolith that rises majestically from the sea.

The town is the heart of Morro Bay State Park, encompassing a diverse landscape of lagoons, marshes, and coastal bluffs. In addition to its natural beauty, Morro Bay is also known for its small-town charm and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

• Population : 10,835 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Morro Rock, Morro Strand State Beach, Black Hill Trail
• Best place to stay : Harbor House Inn
• Best place to eat : Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the charming town of Sonora is a Gold Rush gem that offers visitors a taste of California's past and present. Sonora is compact and easy to explore, with a historic downtown area lined with well-preserved Victorian buildings.

Visitors can wander the streets, admiring the architecture and visiting the many museums and shops of this less-crowded town in California. Sonora is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Both Yosemite National Park and the High Sierra are just a short drive away.

• Population : 5,046 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Tuolumne Meadows, Dragoon Gulch Trail Head, Mercer Caverns
• Best place to stay : Best Western Plus Sonora Oaks Hotel & Conference Center
• Best place to eat: Gus’s Steakhouse

Related: Golden Season Getaways: 10 Small Towns Perfect To Visit In The Fall In North Carolina

Crescent City

Nestled in the heart of the rugged and remote Del Norte County, California, Crescent City is a quiet oasis for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Crescent City is famous for its gray whales, which migrate along the coast twice a year. Visitors can spot these majestic creatures from the shore or take a boat tour for a closer look.

In addition to its whale-watching opportunities, Crescent City also offers a variety of other outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping. The city is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including redwood forests, rugged coastlines, and pristine beaches. With its scenic beauty, small-town charm, and lack of crowds, Crescent City is the perfect destination for visitors looking for a relaxing getaway in the Pacific Northwest.

• Population : 6,789 as of 2023 census
• Best attractions : Battery Point Lighthouse, Pebble Beach Drive, Klamath Overlook, Crescent Beach Overlook, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Whale Watching Guides
• Best place to stay : Hiouchi Motel
• Best place to eat : Historic Hiouchi Cafe

California is packed with remarkable destinations that offer tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty without the crowds. From the Victorian charm of Ferndale to the serene beaches of Morro Bay, these hidden gems provide a peaceful escape from the ordinary. Whether one's seeking history, outdoor adventure, or a relaxing family trip, these least-crowded but still scenic places in California will leave guests with unforgettable memories. So, venture beyond the popular tourist spots and discover the serene beauty that awaits the lucky ones in the hidden corners of the Golden State.

10 places in California to see magnificent wildlife in their natural settings

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Condors roam the Gabilan mountain range. Roosevelt elk herds graze the forests of Humboldt County. In the eucalyptus and cypress groves of Pismo Beach, monarch butterflies cluster during the winter. And on the coast of Morro Bay, sea otters rest their heads along the shore.

California’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best states for viewing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Home to not only the most national parks of any state, the land is flourishing with state parks, natural reserves and wildlife refuges that provide a safe haven for the area’s fauna. Our state also has the most endemic species and federally protected animals in the nation.

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Up and down the coast of California, you can find opportunities to observe active wildlife — even right here in our backyard — and learn about ways to preserve our natural species. Though this list barely scratches the surface of the state’s vast biodiversity, here are some awe-inspiring animals you can admire (all from a safe and respectful distance), along with the best places and times to view them.

Whales at Dana Point

Roosevelt elk at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore

Migratory birds at Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Monarch butterflies at Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove

Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Sea otters in Morro Bay

California condors at Pinnacles National Park

Island foxes on Channel Islands

Bison on Catalina Island

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8 Hardest Hikes In California National Parks

Put your hiking skills to the test with these challenging trails in California national parks!

• California boasts the most national parks in the US, offering diverse and challenging hiking trails for all skill levels.
• Trails in CA's parks range from easy and accessible to highly challenging, allowing hikers of all abilities to explore and enjoy themselves, but the hard trails are the most adventurous for expert hikers.
• Each national park in California offers unique and difficult hikes, such as Half Dome, Telescope Peak, and the LOAR Loop Trail.

With nine national parks spread out across its vast landscape, California has more national parks than any other state in the US. Given the amazing geography and diverse eco-regions found within them, California's national parks also feature amazing hiking trails for all sorts of hiking enthusiasts.

With so many trails to choose from, hikers making a road trip to each of California's national parks can find excellent trails of any level of difficulty they are comfortable with. Many trails in California's national parks are quite easy and accessible, often featuring short lengths, relatively flat terrain, and paved or easily accessed routes. These trails allow hikers of all experience levels and abilities to enjoy the majesty of California's national parks without worrying about overexerting themselves.

Of course, more experienced hikers may be looking for more of a challenge. For these visitors, California's national parks also feature many highly challenging hikes that put each hiker's skills to the test. These harder hikes are often much longer, sometimes taking days to complete in their entirety. Many of them also cover rough, unpaved, or steep terrain that requires hikers to put their mountaineering skills to good use. Here are some of the hardest hiking trails in each of California's national parks.

7 Unusual But Unique Places To Visit In California

8 half dome via the john muir trail, yosemite national park.

No single attraction in Yosemite National Park is as iconic as the easily recognizable Half Dome. This massive granite monolith towers over the surrounding valley at a height of more than 8,000 feet. With its stark cliffs, unique shape, and formidable profile, Half Dome is easily a natural icon within the broader natural beauty of Yosemite.

Of course, while any visitor can admire Half Dome from below, getting to the top is a different story entirely. Half Dome's high elevation and steep edges make the hiking trail up to the top the most difficult in the entire park. But, despite the challenge, the view from the summit will make the extra effort well worth it.

Hikers can access Half Dome via the Yosemite portion of the larger John Muir Trail , a 211-mile trail that runs through much of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. This part of the trail is extremely strenuous, with many very steep climbs along the way. After accessing the Yosemite section of the John Muir Trail, hikers will pass Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, two notable waterfalls that come with very steep climbs up to higher altitudes.

After covering some relatively flat ground for about a mile, hikers can expect several steep switchbacks as they ascend above the tree line and make the final ascent up to Half Dome itself. The final climb up to Half Dome's summit features the famous "cable walk," an extremely steep and precarious climbing path up 400 feet, with cables installed on the sides of the path to help hikers keep their balance.

Overall, the hike up to Half Dome takes hikers up to around 4,800 feet. Due to the steep climb and rocky terrain of much of the hike, only experienced hikers in good physical condition should attempt it. But, despite the hike's high difficulty level, the incredible views you'll get at the top of Half Dome will more than makeup for it!

Hikers will need a permit to hike up to Half Dome. Permits are given out via a lottery system. You can register for the Half Dome lottery at Recreation.gov .

7 Telescope Peak Trail

Death valley national park.

With its extreme heat and rugged desert landscape, Death Valley National Park does not exactly have any "easy" hikes, no matter what the AllTrails rating says. But even among the unforgiving landscape of a park with the word "death" right in its name, hikers can still find a wide range of difficulty levels in the park's many hiking trails.

For Death Valley visitors who want to challenge themselves, the park's most difficult hike is likely the formidable Telescope Peak Trail . The word "peak" in conjunction with a valley famous for its low elevation should be some indication of how much climbing hikers will have to do here.

Telescope Peak is the highest point in the entire park, rising above the surrounding valley to an elevation of 11,043. Getting to a peak that high from any starting point will always be a challenge. But getting there from the infamous landscape of Death Valley and its many adventures is a whole other story.

Hikers attempting the Telescope Peak Trail will begin their hike at the park's Mahogany Flat campsite, and from there ascend a steep ridge line over 12 miles to the mountain's summit. During the journey, hikers will have to navigate through pinyon pine and mountain mahogany forests as they adjust to the sudden changes in altitude.

From base to summit, the Telescope Peak trail is "only" about 12 miles long. But these 12 miles cover steep, unforgiving terrain baked in the infamously extreme temperatures of Death Valley. Additionally, hikers can expect a net elevation gain of around 3,244 feet during the hike.

Still, this dramatic elevation change will pay off once hikers catch sight of the amazing views available from the trail. From the Telescope Peak summit, hikers can not only see the entire expanse of Death Valley but on clear days can see hundreds of miles beyond to spots like Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental US.

Salt Flats & Sunsets: 10 Best Hiking Trails In Death Valley National Park

6 loar loop trail, joshua tree national park.

Joshua Tree National Park protects a unique desert landscape that doesn't quite look like anywhere else on Earth. Situated at a convergence point between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts - two distinct desert ecosystems - and nestled directly next to the vast Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park protects an alien-like landscape that nonetheless appears strangely beautiful.

With its combination of expansive flatlands and rocky mountains, Joshua Tree also contains a large network of hiking trails that cover all types of terrain and difficulty levels. Experienced hikers can find all sorts of difficult trails within the park. But hikers who want to challenge themselves with a full, multi-day tour of Joshua Tree's complex landscape can attempt the highly challenging LOAR Loop Trail .

The LOAR Loop Trail takes its name from Christy Rosander, a hiking enthusiast who goes by the moniker of "Lady On A Rock" (or LOAR). Rosander first forged this particular route in 2017 while seeking to create a multi-day, highly challenging hike that would incorporate all major points within Joshua Tree. As such, the trail incorporates many of the park's preexisting hiking trails. However, it also includes many undeveloped or off-trail sections that are much more difficult to navigate.

As a loop trail, the LOAR loop begins and ends at the Indian Cove Backcountry Registration Board. From there, hikers will travel through the park's Boy Scout Trail, Big Pine Trail, North View Trail, Bigfoot Trail, Mary Hiking Trail, and Historic Quail Wash. The trail then takes hikers several miles into the Smith Water Canyon, the Joshua Tree Traverse, and then up to the rugged summit of Quail Mountain.

Towards the end of the trail, hikers will need to do much more strenuous scrambling over treacherous terrain as they work their way through the Wonderland of Rocks area and the difficult Rattlesnake Canyon as they make their way back to Indian Cove.

Overall, the trail is particularly challenging due to its difficult terrain and numerous off-trail portions that require extensive scrambling on the part of the hiker. But hikers who do manage to complete the entire 3-4 day hike will get the best tour of Joshua Tree National Park anyone could wish for!

5 Little Bald Hills Trail

Redwood national park.

California's Redwood National and State Parks protect gorgeous forests of the state's famous coastal redwood trees, as well as miles and miles of stunning Pacific Coastline. With such an appealing landscape, and with so many national and state parks converging, it's no surprise that the area has scores of excellent hiking trails of all difficult levels. Many shorter and easier trails let park visitors explore the beauty of the coastal redwood forests in a single-day trip.

But many hikers who are up for more of a challenge may want to try a day-long backpacking trip through Redwood. For them, the Little Bald Hills Trail is the best option for a highly challenging, but highly rewarding, hiking experience. The trail begins in the neighboring Smith River National Recreation Area and covers more than 18 miles through the area's state and national parks.

The Little Bald Hills Trail is particularly challenging due to the sheer range of terrain that hikers will encounter. Over its 18-mile length, the trail travels through dense old-growth forests, open prairies, and steep hills. Some hikers have reported additional hazards on the trail itself, including the possibility of encountering rattlesnakes.

But despite the dangers and challenges, the trail is indisputably one of the most beautiful that California has to offer, with many hikers praising its gorgeous wildflower displays, mountain views, and excellent proximity to the coastal redwoods.

Visitors to Redwood National and State Parks who want a challenging hike along the area's coastal regions can also find a great alternative hike on the park's Coastal Trail . This 14.2-mile-long hike follows a challenging but worthwhile route along the coast section of Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park between Nickel Creek and Demartin and provides breathtaking views of the park's Pacific coastline.

4 El Montañon Trail

Channel islands national park.

For hikers traveling to Channel Islands National Park , getting to the park itself may end up being the biggest challenge! After all, the park occupies several islands off the coast of Southern California, and visitors will usually need to book passage on one of a small number of daily boat trips to the islands from one of two access points on the mainland.

That being said, once on the islands themselves, visitors will have many excellent options of hiking trails that let them explore the unique and memorable island landscapes found there. The park's trails cover extensive ground from the island's scenic coastlines up to higher points on the highlands, all the while letting hikers view some of the islands' unique wildlife.

On any given trail, hikers can view the park's rare wildlife specimens like island foxes, while just off the coast, hikers can usually spot marine life like the famous California sea lion, and even massive whales!

The most challenging hike in Channel Islands National Park is probably the El Montañon Trail , a difficult 8.9-mile out-and-back hike on Santa Cruz Island. As the largest of the numerous visit-worthy Channel Islands , Santa Cruz Island has more than enough scenery to occupy even a multi-day hike. And the El Montañon Trail has this in abundance.

Hikers attempting the trail will begin at the park's Scorpion campground, and venture out towards Smugglers Road and past the Montañon Ridge Trail. The trail ultimately takes hikers up to the summit of El Montañon, a 1,808-foot peak that's one of the highest points in the entire park.

This journey up to the top is certainly challenging, with hikers experiencing an overall elevation gain of about 1,938 feet. But, once at the top, the views of the surrounding islands and ocean landscape are more than worth it!

10 Things To Do Near The Channel Islands: Complete Guide To California's Hidden Natural Paradise

3 high sierra trail, sequoia & kings canyon national parks.

The jointly administered Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect a vast wilderness in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains that features some of the best spots to view the famous Giant Sequoia trees. Many of the parks' trees, such as the famous General Sherman and General Grant trees, are some of the largest trees in the world.

In addition to their amazing forest scenery, Sequoia and Kings Canyon include stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, lies partially in Sequoia National Park. The eponymous Kings Canyon offers lots to see ; it's a stunning valley framed by dramatic mountain peaks that present one of the best views anywhere in the state, rivaling even the more famous Yosemite Valley!

Trails both short and long await hikers in both parks, and the surrounding areas also include many national forests and state parks that contain further trails to explore. But hikers who are up for a challenge can try out the 93-mile High Sierra Trail , an arduous but well-worthwhile trek through many of the most scenic and remote regions of the parks.

This multi-day hike begins at the Creasant Meadow region of the parks, and from there takes hikers up a steep ridge through alpine meadows, canyons, and treacherous creeks. After several miles of relatively flat terrain, the trail makes a sharp descent into the Kern River Canyon. Eventually, the trail meets up with the even longer John Muir Trail near Crabtree Meadow.

At this point, hikers can either turn around and return to their starting point, or (if they want a challenge) continue to attempt the summit of the imposing Mount Whitney. The entire trail generally takes a few days to complete, and many accessible camping sites lie along the trail for hikers to stop and spend the night.

2 Snag Lake, Butte Lake, & Cinder Cone Via Pacific Crest Trail

Lassen volcanic national park.

One of the more underrated national park destinations in California is Lassen Volcanic National Park , a beautiful but imposing landscape forged by volcanic forces over thousands of years. The park protects several impressive volcanic peaks and a landscape that testifies to Northern California's violent geologic history.

Among its various peaks, Lassen Volcanic National Park contains the namesake Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world. The park is also notable for containing all four major types of volcanic mountains within its borders (stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, plug domes, and cinder cones), one of the few places in the world that holds this distinction.

In addition to the volcanoes themselves, the park also contains many other impressive remnants of its geologically active past, including accessible hydrothermal pools and the remnants of vast ash fields from past volcanic eruptions.

With so many memorable sights to see, visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park will want to seek out hiking trails that get them right up close to as many sights as possible. Hikers who want to experience the most comprehensive tour of the park, and who don't mind a long and highly-challenging hike, should head off to the park's portion of the Pacific Crest Trail .

Within the park boundaries, this portion of a much larger trail takes hikers off towards a side loop trail that runs past many of the park's most famous sights. During the 30-mile route, hikers will begin at the Warner Campground and venture past Boiling Springs Lake, Snag Lake, and Butte Lake, 3 amazing volcanic lakes framed by the formidable peaks just in the distance.

Eventually, the loop trail takes hikers up to the summit of the iconic Cinder Cone volcano, one of the most picturesque volcanoes in the world. During this section, hikers can expect an overall elevation gain of around 4,091 feet.

This, plus the often treacherous terrain among ancient lava flows and ash fields, makes the route particularly challenging, especially for hikers without much experience on backcountry trails. But with so many amazing sights to see along the way, this particular trail is well worth the effort for those who are up to the task.

10 Hikes With The Best Views In Lassen National Park

1 pinnacles greatest hits trail, pinnacles national park.

Like Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles National Park holds stark evidence of California's volcanic history. Fortunately for visitors, the ancient volcano that formed the park's exquisite rock formations has long since gone extinct. But its aftereffects are still etched into the park's landscape in the form of awesome red rock formations, jagged peaks, and deep caverns carved from ancient eruptions and wind erosion over millions of years (many of which feature Pinnacles National Park's notable populations of bats in its caves !).

Today, these volcanic remnants take the form of the natural "pinnacles" that give the park its name. And given the park's large size and complex landscape, visitors have more amazing sights to see that can be contained in one day.

While the park has many excellent hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, hikers who want to take on a challenging hike while taking in as much of the park's natural wonders as they can, should head out to the aptly-named Pinnacles Greatest Hits Trail .

This 12.5-mile loop trail takes hikers on a scenic tour of some of the best attractions within the park. The trail begins at the Old Pinnacles Parking Lot area--from there, most hikers take the route in a counterclockwise direction, passing major rock formations like Balconies, High Peaks, the Bear Gulch Reservoir, Monolith, and the Cave Gulch Overlook.

The route passes through four separate parking areas, so visitors have some options regarding where they start. Due to the rough terrain forged by an ancient volcano, the trail is quite challenging for most hikers. Generally, those attempting the trail should expect a total elevation gain of around 3,057 feet, and several sections of rough terrain and unmarked passages.

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