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We all know the staples of California: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and a few other trendy treasures along the coast.
Golden State has certainly made a name for itself in recent years and in many cases been on the wrong side of the headlines.
While the locals compete with big cities transforming into real life Zombielandholidaymakers still flock to the west coast.
Away from the hustle and bustle of California’s household names lies a region that no one ever seems to talk about, but is slowly gaining national attention.
One such lake town was just named California’s best Hidden Gem Destination, although the trendy coastal town of Elk might have something to say about that…
This relatively undiscovered region is home to vibrant blue lakes just waiting to be explored. It’s the ultimate place in California to unwind this fall.
Convict Lake: New Lake Town Darling in California
Have you ever been disappointed when you visited a trendy new place that wasn’t a success?
Well, you don’t have to worry about that with Convict Lake, California’s best hidden gemaccording to Cheapism.
Normally, your Golden State lake escape would be the resort town of Lake Tahoe or perhaps the serene SoCal retreat of Big Bear.
As autumn begins to transform landscapes around the world, Convict Lake and the surrounding area are no different, with a rush of colors accompanying the vibrant blue water.
Truly in the wild, far away from tourist eyesores, there is perhaps no more authentic place in California to unwind in such a pristine natural environment.
Those who visit the picturesque lake love to fish for trout, take scenic walks through the lush forestry or camp under the stars.
And yes, there are plenty of cozy cabins for rent, or you can opt for that one resort here, with the right name Condemned Lake Resorta luxury lodge that offers fun boat trips, kayaks and even horse riding.
Fun Fact: Convict Lake got its unique name after a group of prisoners escaped from prison in the 1800s. This resulted in a gun battle and the eventual capture of the runaway prisoners. So much for Alcatraz!
The anti-Lake Tahoe: A series of mountain lakes spread across the region
A beautiful natural wonder shared by both Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit, but you can’t say it’s undiscovered with towering resorts and flashy casinos.
However, the region surrounding Convict Lake is well off the radar for most, especially those who don’t live near the area.
Pristine water conditions and amazing scenery extend beyond Convict, with spacious alpine lakes littering the region with names I can almost guarantee you’ve never heard of, but still have the same allure.
In no particular order, visitors have a large number of crystal clear lakes, such as:
- Zilvermeer
- Monomer (incl two volcanic islands!)
- June more
- More Maria
- Duck lake
- Lake Mamie (4.9 rating on Google!)
This is just the beginning, and many of these unheard of getaways offer relaxing resorts and nearby cabins where you can enjoy your time in pure tranquility.
One such place is June Lake, mentioned above.
Located in the eastern wing of the Sierra Nevada, this beautiful lakeside town offers stunning views from a variety of hiking trails, a charming town center and even better places to stay, such as the Double Eagle Resort & Spa.
Mammoth: not just a winter wonderland
If there’s any fame this side of California, it’s definitely Mammoth (abbreviated from Mammoth Lakes) – a popular winter ski destination.
However, Mammoth has its own flair in the other 3 seasons.
This now also makes for a great autumn break, which United started this month seasonal service to Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop (BIH) less than an hour’s drive away.
Before the mountains shine white, you can take advantage of beautiful autumn blooms with a mix of gold, crimson and oranges.
You don’t have to pack your winter coat yet, because the temperatures are much milder and you can enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Better yet, many of Mammoth’s popular winter resorts offer discounts during the off-season. The luxury, for example Westin Monache Resort is $257 in mid-October, compared to almost $400 in mid-December.
Tip: For an off-trail escape to warm up, visit Wild Willy’s hot springs 21 miles from Mammoet. Best of all, it’s free!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
