To discover California‘s underrated treasures reveal a world beyond the ordinary. Embrace the tranquil aura of Shasta Lake, an oasis of pristine waters surrounded by lush forests. A coastal wonder, Point Reyes features dramatic cliffs and thriving wildlife and invites off-the-beaten-path exploration. The quirky charm of Boonville and the allure of Anderson Valley’s wineries make for an unusual experience.
Head to the Lost Coast for a rugged escape, where pristine beaches and wild landscapes await. The enigmatic Mono Lake, decorated with surreal tuff formations, offers a unique geological wonder. By exploring these lesser-known destinations, you’ll find a deeper, more authentic connection to the diverse beauty and culture that make California truly exceptional.
Capitola
Located on California’s enchanting coast, Capitola is a hidden gem often overshadowed by its better-known neighbors. Despite its quiet reputation, this coastal town has a lot to offer. You can explore the charming streets full of small shops and boutiques, have a bite to eat delicious seafood or simply relax on the pristine Capitola Beach.
Don’t miss the colorful quay, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and a relaxing atmosphere. Capitola’s unpretentious beauty and laid-back atmosphere make for a refreshing escape and showcase a quieter side to California’s coastal scene.
The mountain of redemption
Salvation Mountain is a captivating and unique artistic masterpiece located in the Southern California desert. This vibrant and colorful hilltop creation is the brainchild of Leonard Knight, who dedicated more than three decades of his life to crafting this awe-inspiring monument.
Covered in a mosaic of vibrant paint, adobe clay and recycled materials, Salvation Mountain radiates messages of love and spirituality. As you explore this unique attraction, you will be greeted by intricate works of art, intricate details and a deep sense of dedication.
Shasta Lake
We bet you haven’t rented a houseboat lately, if ever. A houseboat is perhaps the best way to enjoy this vast reservoir. Try out all the water sports including swimming, water skiing, fishing, jet skiing and much more.
Trinity Alps
Trinity Alps Wilderness, another large nature reserve in Northern California, amazes tourists with its granite peaks and alpine lakes. It’s a great choice for multi-day backpacking trips like the 19-mile Canyon Creek Lakes Trail, as well as day hikes like the Hidden Lake Trail or the Tangle Blue Lake Trail. This location is 200 miles from Sacramento or about 50 miles from Redding, which has a regional airport.
Point Reyes
Point Reyes, despite its proximity to San Francisco (about an hour’s drive north), is fairly quiet, especially along the oceanfront walking paths. Taste local cheeses at the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company and look for wildflowers and native wildlife along the Tomales Point Trail, which winds nearly 10 miles around this unique, narrow peninsula and offers beautiful, misty views of the Pacific Ocean.
Hopland
Located in the southeastern part of Mendocino County, the charming village of Hopland is a fantastic base for great wine tasting. Take a look inside the beautiful Thatcher Hotel, an 1890s Victorian building with a bar, coffee shop and chic rooms. Then plan an itinerary that includes visits to the Saracina or Alta Orsa wineries for wine tastings, a day at the Vichy Springs Resort for a spa day, or time at the Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve to see redwoods.
Santa Lucia series
This mountain range extends from below Monterey and Carmel to near San Luis Obispo, just inland from Big Sur, a not-so-hidden gem. The five-mile Big Falls Trail is located near the southernmost point of the mountain range, but due to recent rainstorms, the trails at Limekiln State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are currently closed.
Boonville
Boonville in Mendocino County originally had its own language called Boontling, which is now nearly extinct but still worth a visit for its breweries, cheese, art and antique shops. Spend some time at the 30-acre, family-friendly Anderson Valley Brewing Company, where you can relax on the lawn, play 18 holes of disc golf, and sample beer.
Lost Coast
California’s Lost Coast is a remote area that stretches approximately 75 miles from Shelter Cove to Mattole Beach and is a paradise for experienced hikers. It can be reached from San Francisco in about five hours by car. The terrain of the Los Coast is too wild for anyone to tame it with asphalt. That’s why adventurers walk overland along the coast, often taking three to four days.
Monomer
Monomer, an ancient salt lake on California’s eastern border, is in many ways another world. The only aquatic life in the area are brine shrimp, which attract a variety of migratory bird species along the Pacific Flyway. At Mono Lake, the distinctive limestone outcroppings known as tuff stand out both physically and figuratively.
Solvang
In Santa Barbara County, California, there is a quaint town called Solvang. Solvang’s Danish background and architecture set it apart from other small towns in California. Although Solvang has a fascinating past and beautiful surroundings, it often goes unnoticed by tourists, making it a hidden gem.
Just strolling around and admiring the architecture is one of the best things to do in Solvang. Danish-style buildings line the streets, past windmills and cobblestone sidewalks. The buildings house bakeries, cafes and shops, many of which are still active. Traditional Danish pastries, unique shops and even a carriage ride are all available to you.
