Offbeat adventures: Quest for California's hidden treasures
The Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign are icons in the Golden State. But beyond the gateway cities, there is a world of hidden gem experiences tucked away in unassuming corners waiting to be explored.
The diversity and abundance of options from the north to the south of
California
are best explored by road with your very own California-inspired playlist.
Northern California
North Coast
A True Hidden Gem- North Coast is home to many off-the-beaten-path treasures alongside epic coastal views and breathtaking redwood forests. Lake County produces 'moon tears' – semi-precious, gem-quality quartz stones that are unique to the area, thanks to the special volcanic soil in the region.
You can find your own as a souvenir at Wild Diamonds Vineyard.
War Stories- History buffs must head to Del Norte County near Klamath to visit a still-standing WWII radar station disguised as a farm. During the war, it contained some of the most sophisticated early-warning radar defence technology available. Hike to nearby Hidden Beach for a peaceful sunset.
Unique Stays- Stay in a yurt at a 50-acre outdoor stone art gallery at the Mendocino Stone Ranch, and enjoy exploring over 30 stone installations on the property.
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Or relax and unwind at Orr Hot Spring Resort nestled near the Montgomery Woods.
Bigfoot Sightings- The Willow Creek China Flat Museum in Humboldt County is home to the original 1967 sighting caught on film by Patterson Grimlin where you can view casts of the impressive 16' footprints and many original photos and artifacts.
Shasta Cascade Region
Waterfalls & Volcanoes- Adventurers looking to explore the rugged and remote West Siskiyou region will be rewarded by hiking the trail to Ukonom Twin Falls, a 1.5-mile journey to witness the 25-foot falls dropping into a picturesque pool.
Medicine Lake Volcano is the largest volcano in the area with four campgrounds serving as a base for hikers and offering fishing, boating, and hiking experiences.
Natural Wonders- Located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Boiling Springs Lake is one of the largest active hot lakes in the world. The lake is easy to access from Willow Lake Campground or the Devil's Kitchen trailhead. In the Humbug Valley, Soda Springs is a rare, accessible, naturally carbonated groundwater source first used by the native Mountain Maidu and later by European settlers.
Floating Campground- Lake Oroville in Butte County offers 10 floating campsites, each with enough room for 15 people and three vessels like personal watercraft. The sites also offer picnic spots, barbecues and, of course, bathrooms.
Lake Hikes- The Shasta Cascade region offers lake hiking for every level of fitness. If you are looking for an easy day hike, Lake Eleanor and Trinity Lake fit the bill. For a bit more of a challenge, head to Granite, Hidden Lakes, or Ward Lake.
Adventure Seekers- Explore Subway Cave in the town of Old Station, formed 20,000 years ago when an explosion drained away lava and left tube-like caves. For an above-ground adventure, hikers will love the challenge of getting to Potem Falls.
Gold Country
California Poppies- California is famous for its explosion of poppies and other wildflowers. To see Mother Nature's show, head to Auburn State Recreation Area and hike Windy Point or Stevens Trail.
Column of the Giants- Open from May to December, the Columns of the Giants is a geologic site in Stanislaus National Forest featuring hexagonal basalt rock formations created by lava from volcanoes over 100,000 years ago. Today, you can hike to the base of the formation or climb it via routes like Delirious and Spin Doctor. Experienced climbers will love the challenge of The Pygmy Pillars, a 100-foot-tall wall of organ pipes.
Soil Born Farms- Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova is an urban agriculture and education project that is a thriving hidden gem filled with nature and wellness experiences for all ages. Enjoy outdoor yoga, cooking classes, agriculture lessons, gardening, farmers markets and bird watching.
Lake Tahoe
The Powerline Trail is known as a mountain bike path, but locals also love it for its trailheads providing panoramic views and a perfect spot to watch the sunset behind Mount Tallac.
Also, check out the trail leading hikers to Modjeska Falls behind Glen Alpine Falls.
Central California
Yosemite- Located 10 minutes from Yosemite National Park, the seasonal Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad takes your family back in time to the days of gold panning and logging with gorgeous rides through the Sierra National Forest. Additionally, the history of Native American Culture awaits at the Sierra Mono Museum & Cultural Center through its interpretive exhibits and tours.
Fresno- In the spring and fall, one of the top things to enjoy in Fresno County is hiking the area's tallest waterfall, Stevenson Creek Falls in the Sierra National Forest.
Lompoc- Over 100 years ago, the Sybil Marston crashed on the rocks off the coast of Lompoc. When the tide is just right in the winter, the shipwreck is visible from Surf Beach. Even when the wreck is out of sight, Surf Beach is idyllic for surfing, swimming and seashell finding.
Southern California
Moabi Regional Park- For an aquatic adventure and getaway, the Pirate Cove Resort-operated Moabi Regional Park in Needles on the banks of the Colorado River delivers. Bordering the California and Arizona state lines, fishing, hiking, boating, and off-road driving are popular activities at Moabi.
California Route 66 Museum- Celebrate the Mother Road at the interactive California Route 66 Museum in Victorville that follows the growth of the iconic road and the pioneers who travelled on it.
Historic artefacts and photographs tell the story of the road and its impact on the country.
The Sycamore Inn- Stay on the Route 66 theme with a visit to The Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga. The Inn dates back to 1848 and sits along the road that was once a simple dirt strip that later became the iconic Route 66. Today, the Inn is a hidden gem steakhouse and wine bar.
Diamond Valley Alpacas- Visit the adorable alpacas at Diamond Valley Alpacas in Hemet, learn about them in educational seminars, and shop for impeccably soft alpaca products.
Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum- Learn about the history, culture, and tradition of the Native American tribes of the Inland Empire region at the Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum showcasing the experiences and achievements of the local Native American tribal members.
Big Bear Dam Keeper's House- Today, the Big Bear Dam Keepers stone cabin is in ruin, but in 1931, it appeared in the iconic Frankenstein movie. During summer and fall, visitors can see the old house and get a great view of Big Bear Dam.
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve- Birders will enjoy exploring the 145-acre Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve in Big Bear. The bucolic preserve is a wetland ecosystem teaming with a diversity of birds and other wetland wildlife.
Sky's the Limit Observatory- Explore the universe at Sky's the Limit Observatory, an International Dark Sky Park near Joshua Tree National Park, that hosts monthly one-night sky programs when its telescopes are out for public viewing as well as a two-day annual Night Sky Festival.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve- The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an important wildlife corridor known for its birds. The Preserve is designated as an Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and the Watchable Wildlife National Program, and is featured in the National Geographic Guide to Bird Watching Sites. Over 247 species have been recorded at the Preserve.
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