From Pretty Woman’s Rodeo Drive to David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, sights like the Hollywood Sign, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Venice Beach and Beverly Hills have been beamed into the public consciousness through television, cinema and smartphone screens.
For decades, kids have dreamed of summer holidays to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, but there is so much more to California than just these landmark attractions. From tucked-away towns, extraordinary accommodations and secret beaches to offbeat attractions, secluded state parks and under-the-radar restaurants, we reveal some of our favourite lesser-known gems in the Golden State.
6 secret beaches in lesser-known California
Muir Beach, Marin County
Just minutes from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Beach is a secluded spot accessible via a dramatic, 450ft pedestrian bridge.
Locals would love to keep it secret, but in-the-know visitors can explore tide pools, stroll spectacular coastal trails and enjoy serenity just outside the city.
Mattole Beach, Lost Coast
Located in the remote Lost Coast region, Mattole Beach offers pristine, dark sands and rugged beauty at the north end of the King Range National Conservation Area.
Accessible via a scenic drive from the tiny town of Petrolia, it’s a favourite start or end point for local hikers, who trek from here to Black Sands Beach.
Hidden Beach, Klamath
True to its name, Hidden Beach is a secluded cove near Klamath in Del Norte County.
Accessible via a stunning scenic hike, visitors are rewarded with magnificent rock formations and a pebble beach beneath great piles of timber and driftwood.
Luffenholtz Beach, Humboldt County
Located on the Northern California coastline, Luffenholtz Beach is defined by vertiginous cliffs, dramatic sea stacks and wild coastal trails.
It’s a perfect spot for hiking and connecting with nature, far from the usual
sun seekers.
Pelican State Beach, Del Norte County
As the northernmost state beach in California, Pelican State Beach is an undeveloped site near the Oregon border.
Known as “the loneliest beach in California”, it offers grassy dunes and driftwood-strewn sands, perfect for those seeking solitude.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
With an easy-to-miss entrance off Highway 1, along the iconic Big Sur coastline, Pfeiffer Beach is renowned for its unique purple shoreline, striking sea stacks and natural arches.
Yes, that’s right, a purple beach! Its unusual hue is due to manganese garnet deposits in the sand.
Seal Beach, Orange County
Situated between the ever-popular Long and Huntington beaches, Seal Beach’s white sands are much less busy but still offer all the amenities you need for a day by the sea.
Located on Orange County’s northernmost shore, beachgoers can enjoy everything from surfing and bodyboarding to volleyball and fishing from the pier.
7 outdoor escapes in lesser-known California
Point Reyes National Seashore
An hour north of San Francisco, Point Reyes combines rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches with open grasslands and hiking trails through forested ridges.
Between December and May, gray whales can be spotted from the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas, while elephant seals can be seen on Drakes Beach and around the headlands.
Castle Crags State Park
Located in Northern California, Castle Crags State Park is renowned for its dramatic granite spires, offering excellent hiking and rock-climbing opportunities.
The Crags Trail is the best place to take in breathtaking views of these unique formations.
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
Known as the best bike park in the USA, this park offers trails suitable for all levels, with 80 miles of track across the entirety of Mammoth Mountain.
Open from late May to mid-September, it’s a premier destination for seasoned downhill and singletrack biking enthusiasts.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
As California’s oldest state park, founded in 1902, Big Basin is famous for its ancient coast redwoods – some of which have a 50ft circumference and are as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
Set in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Located in the east of Kern County, this park features unique rock formations in stunning red hues.
With miles of hiking trails and a campsite, it’s a great place to explore, especially when the wildflowers bloom in spring.
Auburn State Recreation Area
In the heart of Gold Country, Auburn State Recreation Area spans 40 miles of the American River.
Once teeming with thousands of gold miners, today it offers hiking, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, gold panning and whitewater rafting to adventurous visitors.
June Mountain
Often overshadowed by nearby ski resorts, June Mountain offers 1,400 acres of skiable terrain and is ideal for families, since children 12 and under ski for free.
Located between Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes, its uncrowded slopes provide a relaxed skiing experience.
6 extraordinary stays in lesser-known California
Railroad Park Resort, Northern California
Stay the night in an original, vintage railway car – or a caboose, as they’re known – then eat in an authentic dining carriage. Set in a picturesque forested area of Northern California, the accommodations offer a memorable getaway for train lovers and those looking for something – ahem – off the beaten track. rrpark.com
Treebones Resort, Big Sur
Perched along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline, Treebones offers a unique glamping experience with its collection of yurts and the one-of-a-kind Human Nest – a handcrafted, wooden nest-like structure where guests can sleep under the stars. The resort emphasises sustainability and provides panoramic ocean views: a serene retreat for nature lovers. treebonesresort.com
The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, this bed and breakfast offers six elaborately themed suites, including a 1950s drive-in, a pirate ship and an Egyptian chamber. Each suite spans an entire floor and is meticulously designed to transport guests to a different time and place, providing a whimsical lodging experience. thevick.com
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs, Benton
Tucked away near the eastern Sierra Nevada, this historic inn offers accommodation with private natural hot-spring tubs. Guests can choose from charming rooms in the main house or opt for more secluded cottages, all while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich hot springs in a tranquil, rustic setting. bentonhotsprings.us
Wigwam Motel, San Bernardino
The Wigwam Motel on historic Route 66 is a fun, nostalgic stay in teepee-shaped cabins. While this kind of Native American cultural appropriation wouldn’t fly these days, in the context of its time it remains a quirky, kitsch slice of mid-20th-century Americana. wigwammotel.com
Hicksville Trailer Palace, Joshua Tree
Near Joshua Tree National Park, Hicksville is a tongue-in-cheek trailer park featuring an array of themed vintage trailers, each uniquely decorated. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a saltwater pool, archery range and a rooftop hot tub, all while immersing themselves in the eclectic desert vibe. hicksvillepalace.com
7 tucked-away towns in lesser-known California
Ojai
Known for its spiritual retreats, art galleries and organic farms, Ojai is surrounded by stunning mountains.
Discover art galleries, enjoy the local farmers’ markets and organic dining options, explore hiking and biking trails, and marvel at the famous ‘pink moment’ sunsets.
Julian
Set in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian is a historic Gold-Rush town famed for its delicious apple pies.
Visitors can explore its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and stargazing, since the town is a designated International Dark Sky Community.
Solvang
A Danish-inspired town in the Santa Ynez Valley, purpose-built by a group of Danish immigrants to preserve their culture, Solvang features quaint streets lined with half-timbered buildings and windmills.
Here you’ll find a Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a replica of the Little Mermaid and a traditional Lutheran church, plus no fewer than four windmills and six Danish bakeries. There’s also, naturally, a troll, made from recycled materials by artist Thomas Dambo.
St. Helena
Located in Napa Valley, St. Helena is renowned for its world-class wineries and culinary delights.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, dine at gourmet restaurants and take in the beautiful vineyard landscapes. Main Street is lined with historic buildings, offering a delightful setting for leisurely strolls and wine tasting.
Balboa Island
Accessible via a short ferry ride from Newport Beach, Balboa Island offers picturesque waterfront homes, quaint shops and delicious treats like Balboa Bars – ice cream dipped in chocolate and covered with toppings.
Along with its charming boardwalk, unique boutiques and waterfront dining, visitors can enjoy the beaches, paddleboarding, sailing and exploring the nearby Balboa Fun Zone amusement area.
Healdsburg
Sonoma County is a paradise for wine lovers, and picture-perfect Healdsburg – where there’s a white-picket vibe that borders on Tim Burton’s idea of suburban America – is home to Jordan Vineyard & Winery and Stuhlmuller Vineyards, known for their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel wines.
Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet dining at plant-based restaurants like Little Saint, and exploring the cutesy downtown and its artisan shops.
Idyllwild
Surrounded by San Bernardino National Forest, this serene mountain town is a haven for nature lovers and artists.
With stunning hiking trails like the Devil’s Slide Trail, top rock-climbing crags, art galleries and a cosy small-town atmosphere, it’s a perfect escape, high in the San Jacinto Mountains.
6 under-the-radar eats
Nepenthe, Big Sur
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Nepenthe offers stunning views and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their signature Ambrosia Burger is a standout, particularly when enjoyed with a side of breathtaking scenery. Everything on the menu pairs perfectly with a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the sea. nepenthe.com
La Taqueria, San Francisco
Located in the Mission District, La Taqueria has been a local favourite for five decades. It’s famous for its Mission-style burritos, known for their simplicity – no rice, just perfectly seasoned meats, beans, salsa and fresh tortillas. Their carne asada burrito is widely regarded as one of the best in California. lataqueriasf.net
Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay
A hidden gem for seafood lovers, Sam’s is known for its New England-style clam chowder and legendary lobster roll, often ranked among the best in the USA. The waterfront setting makes it a perfect stop for a relaxed meal, and fresh, high-quality ingredients are used. samschowderhouse.com
Tuck Box, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Homesick? This charming tea room and bakery offers pastries, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and a complete afternoon-tea menu in an incongruously English setting. The breakfasts are some of the best in town, too. tuckbox.com
Huckleberry Bakery & Café, Santa Monica
Known for its delicious brunch options, Huckleberry Bakery & Café offers a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with a menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Try their signature maple bacon biscuit or blueberry cornmeal cake. It’s a delightful spot for a leisurely brunch. huckleberrycafe.com
Apple Pan, Los Angeles
This iconic diner has been serving classic American comfort food since 1947, and the Hickory Burger and famous apple pie are must-tries. The nostalgic atmosphere and counter service transport you back in time, making it a beloved LA institution. theapplepan.com
7 Offbeat attractions in lesser-known California
Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon
Visible from the I-10 freeway, these massive dinosaur sculptures – Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex – have been roadside attractions since the 1970s.
Originally part of a roadside diner, the site now includes a museum and offers visitors the chance to climb inside the towering Tyrannosaurus rex. cabazondinosaurs.com
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
This sprawling Victorian mansion is famed for its eerie staircases to nowhere, doors that open onto walls, hidden passageways and labyrinthine design.
Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the eponymous firearms magnate, it’s believed these architectural peculiarities were intended to confuse the spectres that haunted Sarah. winchestermysteryhouse.com
Salvation Mountain, Niland
Located in the Colorado Desert (in California, yes), Salvation Mountain is a vibrant, colourful art installation created by Leonard Knight.
Made from adobe, straw and thousands of gallons of paint, the artificial mountain is adorned with murals and Bible verses, reflecting Knight’s devotion to spreading a message of love. salvationmountain.org
The Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz
Discovered in 1939, this gravitational anomaly is an area where the laws of physics and gravity seem to be defied.
Visitors experience perplexing phenomena, such as objects appearing to roll uphill and people seeming to tilt at unusual angles. mysteryspot.com
The Wave Organ, San Francisco
This acoustic sculpture, located on a jetty in the Marina District, consists of a series of pipes that create intriguing sounds as waves crash against them.
The result is a unique auditory experience that varies with the tides and weather conditions. exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ
The Museum of Jurassic Technology, Los Angeles
This enigmatic museum offers a blend of fact and fiction, featuring exhibits that range from the obscure to the bizarre.
Lines between reality and imagination blur here, inviting visitors to question the nature of museums and secondhand knowledge. Advance bookings only. mjt.org
The Integratron, Landers
Built in the 1950s, this dome-shaped structure was designed (allegedly with the help of extraterrestrials) as a time machine and rejuvenation chamber.
Today, it’s known for its sound baths, where visitors can relax and meditate to the resonant tones produced within the acoustically perfect space. integratron.com
Dates for your diary in lesser-known California
Tournament of the Roses Parade, January (Pasadena): Famous for its elaborate flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, this New Year’s parade kicks off the Rose Bowl.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, April (Indio): A massive two-weekend event blending music, art, and fashion in the desert, featuring major artists and creative installations.
California State Fair, July (Sacramento): Celebration of California’s agriculture, culture, and innovation, with carnival rides, livestock shows, live music, and plenty of food.
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, August (San Francisco): Held in Golden Gate Park, this festival features top-tier music acts, gourmet food and local wine.
Napa Valley Harvest Season, August to October (Napa): A magical time in wine country when grapes are picked, crush parties abound, and wineries host special tastings and events.
Día de los Muertos, November (Los Angeles & San Francisco): Vibrant cultural celebrations honouring the Day of the Dead with altars, costumes, music, and traditional food in Latino communities.
Hollywood Christmas Parade, November/December (Los Angeles): A festive holiday parade down Hollywood Boulevard featuring celebrities, floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus.
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