Interesting Places in California: California is known for its rich diversity of landscapes. From pristine beaches to sprawling national parks and sparkling lakes, the Golden State has it all.
Couple that with a plethora of cultural and historical attractions and a vibrant entertainment scene.
While many of its attractions are well-known and draw hordes of tourists throughout the year, there are still some hidden gems that are worth exploring.
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If you’re looking to escape the crowds, here are the 7-great off-the-beaten-path and interesting places in California: –
Lassen Volcanic National Park #1
How about visiting an active volcano?
Lassen Volcanic National Park offers such an opportunity.
The park is home to an active volcano called Mount Lassen which last erupted in 1921. From hot springs to mud pots, forests, and lakes, the landscape here is full of intriguing natural attractions.
One of the most fascinating geothermal areas in the park is Bumpass Hell. It is accessible through a mile-long trail.
Visitors can walk on the wooden boardwalks and soak in views of volcanic clouds, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots.
There is a range of recreational activities to enjoy here from hiking and canoeing in summer to snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
It’s also one of the best places in the state to witness the night sky and various astronomical programs are hosted here in summer.
If you’re visiting in August, you can also attend the annual Dark Sky festival wherein you can join nightly constellation tours and learn about astronomy.
Mono Lake #2
You’ll get an other-worldly vibe at this ancient lake formed around 700,000 years ago.
Located around 14 miles from Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance, this lake is set at an elevation of 6,240 feet above sea level.
The scenery here is defined by the many tufa towers, distinct limestone structures that protrude from the lake.
One of the best ways to see them up close is to take a guided canoe tour.
You can also explore the Mono Lake South Tufa area and walk amongst these towers since the water has receded from there.
Although there are no fish in this saltwater lake, the lake is home to brine shrimp. You’ll find many migratory birds here too.
Hearst Castle #3
Soak in opulence at this impressive castle. Set in San Simeon, it used to be the home of William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper tycoon.
The castle was built by him and features three guest houses as well as a main house.
Wander through hundreds of rooms or admire the fascinating artwork collection of Hearst and study the impressive decor and unique designs, a tour of this incredible mansion is sure to make for a delightful experience.
Hearst called the place, ‘Le La Cuesta Encantada’ which means The Enchanted Hill. The main house had 100 rooms including a cinema and a big reception hall.
There was also a garden surrounding the house which had a small zoo where animals such as mountain goats and zebras used to roam.
With everything preserved in its original state, the place is perfect for getting a glimpse into the tycoon’s lavish lifestyle.
Salton Sea #4
This wasteland invokes a sense of the apocalypse.
California’s largest lake used to be a thriving tourist destination in the 1970s but looks abandoned today.
Due to the high evaporation rate of water, there are extremely high saline levels which has made the water too toxic for swimming. You’ll even find a beach full of dead fish remains.
The lake attracts migratory birds which makes it great for birding, especially in November.
Got some more time on your hands?
Explore numerous nearby attractions such as geothermal mud volcanoes and mud pots. It’s about an hour’s drive from Palm Springs and is one of the most interesting places in California.
Mendocino #5
Set on a bluff overlooking the azure sea, Mendocino is a charming town that offers something for everyone.
Apart from its incredibly scenic shoreline, the town is home to many world-class eateries, fascinating boutiques, and art galleries.
From charming saltbox cottages to Victorian-style mansions and wind chimes, the town’s beautiful features make for a post-card-worthy scene.
Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts will love to explore the numerous state parks, beautiful rivers, wetlands, redwood groves, and many more natural attractions in and around the town.
Mammoth Lakes #6
Explore endless adventure in the picture-perfect landscapes of Mammoth Lakes. The Lakes, Mammoth Mountain, and the countryside offer plenty of recreational activities throughout the year.
You can enjoy skiing at one of the best ski resorts in the state here.
Visiting in the summer?
The cable car is operational then too and takes visitors on an enjoyable ride to the soak in incredible views from the summit.
You can also enjoy biking, canoeing, camping, and many more fun outdoor activities.
One of the most popular attractions is the Devil’s Postpile, a vertical rock made of basalt columns that reaches up to 65 feet. While you’re there, make sure to visit the beautiful Rainbow Falls on the San Joaquin River. Mammoth Lakes is around a six-hour drive from Los Angeles.
Shasta Lake #7
Spread over 30,000 acres, this impressive reservoir is around 10 miles from Redding.
It offers stunning views of Mount Shasta in the background and abundant recreational activities for every taste.
From swimming, and fishing to jet skiing and water skiing, there are many fun activities to enjoy here.
Looking for a thrilling underground adventure?
Take a guided tour of Mount Shasta Caverns that will give you a glimpse of a world around 250 million years old.
Love to hike?
You can also go on the Bailey Cove Loop Trail which is around 2.6 miles long. There are dinner cruises available too.
Point Reyes #8
Feel the serenity wash over you as you soak in incredible foggy ocean views from the quiet environs of Point Reyes’ coastal trails.
Even though it’s only an hour’s drive from San Francisco, you won’t find hordes of tourists here.
One of the best things to do here is follow the Tomales Point Trail which runs for nearly nine miles and offers plenty of opportunities to view endemic fauna and colourful wildflowers.
When hunger strikes, head to Point Reyes Farmstead Company to dig into some local cheese. You can also relish delectable oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company on Tomales Bay.
So, pick the one that interests you the most and get ready for an exciting adventure away from the bustling touristy places.
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FAQs:-
Q. What is the prettiest area in California?
Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe & Mammoth Lakes are amongst the prettiest places in California.
Q. What’s the most famous part of California?
Los Angeles is the most famous city in California that draws thousands of tourists every year.
Q. Why is California a good place to live?
With its sunny year-round weather, plenty of natural attractions, and lively entertainment scene, California is a great place to call home.