18 Lesser-Known California Destinations Worth Visiting
I’m a born-and-raised Californian, and I love the diverse scenery of this state. If I wanted to, I could sunbathe at the beach and go skiing in the mountains on the same day.
We all know about the famed glitzy tours of Hollywood or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, but what about the off-the-beaten-track places in between the busy tourist areas?
The truth is, the Golden State has a whole other side—destinations that most tourists miss. There are charming little beach villages in central California, and up north, there are beautiful river towns and forests not to be missed.
Forget the crowds and find out the best, undiscovered destinations from a local.
1. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo gets overshadowed by the big names like San Francisco (SF) and Los Angeles (LA), but for those who love a more laid-back adventure, SLO has beautiful beaches, a vibrant food scene, charming towns, breathtaking coastal hikes, and the historic Spanish mission right downtown.
It’s one of my favorite road trip destinations since it’s in between SF and LA. And every Thursday night, the lively Farmer’s Market turns downtown into a festive feast with fresh produce, delicious food stalls, and live music. Don’t forget to check one of SLO’s quirky claims to fame: Bubblegum Alley– that’s right, an entire alley with walls covered in chewed gum!
2. Russian River
One of my favorite Northern California summer activities is floating down the Russian River, sipping drinks in the sun while lounging in my inner tube among the redwood-lined surrounding hills. Skip the typical California beaches; the Russian River, located about two hours north of San Francisco, offers kayaking, tubing, and swimming in cool waters, surrounded by lush forests and charming towns.
You can also enjoy scenic drives through Sonoma County’s wine country, with stops along the way for vineyard tours and wine tastings. Try Stumptown Brewery for a beautiful view of the river, cornhole games, and tasty brews!
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3. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-By-The-Sea is famous for its fairytale cottages and art galleries. Imagine walking down a street lined with unique shops and houses that look like they came out of a children’s book! Carmel Beach is a Northern California gem with white sand and beautiful views.
Don’t forget to bring your dog along–Carmel is known for being one of the more pet-friendly towns in California! You can enjoy hiking, biking, or just relaxing on the beach. There are also great restaurants with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
4. Temecula Valley Wine Country
The first time I visited Temecula wine country I was shocked more people hadn’t heard about it–it truly gave the more famous Napa a run for its money with fewer crowds and less expensive lodging. Temecula Valley offers relaxed wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a laid-back SoCal vibe.
Plus, this wine region is only about an hour or so from both San Diego and Los Angeles, making it a perfect weekend getaway for local Southern Californians or visitors. With sunshine year-round, this wine region boasts nearly 50 wineries, breweries, and distilleries with beautiful tasting rooms.
5. Big Sur
Imagine driving along Big Sur, where towering cliffs overlook the Pacific Ocean on one side and majestic redwoods on the other. This 90-mile stretch of California coastline offers hikes among 200-foot-tall ancient trees and a visit to the stunning Pfeiffer Beach with its turquoise waters and unique purple sand.
It’s a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind destination. But be forewarned: If you’re not a fan of winding roads and cliffs, you may want to bring a Dramamine for the drive!
6. Tomales Bay
Although I grew up in San Diego, I spent most summers in Tomales with my cousins, and no one had ever heard of this special gem when I told friends about it. Roughly an hour north of San Francisco, Tomales Bay offers a remote, serene escape with its small-town charm, fresh seafood, stunning coastline, and rolling green hills dotted with cows and sheep.
Hike through Point Reyes National Seashore by day and paddle under the stars during unique bioluminescent kayaking trips by night. The bay is known for oysters, so be sure to get a few at the rustic Hog Island Oyster Co. or Tomales Bay Oyster Company, situated right on the water–just don’t forget a warm jacket since it tends to get cold and windy!
7. Paso Robles
Paso Robles is quickly becoming a favorite in the wine world, famous for its bold Zinfandels and Rhône-style blends across hundreds of wineries. But there’s more to explore beyond the vineyards.
Love planes and cars? Check out the Estrella WarBirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display. Want a unique art experience? See Bruce Munro’s Field of Light at Sensorio, a magical light installation worked into the scenic hills.
8. Borrego Springs
Escape the city buzz with a trip to Borrego Springs, about an hour east of San Diego. It’s a tranquil town enveloped by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and celebrated for its status as an International Dark Sky Community, making it the perfect destination for unparalleled star-gazing.
Explore the unexpected oasis of the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, home to California’s native palm trees, and don’t miss the quirky Galleta Meadows Sculptures dotting the desert landscape with huge metal dinosaurs, dragons, and more.
9. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, referred to as the Alps of Southern California, is an ideal getaway in the San Bernardino Mountains, whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a nature-filled long weekend.
Don’t miss Lake Arrowhead Village’s bustling downtown with restaurants, shops, and live music, all overlooking the picturesque lake and mountains. At Skypark, you can go rock climbing, ziplining, or even throw axes! And for family fun, head to Lollipop Park for carousel rides, go-karting, and mini-golf.
10. Truckee
Although South Lake Tahoe gets all the attention, the smaller town of Truckee, just about 30 minutes from the lake, has its own charm, along with affordable lodging for Lake Tahoe visits. This small town in the Sierra Nevada mountains offers endless outdoor activities year-round.
Hike among towering pines, kayak serene waters, or fish in peaceful lakes during the summer. Hit world-class ski resorts in winter, try snowshoeing, or experience fat-tire snow biking. After all that fun, grab a delicious meal or a craft beer at a local restaurant or brewery.
11. Bodie State Historic Park
Located in the Sierra Nevada region near Mammoth and close to the border of Nevada, Bodie was a bustling gold rush town in the 1800s, peaking with over 10,000 residents before a devastating fire in 1932 left most of it in ruins.
Bodie Park is now a ghost town preserved in a state of arrested decay, maintaining the buildings as they were when the town was abandoned. Wander through deserted streets and explore old saloons, stores, and homes—it’s like stepping onto the set of an old Western movie!
12. Ojai
Ojai is the spot if you’re like me, craving a quaint escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Santa Barbara into the mountains. Nestled amidst citrus groves and oak trees, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop, it’s perfect for relaxation or romance.
Stroll along Ojai Avenue, lined with charming boutiques, eateries, and local winery tasting rooms. One block off Ojai Avenue is Bart’s Books, a famous outdoor bookstore known for its low-priced specials. If you are looking for something more active, rent a bike and explore the scenic 16-mile path to Ventura Beach from Libbey Park.
13. Solvang
Want a little slice of Denmark in California? Solvang, known as the Danish Capital of America, is the place to go! Experience a festive Christmas village atmosphere year-round and indulge in delicious Danish cuisine.
Whether you enjoy wine tasting, horseback riding, or exploring museums, Solvang offers something for everyone. Don’t miss fun events like Danish Days with parades and Viking reenactments!
14. Santa Cruz
If you want to experience laid-back beach town vibes in Northern California, you’ve got to experience Santa Cruz—I mean, who wouldn’t want to ride a classic roller coaster with the Pacific breeze in their hair?
Then there’s the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with rides like the Giant Dipper that’s been around since the 1900s! And if you’re into nature, you can hike through majestic redwood forests, explore bustling tide pools, or geek out at cool museums like the Surfing Museum.
15. Humboldt County
Some say Humboldt County is California’s best-kept secret, with towering redwoods and secluded beaches for peaceful afternoons. You’ll find stunning natural beauty, from the iconic Avenue of the Giants to hidden gems like College Cove.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just chilling outdoors, Humboldt County has it all—from forest trails to dramatic coastlines. Beer lovers will also love the craft beer scene with breweries like 6 Rivers Brewery and Redwood Curtain Brewing.
16. Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is around 165 miles north of San Francisco. It might be off the beaten path compared to bustling California hotspots, but that’s part of its charm. Tourists love exploring Glass Beach, where waves turn glass shards into colorful gems.
Then there’s Noyo Headlands State Park with its dramatic coastline and Jug Handle State Reserve’s unique pygmy forest. Hikers, beachcombers, and tidepool explorers will be in paradise!
17. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located in northern California, this park is much less crowded than Yosemite or Yellowstone National Park, but it has just as much to offer visitors. It’s home to all four types of volcanoes: shield, cinder cone, composite, and plug dome, including the world’s largest plug dome volcano, Lassen Peak.
Hike to the summit for breathtaking views. Discover beautiful lakes like Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Juniper Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
18. Mono Lake
Located in the Sierra Nevada, only about 30 minutes from the famed mountain ski-town of Mammoth, Mono Lake, one of North America’s oldest, teems with life thanks to its super salty water.
Don’t miss the fun of exploring the lake’s tufa towers up close by kayak, or grab your binoculars to watch migrating birds feast on alkali flies along the Pacific Flyway. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike Panum Crater for stunning panoramic views.
