Whether you live in California or have epic travel plans to visit, you should be aware that there’s far more to the Golden State than you might realize. Known for its perpetual sunshine, clear blue skies, and proximity to beautiful beaches, the state offers plenty of obvious choices for both avid and casual nature lovers. But dig deep and you’ll find plenty of unexpected hidden gems in California. Take a moment to consider these potential excursions.
Secluded Beaches & Trails
California beaches are the stuff of legend — with good reason. It’s almost impossible not to associate the state with its plethora of sunbathers, plush white sands, and roaring oceans. But for all the rich crowds, there’s a balance to be found if you know where to look. A few beaches promise the quiet and solitude you might desire in the ideal vacation — the type of getaway where you can actually relax and take in the scenic surroundings without dealing with throngs of tourists in the process.
El Matador State Beach
If you’ve ever been to Malibu, then you can easily envision the monumental homes that overlook the waters. They’re stunning, and you never know who you might run into as you pad along the shore on a hazy summer morning. But it’s El Matador State Beach that should earn the true accolades. It’s compact — even its parking lot is small — but it’s well worth the trek simply to take in the rocks and stones that decorate the sand. It’s a photographer’s paradise, but you can sit in silence if you need some serious therapeutic “me time.” This is the perfect spot to find serenity now.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
If you’re all about spotting aquatic life, you’ll want to walk the slightly steep, tricky trail leading to Gray Whale Cove State Beach just south of San Francisco. Although it’s known to whale enthusiasts, there’s still an obvious remote quality about this beach, which is often referred to as Devil’s Slide. Bring your binoculars so you can keep an eye out for those gray whales, typically spotted near the coastline. Just remember that this is a clothing-optional beach, although crowds are often sparse and you may very well have the entire place to yourself.
McClures Beach
You can’t see McClures Beach in Inverness from the road, and many don’t even realize that it exists. Yet tucked away between a pair of stony Redlands sits this quiet, stately beach just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s humbling to be in the presence of the dramatic bluffs, and if you position yourself on the sinewy sand and gaze at the ocean for long enough, you may just forget about… well, absolutely everything. A little bit of mind clearing is always good for the soul. You can re-engage by taking a quick hike up McClures Beach Trail— it’s just a little over a mile long and is trimmed by stunning wildflowers.
Goat Canyon Trestle
In Anza-Borrego, east of San Diego, the Goat Canyon Trestle presents a big challenge if you’re ready for it. The wooden trestle itself isn’t the only highlight. To reach it, you’ll need to take a substantial hike — approximately 6 miles round trip — incorporating steep inclines, rocky ledges, and slightly intimidating yet gorgeous bluffs. Recognize your limits here: If you’re inexperienced, avoid it. If you have hiking smarts, pack your GPS and enjoy the journey.
Fun Hidden Hotspots
There are so many things to do in California that you can easily fill every moment of your trip with something enjoyable. Here are a few must-dos if you want to try something other than the hidden beaches and the usual tourist traps.
Harmony
True to its name, Harmony, near San Luis Obispo, is all about placidity and mindfulness. You’ll feel at one with nature in this artsy, somewhat unusual town. What makes it truly unique is that it only has 18 residents! It’s so quaint that you might feel like you’re a character in an old sitcom when you first arrive. There’s a restaurant, a chapel, and a general store, and it’s all very charming and welcoming.
Venice Canals
Don’t have time to go to Europe? Understandable. Many native Californians aren’t even aware that this little piece of heaven exists. The three-block Venice Canals are situated in Venice Beach, and they’re just as they sound: a domestic replica of Venice, with charming man-made canals and storybook pedestrian bridges. Peer into the water and you’re likely to spot rows of ducklings as they glide by.
East Jesus Sculpture Garden
If you really want to feel “in the know,” make the time to venture out to Imperial County. It’s where a quietly iconic art experiment called East Jesus calls home, and it’s the kind of off-grid destination that is bound to appeal to those who appreciate something more natural from life. The dramatic sculpture garden consists solely of projects made from repurposed materials, some of which were retrieved from Burning Man festival.
Albion Castle
Much like other insider gems, even those who live in San Francisco aren’t likely aware of Albion Castle. The structure was built in 1870 and originally operated as a brewery before Prohibition forced the establishment to close its doors. But the property’s underground cisterns made it an excellent source of fresh water, and it wasn’t long before it reopened as a bottled water business. It’s gone through different incarnations over the years and is available for special events.
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