NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
North Coast
True Hidden Gem
You may already know about the North Coast’s epic coastal views and breathtaking redwood forests, but it’s also home to many off-the-beaten-path treasures. Lake County takes hidden gems literally, producing “moon tears” – semi-precious, gem-quality quartz stones. These minerals 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.
Radio Silence
History buffs, 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 defense technology available. Take a short hike to nearby Hidden Beach to guarantee a peaceful sunset and the opportunity for open exploration.
Unique Stays
Mendocino County offers some of the most unique accommodations in Northern California. 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. Or relax and unwind at Orr Hot Spring Resort nestled near the Montgomery Woods.
Bigfoot Sightings
Venture to Humboldt County to see where the legend of Bigfoot began. At the Willow Creek China Flat Museum, home to the original 1967 sighting caught on film by PattersonGrimlin, you can view casts of the impressive 16” footprints and many original photos and artifacts.
Shasta Cascade Region
Waterfalls & Volcanoes
Adventure seekers looking to explore the rugged and remote West Siskiyou region will be rewarded by hiking the trail to Ukonom Twin Falls. Winding along the Klamath River and sometimes in the Ukonom Creek, the 1.5-mile journey culminates where the Falls drop 25 feet into a picturesque pool.
Medicine Lake Volcano is the largest volcano in the Cascade Range. Visitors can explore the area by making one of four campgrounds at Medicine Lake their base for fishing, boating and hiking.
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. Flowing through calcium carbonate rock, the spring water acquires a carbonated fizz that was thought to give the water medicinal benefits.
Floating Campground
Why camp on the banks of a lake when you can camp on it? 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’re looking for an easy day hike, Lake Eleanor and Trinity Lake fit the bill. For a bit more of a challenge, head to Granite or Hidden Lakes, and for those looking to go all out, Ward Lake is ready to push your boundaries.
Adventure Seekers
Get ready for a spelunking adventure in the town of Old Station with Subway Cave. Following a self-guided trail, you’ll reach the entrance to the cave. It was 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 either the Windy Point or Stevens Trail.
Column of the Giants
The Columns of the Giants is a geologic site in Stanislaus National Forest. It features 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. The Columns of the Giants is open from May-December.
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
Hike Tahoe
In such a beautiful area, getting out in nature is a must. The Powerline Trail is known as a mountain bike path, but locals also love it as a footpath. Big granite boulders are just a short jaunt from the trailhead and provide panoramic views and a perfect spot to watch the sun dip behind Mount Tallac.
Tucked behind the well-known Glen Alpine Falls is a moderately rated trail leading hikers to Modjeska Falls as it ambles through stunning mountainscape backcountry.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Yosemite
Travel back in time with a historic exploration of the Yosemite area. Located just 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.
The history of Native American Culture is waiting to be discovered 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 to hike to the area’s tallest waterfall, Stevenson Creek Falls. Located in the Sierra National Forest, the journey to get there is as beautiful as the destination.
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 those looking for an aquatic adventure and getaway, 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. The park is operated by the Pirate Cove Resort.
California Route 66 Museum
Get ready to celebrate the Mother Road at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. The interactive museum located on historic Route 66 follows the growth of the iconic road and the pioneers who traveled on it. Historic artifacts and photographs tell the story of the road and its impact on America.
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
Come visit the adorable alpacas at Diamond Valley Alpacas in Hemet. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals, 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. The museum, which is only open on weekends, was recently renovated with more exhibits still in the works to showcase 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
Get ready to ponder the universe at Sky’s the Limit Observatory. Located near Joshua Tree National Park, an International Dark Sky Park, the observatory hosts monthly one-night sky programs when its telescopes are out for public viewing. The observatory also hosts a two-day annual Night Sky Festival.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an important wildlife corridor known for its incredible 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.