10 Hidden Gems in California You Need to Visit

California has incredible hidden gems that most tourists never see, from secret beaches to forgotten ghost towns.

Sophia Zapanta
February 28, 2025
4 min read

10 Hidden Gems in California You Need to Visit — Bensch511 on Wikimedia Commons

Beyond the busy tourist spots, California is filled with unique places waiting to be explored. From a rainbow-colored desert mountain to a beach covered in sea glass, these locations offer adventure, history, and stunning scenery. If you are looking for something different, these ten hidden gems will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Alabama Hills, Lone Pine

Clarisse Meyer on Wikimedia Commons

Massive rock formations with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background make this place feel like a Wild West movie set. In fact, it has been the backdrop for countless Hollywood Westerns, yet it remains a peaceful escape. The area is perfect for hiking, camping, and stargazing without the usual crowds. Sunrise here is so breathtaking it feels like you are on another planet.

2. Bowling Ball Beach, Mendocino County

Brocken Inaglory on Wikimedia Commons

This beach is covered in giant, perfectly round rock formations that look like scattered bowling balls. During low tide, the full beauty of these mysterious stones is revealed. Scientists say they formed over millions of years, but they look so perfect that they seem man-made. It is a quiet and fascinating place to explore, especially for photographers.

3. Salvation Mountain, Niland

Aculp on Wikimedia Commons

A massive, hand-painted hillside in the middle of the desert stands as a tribute to love and faith. Created by one man, Leonard Knight, this colorful art installation is covered in Bible verses and bright murals. Whether or not you are religious, the passion behind it is inspiring. It is one of the most unusual and creative places in California.

4. Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Missvain on Wikimedia Commons

What was once a dumping ground for trash is now a stunning beach covered in smooth, colorful sea glass. The ocean has transformed broken bottles and glass into a sparkling, jewel-like shoreline. Taking the glass is illegal, but simply walking along the beach and watching it shimmer in the sunlight is magical. It is a rare example of nature turning human waste into something beautiful.

5. Bodie Ghost Town, Mono County

Thomas Wildcat on Wikimedia Commons

This abandoned gold rush town looks like it was frozen in time. Old buildings, furniture, and wagons still stand, giving visitors a glimpse into the 1800s. Some say the town is haunted, which only adds to its eerie charm. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, Bodie is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country.

6. Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes

Frank Kovalchek on Wikimedia Commons

This strange rock formation looks like a giant stack of perfectly arranged stone columns. The hexagonal basalt pillars were formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. A short hike from the monument leads to Rainbow Falls, a stunning waterfall with colorful mist. It is a dream spot for nature lovers and those who appreciate unique landscapes.

7. Pirate Tower, Laguna Beach

Carl Glover on Wikimedia Commons

Hidden along the cliffs of Victoria Beach, this 60-foot tower looks like it belongs in a fairytale. It was built in 1926 as a private staircase, but legends of pirates and secret hideouts have made it a local mystery. When the tide is low, you can walk right up to it and imagine a different era. It is one of the most magical and photogenic spots on the California coast.

8. Fern Canyon, Humboldt County

Carol M. Highsmith on Wikimedia Commons

This narrow canyon is covered in lush green ferns that tower above a small stream. The scenery is so prehistoric that it was used as a filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Wooden planks help visitors cross the creek without getting too wet. The short but stunning hike feels like stepping into another world.

9. Anza-Borrego Desert Super Bloom, San Diego County

RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia Commons

For most of the year, this desert is dry and rugged, but in certain springs, it bursts into a sea of colorful wildflowers. The rare superbloom covers the landscape with bright orange, purple, and yellow flowers. The bloom is unpredictable, making it even more special when it happens. Seeing an entire desert transformed by flowers is an unforgettable experience.

10. Shasta Caverns, Lake Shasta

Oleg Alexandrov on Wikimedia Commons

Hidden beneath the surface of Lake Shasta, this underground cave system is filled with stunning rock formations. Reaching the caverns requires a boat ride across the lake followed by a short bus trip, making the journey part of the adventure. Inside, dramatic stalactites and underground chambers create an otherworldly beauty. It is one of California’s best-kept secrets for those who love exploring underground wonders.