11 Amazing Places You Would Never Expect To Find In California
What comes to mind when you think of California? Common stereotypes include long walks on the beach, watching the sunset, and drives down PCH. The Golden State deserves a better swipe right bio. To save you from boredom and cheesy one-liners, we’ve come up with a list of the most beautiful places in California you need to see.
Whether you’re a long-time local or visiting and hoping to see the best spots, there’s something on this list for you. Pack your bags and grab your camera. It’s time to hit the road and hop across the map.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Price: $10 per vehicle parking fees
Location: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, California
Hours: 7 am to 7 pm weekly
Why You Should Go: These magical poppy fields are so colorful, you’ll feel like you’re in the Wizard of Oz.
Alabama Hills
Price: Free
Location: Lone Pine, California
Hours: Open 24 hours
Why You Should Go: You’ll feel like you’re on Mars as you explore these otherworldly landscapes.
Glass Beach
Price: Free
Location: W Elm St. and Glass Beach Drive, Fort Bragg, California
Hours: 24 hours
Why You Should Go: This rainbow-colored beach gets its name from the colorful, smooth glass pieces all over the shore. While you can't take glass from the beach, it makes for gorgeous photos.
Black Sands Beach
Price: Free
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: 298 Dolphin Drive, Shelter Cove, California
Why You Should Go: This smooth, black sand beach looks like the dreamy volcanic shores of Hawaii.
Artist’s Palette
Price: Free
Location: Artist’s Drive, Death Valley, California
Why you should go: You can drive through 9 miles of beautiful rainbow-colored mountains.
Big Pine Lakes
Price: Free
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: Big Pine, California
Why You Should Go: You can hike to 7 emerald-colored glacier lakes and see multiple waterfalls!
Lava Tube Trail
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Location: Mojave National Preserve, California
Why You Should Go: You can explore awesome underground lava tubes.
Cypress Tree Tunnel
Price: Free
Hours: 6 am to 12 am
Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness, California
Why You Should Go: This towering tunnel of cypress trees is just as beautiful in real life.
Lake Berryessa
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Location: Napa County, California
Why You Should Visit: When conditions are right, this lake turns into an actual vortex, pouring water into a creek hundreds of feet below.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats
Price: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Location: Death Valley National Park, California
Why You Should Go: Exploring these salt flats will make you feel like you're in Bolivia.
Editor's Note: It is illegal to take the glass from Glass Beach. Make sure to respect the environment wherever you go and leave no trace.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.