Think you've seen all of California? Think about it one more time. These Californian locations make fantastic vacations for those who like to explore a little off the beaten paths from scenic byways and wine country destinations to historic honky-tonks. There is so much to discover in California, but if you're looking for somewhere unique and a little less of a tourist stop, check out these hidden gems:
1.- Stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
If you haven't experienced a full of the stars night sky, it is because you haven't visited this incredible spot. Surrounded by incredible mountains, this is the first international Dark Sky community in the Golden State with a local focus on eliminating light pollution, making it a prime spot for stargazing. It's truly breathtaking when you have the opportunity to experience a dark sky community. After this trip, you will be changed and changed for the better you.
Borrego is a truly unique and authentic experience, the 131 statues in Borrego Springs located in Gallardo Meadows the pinnacle will be dragon statue that people come literally from all over the world to see it.
2.- Take a ride into the past with a road trip in Sierra Vista Scenic Byway.
Drive this one hundred-mile stretch of a road, and you will immediately get a feel for what California looked like about as many years ago. Sitting between the Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra Vista Scenic Byway passes by granite domes, glaciated peaks, and high mountain meadows.
To embrace a little more the time-machine theme, stop at the Jesse Ross Cabin from the 1860s and Jone's Store, which still doesn't have electricity (but they do have the best home-made pie).
3.- A rugged northern coastline perfect for whale-watching
Head north and discover the untouched beauty of Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, containing 1,700-acres filled with dramatic seascapes. These protected lands in Mendocino County are so unique that President Obama declared them part of the California Coastal National Monument in 2014. View this incredible coastline from the top of Point Arena's historic lighthouse - the tallest of its kind on the Pacific Coast.
You'll catch glimpses of humpback, blue, or gray whales coming up for air as they migrate between Alaska and Mexico, depending on the time of year. A visit to this place is a crucial component to engaging in the full California travel experience.
4.- Take an Under the radar wine tasting tour in Murphys
California has no shortage of fantastic wine country destinations for a thriving wine scene. Explore the wineries that give this part of the Golden State its flavor. This quaint town offers more than two dozen boutique wineries that are open year-round for wine tasting.
The beautiful thing about this growing region is that they have all the pieces of the puzzle to make high-quality wine, and yet they're still being discovered. During your visit to this enchanting town, you can also explore a deep history and impressive natural features, such as Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Moaning Carven - The biggest cavern in the Golden State.
5.- Listen to the Bakersfield Sound live
Put on your boots and head to this venue for live music and dancing that celebrates the rock-meets-country musical style best known as the Bakersfield Sound.
The iconic Crystal Palace opened by country star Buck Owens in 1996, still boasts a full calendar of music and events. Home to a museum filled with music memorabilia when Owens put his stamp on the music scene.
6.- Explore the Big Bear Lake's off-road trails
Big Bear represents the jewel of the Inland Empire that gives you instantly the feel of being in nature, a place to relax, rejuvenate, and to restore yourself.
Located in San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake California just 100-miles east from Los Angeles. There's an alpine setting in Southern California where you can go surf the same day that you could come to the mountains and ride your bike.
In the winter, you can snowboard and ski abound at Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. During the summer, it's all about hiking, cycling, and off-road jeep adventures on the 60-plus miles of cross-country trails; and, of course, paddle boarding and kayaking boating, or fishing on the shimmering lake.
California is a unique place, unlike any other US State. To truly experience California, you have to go there and embrace it all - the lifestyle, the people, the atmosphere. There isn't another place like the Golden State.
Ready to start your California dreaming? Contact us today to give you the inside scoop on the best roads with the best views, the must-see pit-stops, and hole you up in properties that will leave you wanting more.