Wander through Southern California and you’ll discover many beautiful surprises. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the beaches, the forests, or even the many gardens throughout Southern California, you’ll find plenty of stunning destinations here that are a feast for the senses. Here are 10 of our favorite spots that you must see to believe. And it’s quite possible you never even knew they existed.
1. The Wayfarer's Chapel
A glass church nestled inside a forest of redwood trees is what you'll find when you discover the Wayfarer's Chapel. Add to that a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and you'll quickly see why this slice of paradise is like heaven on earth. The Wayfarer's Chapel is located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
2. Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Many who wander through California believe they must head to Northern California to experience the towering redwood trees. But few people know we have our very own grove of redwoods right here in Southern California. Located inside Carbon Canyon Regional Park at 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA, you can take a walk along a dreamy trail filled with 10-acres of redwoods. Perfect for a day trip and just the place to be when you want to be inspired by nature, this beautiful regional park will leave you feeling refreshed.
3. Gardens of the World
Southern California is filled with many magnificent gardens to explore, but this local gem seems to be one that few people know about. Gardens of the World, located at 2001 E Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA, is a rare family-owned garden that can be enjoyed by the public. With a variety of gardens from around the world including an English rose garden, Japanese garden, and an Italian garden, you can take a trip around the world without straying far from home.
4. Europa Village
Tucked inside the wine region of Southern California you'll find a hidden European Village that may be one of the most beautiful destinations to soak up the beauty of SoCal. Europa Village, located at 33475 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591, can be enjoyed for wine tastings, strolling, shopping, and relaxing.
5. Table Rock Beach
If your idea of beauty is a secret beach that feels like your own private island, then Table Rock Beach will completely enchant you. Located at 31681 Sea Bluff Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, this sandy beach is hidden from the main road and only reachable by a set of stairs, so few people know this treasure even exists.
6. The Greystone Estate
Beauty comes in many shapes and sizes in Southern California. And this particular setting just happens to be a mansion. The Greystone Estate, located at 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, has been a treasure in the City of Beverly Hills since 1965. Once a private residence, this mansion became a city park in 1971 which means the grounds are open to the public to enjoy.
7. White Water Nature Preserve
Head to White Water Preserve for a day trip and you'll find 2,800 acres of sheer paradise. From the mesmerizing blue trout pool to the abundance of walking trails, you'll be in heaven at this picturesque setting in SoCal. You can find White Water Preserve at 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd., White Water, CA 92282.
8. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
All this time in Southern California and you most likely never knew this local paradise was hiding in SoCal. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a stunning place to wander and experience the soaring views of the Pacific Ocean. Or take some time to take a walk along the many scenic garden trails. You can find Casa Romantica at 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672.
9. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Spending a day out in nature is one of the surest ways to embrace SoCal's beauty. Oak Canyon Nature Center, located at 6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807, is a little-known outdoor oasis filled with splendid walking trails and wildlife galore. It's one of SoCal's many natural beauties that must be seen to fully appreciate.
10. Victoria Beach Tower
Tucked along Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach you'll find a hidden gem that will delight you from the moment you set eyes on it. This 60-foot tower may look like it's right out of a storybook, but we can assure you it's the real thing. Although this tower can't be toured as it is connected to a private residence on the main street above, you'll sure enjoy stopping for the view and snapping a few pictures of this unexpected find right here in SoCal.
Don’t you just love Southern California? Do you have a favorite spot on this list that you are adding to the top of your SoCal bucket list?
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