Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Southern California
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Emerson
Author
If you’ve lived in Southern California for a while (like your entire life), you may be under the impression that you’ve seen it all. Well, we’re here to assure you that is simply not possible! There’s SO much to see in our beautiful region of the Golden State. This 288-mile road trip will take you to some of the greatest hidden gems in SoCal, traversing everything from the mountains to the coast. There’s always something new to see and explore, so plan a day or even an entire weekend to tackle this trip of unique places to visit in SoCal. Add these stops to your SoCal bucket list because they are bound to ignite your sense of adventure.
The trip covers over 280 miles and is about six hours of driving time. Check out the interactive Google Map HERE to guide you - feel free to add your own stops along the way!
Rubel Castle, 844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741, USA
The small town of Glendora is where you'll discover one of the strangest "castles" you've ever seen. Built entirely by hand by Michael Rubel and hundreds of volunteers, the bizarre structure is made from local river rock and salvaged materials. It's the perfect example of something called "folk architecture", but it's a lot more than an unusual piece of art! The entire property is home to many historic items and unexpected treasures. You could spend hours exploring it all. Learn more about the Rubel Castle and what you'll find here by checking out our previous article on it.
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Big Bear Alpine Zoo, 42801 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, USA
You'll enjoy beautiful alpine scenery and plenty of fresh mountain air when you visit the town of Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains. It's here that you'll also find the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a one-of-a-kind zoo unlike any other in SoCal. This zoo is dedicated to housing and rehabilitating animals who have been harmed, wounded, or injured in the wild. With a 90% rehabilitation success rate, there's no denying that this zoo is doing some excellent work in making animals' lives better. Support a local zoo with an awesome mission when you visit this wildlife park in the mountains. Read more about Big Bear Alpine Zoo here.
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To get there, you'll descend a staircase to a tucked-away beach where you'll find exceptional beauty and tranquility. Don't worry, it's not actually a thousand steps - more like a couple hundred. It's quite a climb back up from the beach, though, so prepare for a bit of a leg workout! Still, the beach's quiet beauty and stunning views are worth every step. Learn more about Thousand Steps Beach and how to find it here.
Ortega Falls, -33382, 32806 Ortega Hwy., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA
Ortega Falls is a gem of a waterfall that requires a short, half-mile hike to find it. The hike may be short, but you'll be immersed in beauty every step of the way. Surrounded by towering rock formations and lush greenery, the area is a wonderful escape from the madness of the city. And the view of Ortega Falls does not disappoint! The cascade is at its best after a good downpour of rain, but it's known to run even in the dry months. Read up on the hike to Ortega Falls here.
Santee Recreational Lakes, Santee, CA 92071, USA
Home to recycled water lakes that are stocked with sport fish year-round, Santee Lakes is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There's something for everyone here, whether you enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping, or simply a nice walk in a beautiful setting. Amenities at Santee Lakes include camping, cabin rentals, fishing, boating, playgrounds, walking trails, facility rentals, special events, and over 200 bird species. You could spend an entire day here and still not feel like you've had enough time to appreciate all that this park has to offer. Learn more about what this underrated destination has to offer throughout the year.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is home to awe-inspiring coastal beauty, hidden beaches, and tucked-away sea caves, like the one simply known as Sunset Cliffs Cave. The cave is only accessible during low tide, so you'll have to time your visit accordingly if you want to actually hike into the cave. However, it's well worth taking the extra time to plan, as there's nothing quite like looking up at the blue sky through the cave's breathtaking open ceiling! Be sure to read more about this natural wonder in California and how you can see it.
There are so many fun things to do in SoCal, we’ve only just gotten started. This road trip is a good way to get out there and discover more of what makes California so interesting. Have you been to any of these hidden gems in SoCal? What’s your favorite stop on this road trip? Sound off in the comments!
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More to Explore
What are some unique places to visit in SoCal?
How do I find hidden gems in SoCal?
There are many hidden gems in SoCal. Here are some of our favorites. Be sure to read the entire list of little-known Southern California destinations.
- Keys Creek Lavender Farm: Imagine a beautiful field of purple lavender as far as your eye can see. The rich tantalizing aroma is so calming you find yourself closing your eyes with bliss. Not just a pretty place to find your zen, the Keys Creek Farm holds special classes and events too.
- UCR Botanic Garden: The University of California Riverside is hiding this beautiful garden, but you don’t have to be a student to visit. This 40-acre botanical paradise has over 3,500 different plant species to enjoy, learn about, and try to memorize - we dare you.
- The Lummis House: Did you know there is a hidden castle in SoCal? You bet there is, and it’s open to public tours. This National Register of Historic Places inductee dates back to the 1800s and was completely hand-built. Can you imagine?
- Malaga Cove: California beaches can get a bit packed when all we want to do is dip our toes in some cool water. That’s why this hidden gem beach is such a great find. Malaga Cove is located in Palos Verdes Estates just a stone's throw from Redondo Beach.
- Magic Castle: A castle so hidden and exclusive that you need an invite to get in. But it’s well worth the time it takes to finagle your way in. This historic castle is home to the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood. Fire up your magical repertoire and come visit.
- Trails Cafe: Griffith Park in LA is filled with wonderful hiking and walking trails, but there is also a hidden cafe that serves up the best pick-me-up after a day of exploring. The Trails Cafe is tucked away in the woods ready for you to discover it.
- The Pirate Tower: Can you imagine walking around the corner on your Victoria Beach stroll and walking right into a 60-foot pirate tower? Yup. That’s what you’ll find in this fantastic hidden find in Laguna Beach, California.
- Casa Romantica: Even the name is enchanting. This cultural center is like the secret garden waiting for you and that special someone to get lost in the magic of ocean views, blooming flowers, and each other. A must-see when in SoCal.
- Millard Canyon Falls Trail: These little hidden hiking trails in SoCal are so fun to explore. Even better is rounding the bend and discovering a hidden waterfall. You can find this beautiful gem in the Angeles National Forest.