While tourists flock to the same crowded hotspots, there’s an entire hidden world of extraordinary places scattered throughout Southern California that most people never discover. These secret spots offer all the magic and adventure you’ve been searching for, minus the selfie sticks and tour buses.
When you think of Southern California, you probably think of the Hollywood sign, seals sunbathing at La Jolla Cove, and surfers catching waves along the coast. It is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States.
But there’s so much more to SoCal than just these typical tourist spots!
I’ve got a list below for you of the best hidden gems in Southern California that you’ve got to see – whether you’re a local or just passing through!
But before we get into the list, here are three top rated tours in Southern California that you will love.
BEST HIDDEN GEMS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TOURS
If you don’t have much time in the area, or you would rather enjoy exploring some of these Southern California hidden gems with a local expert, I recommend booking a tour.
This way you’ll get true local insights that are harder to find out on your own, such as recommended viewpoints, restaurants, and activities.
Here are the recommended tours around these hidden gems:
- Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour
If you are staying in Solvang, this Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour is the perfect journey of discovery of the great wines of Santa Ynez, the region featured in the film Sideways
BOOK IT HERE - Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon
This Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, in Catalina Island, part of the Channel Islands, is a fun way to explore this hidden gem
BOOK IT HERE - Balboa Park Electric Scooter Tour
This Electric Scooter Tour of Balboa Park shows you around the hidden gems in this iconic San Diego park in an eco-friendly way. It includes a photo session!
BOOK IT HERE
Table of Contents
Anza Borrego
Anza Borrego State Park is a unique hidden gem in Southern California’s desert. This state park is often overshadowed by nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Just an hour and a half drive separates the two parks, but the scenery and crowd draw are vastly different.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park definitely ranks as one of the most cool and unusual places to visit, and one of the best California state parks, for a good reason.
There are over 130 larger than life metal sculptures, including dragons, scorpions, and dinosaurs- in the middle of the desert!
Drive or hike out to Font’s Point to overlook Anza Borrego’s badlands. Check out this spot for sunrise for the best views and lighting. The state park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing here is incredible.
You’ve also got to hike the Slot Canyon while here. The trail is just a 2 mile round trip with 300 feet of elevation gain and takes you through a magical little slot canyon.
Ladder Canyon & Painted Canyon Trail
The trail to Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon is located in Mecca, CA, close to the more popular destinations of Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.
If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous hike in Southern California, you’ve found it! The trail takes you through the tall rock walls of Painted Canyon to the narrow slot canyon walls of Ladder Canyon. And, as the name suggests, you will be climbing up ladders!
The road to get to the trailhead can be accessed by most cars during dry weather. The hike is 4.5 miles round trip with 865 feet of elevation gain and rated moderate.
Note that this hike is closed during the summer months due to extreme heat.
Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain is located near the Salton Sea, about 3 hours from Los Angeles in Southern California. This art monument was built over 30 years ago by a man named Leonard Knight, and it’s one of the most unique places to visit in California.
Salvation Mountain is a 50 feet wide and 150 feet high art project, made from local adobe clay and donated paint. Leonard also repurposed car windows, tires, and more to create this huge art structure.
You can see the mountain from up to a mile away, that’s how big it is! While there you can also climb to the top of it by the way of the painted ‘yellow brick road’.
The mountain is extremely bright and colorful, with religious scripture and bible verses painted all over. But, you don’t have to be religious to pay a visit here. It is regarded as a modern piece of art.
Leonard also made an art museum you can visit to see more of his stunning and unique artwork. One of the best parts about this great place is that it is totally free to enjoy.
Salvation Mountain and nearby Slab City are quirky Southern California hidden gems perfect for those wanting to find something slightly weird and off the beaten path.
Sunset Cliffs Hidden Cave
This San Diego hidden gem requires some planning, an adventurous spirit, and careful footing to get to. But it’s more than worth it.
In the Sunset Cliffs area on the coast is an epic open ceiling sea cave you can go into.
In order to access the cave, you have to head here during low tide. Even during the negative tide, the water was up to our knees at times, so going at any other time would be very dangerous.
To find the entrance to the cave, park near Luscomb’s Point in Sunset Cliffs. You’ll see the cave at first from above when you spot the fenced off area.
When you’re there, look to your right and you’ll see a cliffside that surfers often climb down. That’s where you’ll be headed.
The walk down to the cave is short but is very steep and slippery. You’ll spot the trail down the side of the cliff, and the faint set of stairs down the sandstone wall.
There are holds in the rock for a rope, and we were lucky that someone was there with us that had one which made the trek down a lot easier and safer.
You’ll walk 50-100 yards along the cliff along rocks and then you’ll have to step into the ocean for a bit to get into the cave around the corner.
Once you’re inside, you can truly appreciate how big and beautiful this sea cave is. It is very reminiscent of the sea caves in Portugal, just without the international flight!
The entire hike down to the cave will probably only take you 10 minutes, but like I said it can be dangerous so practice caution and never go alone.
Annie’s Slot Canyon
Annie’s Canyon trail in Solana Beach is about 30 minutes North of San Diego. The hike to this slot canyon is 2.3 miles round trip with 425 feet of elevation gain and is rated as easy to moderate.
A slot canyon is a narrow channel that is typically formed by erosion from water rushing through rock.
The actual slot canyon part of the trail is pretty short, but this is a really fun hidden gem in the area. It can be a tight squeeze at times, and there is a narrow ladder to climb inside.
Hidden La Jolla Swings
There are 2 swings in San Diego’s La Jolla neighborhood just waiting to be discovered.
The first is the safest and easiest to reach from the Birch Aquarium parking lot. Head to the back of the parking lot and you’ll notice a small trail.
Take this steep but very short trail and you’ll quickly spot the swing at the top. This swing is wooden and makes a picture perfect stop. People frequently paint it over with new quotes on the bottom, so it may say something different every time you go!
The second swing is along the coast and a bit more treacherous to reach. You’ll reach this swing by parking in the lot of Sunny Jim’s cave. Take the coastal trail to the right until you come across a white bridge.
The entrance to the swing is right at the edge of the bridge, and you’ll have to climb under a broken fence.
The short walk down to the swing is very steep and slippery on the side of a cliff next to the ocean. Those fearful of heights and young children shouldn’t attempt it. But overall for most others, it will be doable with extra care.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park, not to be confused with Balboa Island in Newport Beach, may not be exactly a hidden gem to San Diego natives, but to those visiting for the first time, it’s surprisingly easy to miss.
The world famous San Diego Zoo is located in this 1,200 acre park. But there’s another large part of the park you need to check out.
If you are interested in fun facts about San Diego, you should know that Balboa Park is one of the country’s oldest parks. It is completely free to enter and enjoy, with gardens, walking paths, and 17 museums, and it’s ideal if you are visiting San Diego with kids. Some of the museums are free while others do charge an admission fee.
One of the highlights is the Alcazar Garden which was modeled after the gardens at the Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain. There is also a rose and cactus garden, a Japanese Friendship Garden, an art museum, and the Spanish Village Art Center.
You can also walk through Palm Canyon, a trail filled with more than 450 palm trees. Or bring a picnic lunch and eat outside on a sunny San Diego day on the large lawn in front of the Botanical Building.
The Museum of Us in the park is home to the California Tower where you can climb 125 steps to one of the best views in the area! It’s one of the best places for great views of the park as well as the mountains and ocean in the distance.
Channel Islands National Park
If you’re looking for a day trip or camping trip to go off grid, look no further than the Channel Islands. In the state of California with the most National Parks, the Channel Islands remains one of the least visited.
To visit any of the islands you must take a ferry with Island Packers Cruises. The ferries leave from the town of Ventura, an hour and a half North of Los Angeles.
These boat rides are adventures in themselves, as you have a high chance of seeing dolphins and whales along your journey as they travel through the Pacific Ocean.
Aside from Catalina Island, the two most popular islands to visit are Santa Cruz Island and Anacapa Island since they are the most accessible and easiest to reach.
Both islands have some of the best hikes in Southern California. You can also camp, and kayak into sea caves here.
These islands are sometimes referred to as the ‘Galapagos of America’ since there are over 100 plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on Earth.
There’s an amazing 2 night backpacking adventure on Santa Cruz Island from Prisoner’s Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. It is a hidden gem of a hike and the route is not well traveled, so you may have periods of time all to yourself.
The best part of the hike is camping at the Del Norte campground as it overlooks the island with amazing ocean views!
Solvang
Solvang is a city in Santa Ynez Valley, known as the ‘Danish capital’ of the country. Wander around this charming town to feel like you’ve been transported to Denmark.
Solvang is a 45 minute drive Northwest of Santa Barbara, and only 20 minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway. The town is complete with 4 windmills, gabled roofs, Danish bakeries, and even a Little Mermaid replica statue!
Visit during the month of September for their Danish Days festival, during which there are parades, Danish food, and live music, or during Christmas to see the streets lit up with cheerful decorations.
One day in Solvang will suffice since it’s small. But if you’re looking to spend the weekend, visit the Santa Ynez Valley for vineyards and some wine tasting!
With over 100 wineries in the valley of rolling hills and mountains, it’s not just one of the most stunning Santa Barbara hidden gems, but also one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Southern California.
The valley is known for growing grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more.
Feel as though you’re transported right to Tuscany when you visit Sunstone Winery. This winery features stunning grounds and vineyards and often has a food truck onsite.
Ojai
The town of Ojai, set in Ventura County, Northwest of Los Angeles, is perfect for those seeking an artsy and nature getaway off the beaten path in Southern California.
There are a few special things you should know about Ojai. First, the city banned chain stores in 2007 making it a haven for local shops. The city is also known for its pink sunsets and its sweet and small pixie tangerines.
The best things to do in Ojai are to enjoy the local cuisine, go olive oil tasting, head to Meditation Mount for a great sunset and zen moment, and explore the town by trolley.
Book a room at The Capri Hotel to relax in style and take in the absolutely glorious grounds. The hotel is complete with an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and views of the Topatopa mountains.
Lake Arrowhead
Located in the San Bernardino mountains, known as the ‘Alps of Southern California’, is the town of Lake Arrowhead. The town of Big Bear is much more well known and just 20 minutes away.
The lake is actually privately owned, so the best way to enjoy lake activities in the summer is to get a room at the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa.
By having a room here you get access to the lake. Or book a water ski lesson with McKenzie Water Ski School to have even more fun on the water.
You can also take a lake tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen and learn more about its history. Movies such as Parent Trap and Space Jam have been filmed here!
Check out the downtown charming village to explore the many shops and restaurants. And be sure to eat breakfast at the Belgian Waffle Works.
Julian
The last Southern California hidden gem rounding out our list is the town of Julian in San Diego County. A cute town known for its apple picking and gold rush history, it also makes for the perfect fall getaway.
No stop in Julian is complete without stopping for a slice of apple pie. The two most popular bakeries in town are Mom’s Pie House and Julian Pie Company – you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Go to the Julian Cider Mill, a popular place to taste test different hard ciders such as their Cherry Bomb or Pearanormal.
A 15 minute drive from Julian can get you to trailheads to amazing hikes in Cuyamanca Rancho State Park.
The 4 mile round trip hike to Stonewall Peak is moderate and my personal favorite hike in Southern California. If you can, hike the trail for sunrise for the best views and most serenity.
And just 30 minutes from Julian is the trailhead to Three Sisters Falls. It may not be one of the most impressive waterfalls in California, but it’s another one of the best hikes in SoCal. The hike to the waterfall is rated as moderate to difficult and it’s a 4.1-mile round trip.
If you’ve ever been interested in the Gold Rush or wanted to tour a gold mine, you can’t miss out on the chance to tour with Eagle Mining. They offer tours 7 days a week and show the milling and extraction process.
Julian really is a unique small town and a hidden gem in Southern California!
For those interested in Gold Rush history traveling the length of the state, or doing a California road trip, make sure you include the Gold Country in Tuolumne, Northern California, in your itinerary.
Southern California Hidden Gems FAQs
Southern California is well known for its picturesque coastline and sandy beaches with sunshine and beautiful weather year round.
It is also known for being the location of Hollywood where actors get their start and movie magic happens, Orange County, the home of Disneyland and famous surfing spots, and Santa Monica and its iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Luckily for travelers, Southern California can be a year round destination. But there are ‘better’ times of the year to visit depending on where you want to go.
For the most temperate climate to visit all the destinations, the spring and fall months will be the best. During the spring months, you can also catch fantastic wildflower blooms on the coast and in the desert.
In the summer, the coast will be comfortable and warm, but avoid the inland desert since the heat can be very extreme.
If you want to enjoy the hidden gems of Southern California like Julian or Lake Arrowhead with snow, visiting in the winter months of December to March will be best.
The best way to get around Southern California is to rent a car, especially if your goal is to visit the best hidden gems.
For the locations listed above, flying into either Los Angeles or San Diego would be best.
> Check the best flight deals on Skyscanner
Even in a popular destination like Southern California, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
From slot canyons and charming small towns to hidden caves and unique cultural experiences, the region offers something for everyone.
By venturing off the beaten path, visitors can see a side of Southern California that goes beyond Disneyland and the Hollywood sign.
So, which hidden gem are you visiting first?
Do you have any questions about these hidden gems in Southern California?
Let me know in the comments below!
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