11 Incredible Hidden Gems In Southern California You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Natasha Kayes
Author
If you are like me, you love to discover unique places and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Are you ready to discover some of the little-known spots, secret getaways, and amazing hidden gems in Southern California? Then you have come to the right place. Let’s explore!
1. Chumash Painted Cave, Santa Barbara
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA
Tucked along a narrow mountain road above Santa Barbara is Chumash Painted Cave where you can see some of the most colorful and well-preserved Chumash cave drawings in the world. Their meaning may have been lost, but they remain a significant site to the Chumash people and a source of wonder to those who are willing to venture off the beaten path in Southern California.
2. Venice Bridges and Canals, Venice
Venice Canals, Venice, CA 90292, USA
Venice Beach has a reputation as a crowded, lively, eclectic beachfront area, but many have never explored the peaceful and picturesque Venice Canals and Bridges that are reminiscent of their namesake across the pond. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Southern California.
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3. The Japanese Garden, Van Nuys
6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA
Located unexpectedly at a water reclamation center in the suburbs, The Japanese Garden is designed to lead visitors through various sections and is a lovely place to wander. You’ll find several pretty bridges and a traditional Japanese teahouse nestled inside the scenic gardens.
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4. Seaside Gardens, Carpinteria
3700 Via Real #3050, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
Seaside Gardens are both a nursery and collection of beautiful themed gardens. Walk through tropical, cactus, South African, Asian, Mediterranean, and other gardens. There are groomed paths between the gardens and benches throughout where you can sit, eat a snack, and relax among the trees and plants.
5. Redwood Grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Linda
Redwood Grove Trail, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA
Nearly everyone knows about the incredible redwoods in the Sequoia National Par, but the beautiful Redwood Grove may be one of the best kept secrets in Southern California. They are not quite as old or massive as their northern relatives, but walking among these stunning trees is still a wondrous experience.
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6. Bennett’s Honey Farm, Fillmore
3176 Honey Ln, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA
The real gem at Bennett’s Honey Farm is the little tasting room and shop where you can sample several varieties and flavors of honey, buy local raw honey, honey products, and bee and honey-themed gifts. You can also watch busy bees working hard in a live beehive! Known mainly only to locals, this is one of the best non-touristy things to do in Southern California.
7. Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena
Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA
The City of Pasadena has scores of historic properties and landmarks, one of which is an entire community known as Bungalow Heaven. The neighborhood, with its over 800 craftsman homes built mainly between 1900 and 1930, was designated a landmark in 1989 and each year historic home tours are available.
8. The Getty Villa, Malibu
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
Surround yourself in the breathtaking architecture, history, gardens, reflecting pools, and classic art that make up the Getty Villa Museum in the hills above Malibu, inspired by Ancient Rome and Greece. You don’t have to be an art or museum buff to be completely enthralled with this picturesque place.
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9. Ganna Walska Lotusland, Montecito
Lotusland, Cold Spring Rd, Montecito, CA 93108, USA
Among the hidden beautiful places in Southern California is Lotusland, an exquisite botanical wonderland near Santa Barbara with over 3,000 different plant species (some of which are rarely seen by anyone), unique garden designs, and surprises around every corner of the 37-acre property.
10. Bart’s Books, Ojai
302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Bart’s Books is a unique outdoor book shop tucked in a residential corner of Ojai. It is not only a great place to buy, sell, and trade books (mostly used), but also a simply lovely place to bring a cup of coffee and walk around. A small indoor section is built from the home of the original owner, Richard “Bart” Bartinsdale. There are even some book available for sale on the outer walls at all hours - just throw coins through the slot in the door to pay for them!
11. Sunset Cliffs Cave, San Diego
800 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
With the inside reachable only during low tide, Sunset Cliffs Cave is a beautiful open-ceiling sea cave in San Diego. With natural light streaming through the wide hole above, this is truly one of the prettiest caves on the coast. You can take a small-group tour of the sea caves
There are countless cool places to visit in Southern California, but these hidden gems should definitely be on your must-see list. Find even more awesome spots on this hidden gems road trip! How many of these spots have you already explored? What are your favorite hidden gems in SoCal? Looking for more? Check out more of our favorite places to see and things to do here.
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