Looking for some new and underrated places in Southern California to explore? We have QUITE the recommendation fo you, friends. Whether you’ve lived in SoCal your whole life or you’re just passing through, we’ve put together a list of hidden gems that you most likely never knew existed and will definitely want to see. From an incredible suspension bridge to an Alpine Pedal Path and Ortega Falls, there’s truly a little something for everyone. Take a look, and perhaps plan a trip. Do you have a favorite spot on this list of underrated places in Southern California?

1. The Lake Hodges 990-Foot Suspension Bridge
flickr/rosalinde bon
The Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge Trail will take you across a 990-foot suspension bridge. Whether you're walking or biking, this spectacular trail will make your jaw drop. Located inside San Dieguito River Park, this 1.5-mile trail is easy enough for most anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Address: 12655 Sunset Dr, Escondido, CA 92025.  
2. The Secret Cactus Garden in the sky at Getty Center
flickr/ian d keating
The Getty Center has long been one of SoCal's hidden gems. Everyone already knows this destination is packed with many magnificent gardens, but most people have no idea about this secret cactus garden in the sky with one of the best views of Los Angeles in the entire city. Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049.
3. The Treetop Trail At Ziplines At Pacific Crest
googlemaps/evan kwok
If you love an exhilarating adventure in the great outdoors, this treetop trail in Southern California will take your breath away. Located at Ziplines At Pacific Crest in the small town of Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mountains, you can take one of the best zipline canopy tours in the country with route lengths up to 1,500-feet long high above the forest floor. Address: 6014 Park Drive, Wrightwood, CA 92397.
4. Alpine Pedal Path
googlemaps/mary anne
Located in the town of Big Bear in San Bernardino County, there's a delightful hiking and biking path called the Alpine Pedal Path that will bring out the nature lover in you. With its lakefront views and serene forest setting, this easy hike is one rare find that should immediately go to the top of your bucket list. Address: 740 Stanfield Cutoff, Big Bear, CA 92314.

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5. California Citrus State Historic Park
googlemaps/anthony morganti
The California Citrus State Historic Park is one of SoCal's true gems, and yet many people have no idea this slice of paradise even exists. With 248 acres to explore, you can experience the history of SoCal's citrus industry by exploring the grounds and sampling the citrus plucked right off the tree. Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave., Riverside, CA 92503.
6. Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
googlemaps/ryan h.
Love spotting dinosaurs in SoCal? Then you'll want to check out the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center where you'll find a secret dinosaur trail packed with plenty of dino sculptures and dino statues to keep you on your toes for hours. They may not be the real thing, but they sure look like it, and it's certainly one of the most underrated places in Southern California. Address: 7621 Granite Hill Drive, Riverside, CA, 92509.
7. The 5-Mile Train Ride inside Fairview Park
facebook/fairview nature park
For the train enthusiasts out there, you may be surprised to discover that SoCal is home to a 5-mile ride on a tiny train. Located inside Fairview Park in the city of Costa Mesa, the Orange County Model Engineers offer a five-mile ride on the rails through absolute perfection. And the best part? This train is free! Address: 2500 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
8. Ortega Falls
googlemaps/jenny a.
If you enjoy discovering SoCal's waterfalls, you'll want to add this hidden gem to the top of your list. This little-known 0.3-mile trail that leads to Ortega Falls may not be well known by most people, but it's well worth a visit. Address: 32806 Ortega Highway, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

Have you ever experienced a visit to any of these destinations in SoCal?

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy Southern California, we think you’ll also enjoy reading about these nine hidden places in SoCal that are worth a visit.

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More to Explore

Where To Visit In SoCal

Meghan Kraft | January 20, 2021

What are the most popular foods in SoCal?

Southern California is known for a myriad of meals, including a series of iconic foods known across the nation and globe. First off: the In-N-Out burger. The iconic California chain is synonymous with SoCal, and pairs perfectly with the famed fusion foods you’ll find served throughout the region. Head to Pink’s Hot Dogs if you’re looking for a hefty pork indulgence, or snag a sweet treat with a cereal-topped donut at California Donuts. And a solid can’t miss? Chicken and waffles from Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles!

What are the weirdest things about SoCal?

When it comes to unusual things about SoCal, we think the strangest aspects of the region are found in its strange tourist attractions. From Ostrich Land USA to the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, there’s a little something strange for everyone. The China Ranch Date Farm is a top spot to head if you’re a fan of the sweet fruit, and there’s nothing more strange than June Gloom when SoCal goes dark and moody right at the start of the summer season.

What are the best small towns in SoCal?

If you’re looking to enjoy a few small towns in SoCal, we have a list that you just can’t miss. Make sure you head to Ojai, California for a beautiful experience amidst the orange groves of SoCal, and Coronado is a great place if you’re looking for beachside fun. Julian and Temecula are lovely, small towns that are great for visiting as well as Lake Arrowhead.

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Featured Addresses
Lake Hodges, Escondido, CA 92029, USA
Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
6014 Park Dr, Wrightwood, CA 92397, USA
740 Stanfield Cutoff, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA
California Citrus State Historic Park, 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
7621 Granite Hill Dr, Riverside, CA 92509, USA
Ortega Falls, -33382, 32806 Ortega Hwy., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA