Most Underrated Places to Visit in California

California is known for its unbeatable beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, and bustling cities. People flock from all over the world to experience the Golden State in all of its wonders to see what the fuss is all about for themselves.

However, many people get trapped in the popular attractions and tourist hotspots, but there are many hidden gems that offer an equally thrilling experience.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 underrated places to visit in California that are totally worth exploring.

Mojave National Preserve

Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, the Mojave National Preserve is a vast expanse of rugged wilderness that spans over 1.6 million acres. It offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of landscapes, from towering sand dunes to rocky canyons and Joshua tree forests. It is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and golden eagles.

Visitors who come here can enjoy the thrill of 4-Wheel Driving, take a horseback ride along the trails, or hike and backpack across the desert for themselves to take their time with the experience. Camping is available for tents, RVs, or vans. Prepare for the crowds on the weekends!

Lassen Volcanic National Park

lassen volcanic park — *Photo by* *Quentin Burgess* *via Unsplash*

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a lesser-known gem located in the northern part of California. It is home to a wide variety of geothermal features, including hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Visitors can also explore a network of hiking trails that lead through pristine forests, across volcanic fields, and past crystal-clear lakes.

Every season has something to offer at this park, too. The winter and early springtime can be filled with snow play and skiing opportunities, while the warmer months allow for a drive along the scenic highway, a visit to the Sulphur Works hydrothermal area, or bringing/renting a boat on one of their lakes.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Located just an hour north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is an incredible coastal wilderness often overlooked by visitors to the area. It offers miles of unspoiled beaches, rocky cliffs, and rugged headlands that are home to a wide variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife.

There are plenty of things to do here, and activities range based on how much time you have to visit the park. If you have at least an hour to spare, check out the Bear Valley Visitor Center or check out the replica of the Coast Miwok Indian village at Kule Loklo.

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is a majestic peak that towers over the surrounding landscape in northern California. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, with several routes to the summit that range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Visitors can also explore the surrounding wilderness, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles.

Adventure seekers may enjoy river rafting, rock climbing, or caving, and outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, covering over 600,000 acres of rugged desert terrain. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, and offers visitors the chance to explore a network of hiking trails that lead through canyons, washes, and palm oases.

Those who only have a little time to spare can check out either The Visitor Center or the Desert Garden just outside to learn more about what grows in the surrounding area. It also has parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans from Mexico to Canada along a 2,650-mile stretch. Anza-Borrego is one of five California State Parks the trail passes through.

Lake Tahoe

Photo by Tim Peterson via Unsplash

Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake that straddles the border between California and Nevada. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities, including hiking, skiing, and boating. Visitors can also explore the surrounding forests, which are home to a rich array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles.

Activities on the lake itself range from boating to parasailing, and Tahoe houses Heavenly Mountain, a popular place for skiing during the winter. Fans of gambling can spend time in the casinos on the Nevada side of the city.

Channel Islands National Park

Located just off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands National Park is a series of five uninhabited islands that offer visitors a chance to explore a unique and diverse ecosystem. If you come here, you can take guided tours to see the islands' rich wildlife, including endemic species like the island fox and the Channel Islands spotted skunk. You can explore the surrounding waters, which are home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and whales.

The five islands include Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa, and they all offer something unique and unforgettable, particularly during spring and summer when blue whale watching is at its most prevalent.

Mendocino Coast

The Mendocino Coast is a rugged and remote stretch of coastline that offers visitors a chance to escape the crowds and experience the beauty of California's wild coast. It is home to several charming coastal towns, including Mendocino and Fort Bragg, as well as miles of unspoiled beaches, rocky headlands, and towering redwoods.

This is one of the best options you’ll find for scenic drives. Top choices here include the historic Highway 1, the picturesque Philo-Greenwood Road, the For Bragg-Willits Road Highway 20, the Comptche-Ukiah Road, Highway 128, or the Skunk Train Route historic train ride.

Mono Lake

Located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains outside Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake is a unique saltwater lake known for its otherworldly landscapes and unique ecosystem. It is home to a variety of species of brine shrimp and alkali flies, which attract thousands of migratory birds each year. Visitors can explore the lake's shoreline on foot or by kayak and learn about its fascinating geology and natural history at the Mono Lake Visitor Center.

Those interested in the educational aspects of the lake can partake in free tours, canoe tours, field seminars, or even set up a custom trip to get the most out of the experience.

Carrizo Plain National Monument

Carrizo Plain National Monument is a vast and remote wilderness located in the southeastern part of California. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, tule elk, and California condors. Visitors can explore the monument's rugged terrain on foot or by car, taking in the stunning vistas of rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and dramatic rock formations.

The valleys in the monument are traversed by the San Andreas Fault that carved them, and prominent features of the monument include the white alkali flats of Soda Lake, Painted Rock, and the large grasslands rimmed by the mountains.

While these locations still don’t showcase everything you can find in California, it’s still a great place to start to get a little more away from the crowds. Although you could hit up major visits like San Francisco, San Diego, or Yosemite, consider any of the above adventures for a truly unique and unforgettable experience in the Golden State.

Have you ever been to California? What are some of your favorite places, or where would you like to go the most? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments, and be sure to check out more California tips!