5 Lesser Known California Landmarks

If there’s a part of the U.S. that has a place on many a bucket list, surely it’s the Golden State. Who wouldn’t want to be in the same space as the movie icons and entertainment legends they adore? If you haven’t yet, you’ll want to take a picture next to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

 You will want to trace your favorite artist’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star and strike your best pose next to it. Another of the many ways you can commune with TV or movie stars is by taking a pic next to the iconic Hollywood sign. 

Besides enjoying real-life encounters with the places you may have only seen on the big or small screen, you can enjoy the natural beauty of California. While there are the typical tourist must-see sites, there are some hidden treasures in the Golden State you should take time to discover, including:

1. Lassen Volcanic Park 

California may not spring to mind as a nature lover’s, but it offers some scenic, tranquil spots that you will be happy to steal away to. One of these is Lassen Volcanic Park, situated to the northeast of California. A day or two of backpacking here will prove well worth your while. 

Here, you will be surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and peaceful lakeside views. The park is a geological marvel in itself; it is one of the few places in the world where you will find all four types of volcanoes. Lassen Peak is reputed to be the world’s largest plug dome volcano. 

A few hours of quiet contemplation on the banks of one of the park’s lakes is the perfect antidote to stressful city living. 

2. Wine Country 

As you plan your California itinerary, make sure you schedule a day to explore the Wine Country region of the northern Bay Area. Any wine enthusiast worth their salt will know that California ranks among the leaders in wine production. Hundreds of thousands of acres in the Golden State are dedicated to thriving vineyards producing a wide variety of grapes. 

A tour of one or two of the wineries here is a great way to spend time, even if you don’t consider yourself a wine aficionado. Napa Valley offers you the opportunity to try out some of the region’s famous cabernet sauvignon while taking in stunning views of the undulating vineyards. 

3. Santa Cruz Mountains 

The Santa Cruz mountains form part of California ranges that tower over the southern and central state coastlines. Home to several nature parks, they are the perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Hundreds of miles of hiking trails littered with scintillating views await you, along with a rich variety of fauna. You can also enjoy the views as you bike through the trails or ride on horseback. 

If you have never heard of banana slugs, you’ll find them here. You will also be able to spot numerous bird species in the lush woods. Among the rich plant life here, you will find mushrooms, various oak species and majestic redwood.  

4. Big Bear 

California may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winter activities, but Big Bear Lake offers plenty to rival more popular destinations. 

You can ski, snowboard and sled to your heart’s contentment in Big Bear Mountain Resort. There are a number of places you can hire snowshoeing gear and go out on a solo hike or join a guided team. 

There are plenty of options for your kids, including snow tubing. There is still a lot to keep the entire family busy at Big Bear during the warm season. 

You can hike on various trails, book horseback riding tours or hire a 4×4 jeep. Or you can take in the surrounding beauty from above in zip lining and helicopter tours. 

Heading to this part of Southern California on New Year’s eve will give you access to a number of exciting events, including the Torchlight Parade that brings together hundreds of skiers and snowboarders and culminates in a party hosted by a live DJ. This is just one of the oodles of other events Big Bear hosts throughout the year. 

5. Paramount Theater

This historic concert hall in Oakland is now 90 years old. If you consider yourself a music enthusiast, you will want to pencil in a concert at Paramount Theater before you leave California. Regardless of your musical taste, you’re sure to find an activity that will inspire you or bless you with welcome nostalgia. 

For the quintessential experience, make sure you catch the resident Oakland East Bay Symphony in action. You can find their schedule in the Oakland neighborhood guide for tourists, among other resources.

 A Well-Rounded California Experience 

There are the well-known California tourist highlights, one of which you probably have on your bucket list. But your visit to the Golden State will be all the richer if you spend time exploring some of its lesser-known attractions.