Sometimes we are so used to Southern California’s magnificence that we forget to explore the hidden pockets of beauty hiding right in front of our eyes. Whether you are lucky enough to spend your whole life exploring SoCal or you only have a brief window of time to wander through the Golden State, there are a few hidden gems (and some not so hidden) that everyone should experience at least once.
- El Dorado Nature Center – 7550 E. Spring Street in Long Beach
flickr/tdlucas5000 Long Beach is so much more than just ocean, sand and sailboats. Tucked inside this marvelous city you’ll find a lush nature preserve spanning 105 acres. It’s a picture-perfect spot for walking along paved trails that will take you through forests, streams, and lakes. What a magical oasis!
- Heaps Peak Arboretum – Skyforest, CA
flickr/tracie hall Located in the San Bernardino National Forest you’ll find a fairytale arboretum filled with easy walking trails hiding in a secluded forest. Such a picturesque spot for a short stroll tucked inside a canopy of trees.
- Paradise Falls at Wildwood Park – 928 Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks
yelp/charleen m. This suburban park in Thousand Oaks is home to an enchanting waterfall that almost sneaks up on you. Wildwood Park is a great place to escape from the city and surround yourself with wildlife and nature.
- Mission San Juan Capistrano – 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA
flickr/jpellgen The ruins of this historic mission located in San Juan Capistrano is a sight to behold. Wander the grounds and soak up the history of this awe-inspiring setting that dates back to 1776.
- Point Loma Tide Pools – San Diego
flickr/neil silverthorn Located at the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, this is one destination worthy of your attention. It’s the perfect spot that captures the variety of beauty in SoCal in a single setting.
- Wayfarer’s Chapel – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
tripadvisor/ron y. What could be more spellbinding than a stunning glass church surrounded by the natural beauty of the woods and the ocean? This is one chapel you must see to believe.
- Cedar Creek Falls – Ramona, CA
yelp/heather w. The best view at this hidden hiking destination in San Diego County is at the top of the waterfall where you can gaze into this beautiful pool of water.
- Joshua Tree
flickr/aaron novak Joshua Tree is a magnificent destination that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, or picture taking, this is one spot that will not disappoint.
- The Huntington – San Marino
flickr/vgm8383 You could spend an entire day exploring this stunning SoCal setting that is home to some of the most elaborate and unique gardens you’ve ever seen.
- Descanso Gardens – 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge
flickr/dirtinmypocket This 150-acre botanical garden located in La Cañada Flintridge is a slice of paradise that offers beautiful scenery in every direction.
- Treasure Island Beach – Laguna Beach
yelp/chris s. Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach is an easy spot to miss if you don’t know where to find it. Located at the base of Treasure Island Park, this is a picturesque stretch of sand that looks like heaven on earth.
If you could spend one day exploring one of these spots in Southern California, which one would you pick first? For more spectacular places to visit in SoCal, take a look at our Only In Your State home page and do some browsing. You’ll be amazed by all the hidden gems you have yet to discover.
flickr/tdlucas5000
Long Beach is so much more than just ocean, sand and sailboats. Tucked inside this marvelous city you’ll find a lush nature preserve spanning 105 acres. It’s a picture-perfect spot for walking along paved trails that will take you through forests, streams, and lakes. What a magical oasis!
flickr/tracie hall
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest you’ll find a fairytale arboretum filled with easy walking trails hiding in a secluded forest. Such a picturesque spot for a short stroll tucked inside a canopy of trees.
yelp/charleen m.
This suburban park in Thousand Oaks is home to an enchanting waterfall that almost sneaks up on you. Wildwood Park is a great place to escape from the city and surround yourself with wildlife and nature.
flickr/jpellgen
The ruins of this historic mission located in San Juan Capistrano is a sight to behold. Wander the grounds and soak up the history of this awe-inspiring setting that dates back to 1776.
flickr/neil silverthorn
Located at the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, this is one destination worthy of your attention. It’s the perfect spot that captures the variety of beauty in SoCal in a single setting.
tripadvisor/ron y.
What could be more spellbinding than a stunning glass church surrounded by the natural beauty of the woods and the ocean? This is one chapel you must see to believe.
yelp/heather w.
The best view at this hidden hiking destination in San Diego County is at the top of the waterfall where you can gaze into this beautiful pool of water.
flickr/aaron novak
Joshua Tree is a magnificent destination that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, or picture taking, this is one spot that will not disappoint.
flickr/vgm8383
You could spend an entire day exploring this stunning SoCal setting that is home to some of the most elaborate and unique gardens you’ve ever seen.
flickr/dirtinmypocket
This 150-acre botanical garden located in La Cañada Flintridge is a slice of paradise that offers beautiful scenery in every direction.
yelp/chris s.
Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach is an easy spot to miss if you don’t know where to find it. Located at the base of Treasure Island Park, this is a picturesque stretch of sand that looks like heaven on earth.
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