7 Underrated California State Parks for RV Camping

Discover California's hidden gems beyond the typical tourist hotspots Explore secluded beaches charming small towns and breathtaking natural landscapes for an unforgettable adventure

Exploring Off the Beaten Path California Destinations

California a land of iconic landmarks and bustling cities also holds a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored These hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the Golden State showcasing its diverse landscapes rich history and authentic local experiences Forget the crowded beaches of Southern California and the tourist traps of San Francisco Instead venture into the heartland discover quiet coastal towns and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that often goes unnoticed

Discovering Secluded Beaches and Coastal Havens in California

California's coastline stretches for over 840 miles offering a diverse array of beaches From the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur to the sandy shores of Southern California there's a beach for every taste But beyond the popular spots lie secluded coves and hidden beaches perfect for those seeking tranquility and solitude

Black Sands Beach Shelter Cove A Northern California Paradise

Tucked away in the Lost Coast region of Northern California Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove is a true hidden gem This unique beach boasts black sand dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views It's a popular spot for hiking camping and wildlife viewing The remoteness of the location adds to its charm making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life

Product Recommendation: For hiking on the rugged trails around Black Sands Beach consider the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX hiking boots These boots provide excellent ankle support waterproof protection and a comfortable fit They are ideal for navigating the uneven terrain and ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking experience

Use Case: Hiking the Lost Coast Trail requires sturdy and reliable footwear The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX boots are specifically designed for such conditions offering superior grip and stability on challenging trails

Product Comparison: Compared to other hiking boots like the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX offers better ankle support and a more aggressive tread pattern making it more suitable for rugged terrain While the Merrell Moab 2 is a great all-around hiking boot the Salomon X Ultra 4 excels in demanding conditions

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX hiking boots typically range in price from $150 to $180 depending on the retailer and any ongoing sales

Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur An Iconic Hidden Gem

While Big Sur itself is a well-known destination Pfeiffer Beach remains a hidden gem within this iconic region This beach is famous for its Keyhole Arch a natural rock formation that allows sunlight to stream through creating a breathtaking spectacle especially during sunset The beach also features purple sand caused by manganese garnet deposits adding to its unique charm

Product Recommendation: Capturing the beauty of Pfeiffer Beach requires a reliable camera We recommend the Sony Alpha 7 IV mirrorless camera This camera offers exceptional image quality excellent low-light performance and a versatile lens system making it perfect for capturing stunning landscapes

Use Case: Landscape photography at Pfeiffer Beach demands a camera that can handle challenging lighting conditions The Sony Alpha 7 IV excels in capturing the dynamic range of the scene from the bright sunlight streaming through the Keyhole Arch to the shadows on the beach

Product Comparison: Compared to the Canon EOS R6 the Sony Alpha 7 IV offers a higher resolution sensor and a wider range of compatible lenses While the Canon EOS R6 is a great camera for video the Sony Alpha 7 IV is generally considered superior for still photography especially landscape photography

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Sony Alpha 7 IV mirrorless camera body typically ranges in price from $2500 to $2700 depending on the retailer and any bundled accessories

El Matador State Beach Malibu A Dramatic Coastal Escape

El Matador State Beach in Malibu is a stunning coastal escape featuring dramatic sea stacks hidden coves and tide pools This beach is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers The towering rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for sunset photos and the tide pools offer a glimpse into the fascinating marine life that inhabits the area

Product Recommendation: Exploring the tide pools at El Matador State Beach requires appropriate footwear We recommend the Keen Newport H2 water shoes These shoes provide excellent traction protection and water resistance making them ideal for navigating slippery rocks and wading in the tide pools

Use Case: Tide pooling at El Matador State Beach involves walking on uneven and slippery surfaces The Keen Newport H2 water shoes offer superior grip and protection preventing slips and injuries

Product Comparison: Compared to other water shoes like the Speedo Surfwalker Pro the Keen Newport H2 offers better protection for the toes and a more durable construction While the Speedo Surfwalker Pro is a lightweight and comfortable option the Keen Newport H2 is more suitable for rugged terrain

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Keen Newport H2 water shoes typically range in price from $100 to $120 depending on the retailer and color options

Exploring Charming Small Towns and Historic Communities in California

Beyond its famous cities California boasts a wealth of charming small towns and historic communities These towns offer a glimpse into the state's rich history and culture and provide a welcome escape from the fast pace of modern life

Julian A Historic Gold Mining Town in the Mountains

Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains Julian is a historic gold mining town that has retained its old-world charm The town is famous for its apple pies and its annual Apple Days festival Julian offers a variety of activities including hiking gold mine tours and browsing the antique shops

Product Recommendation: Enjoying a slice of Julian's famous apple pie requires a comfortable and stylish outfit We recommend the Patagonia Better Sweater fleece jacket This jacket is warm comfortable and made from recycled materials making it a sustainable and stylish choice

Use Case: Visiting Julian during the fall season can be chilly The Patagonia Better Sweater fleece jacket provides warmth and comfort while exploring the town and enjoying the Apple Days festival

Product Comparison: Compared to other fleece jackets like the Columbia Steens Mountain 20 the Patagonia Better Sweater offers a more stylish design and a more sustainable construction While the Columbia Steens Mountain 20 is a more affordable option the Patagonia Better Sweater is a better choice for those looking for a stylish and eco-friendly option

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Patagonia Better Sweater fleece jacket typically ranges in price from $140 to $160 depending on the retailer and color options

Solvang A Danish Village in the Santa Ynez Valley

Solvang is a charming Danish village located in the Santa Ynez Valley This town is known for its windmills Danish architecture and delicious pastries Solvang offers a variety of activities including wine tasting exploring the local shops and visiting the Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Product Recommendation: Exploring Solvang on foot requires comfortable walking shoes We recommend the Allbirds Wool Runners These shoes are made from merino wool making them breathable comfortable and odor-resistant They are perfect for walking around the town and exploring its many attractions

Use Case: Walking around Solvang for extended periods requires comfortable and supportive shoes The Allbirds Wool Runners provide all-day comfort and breathability ensuring a pleasant walking experience

Product Comparison: Compared to other walking shoes like the Adidas Ultraboost the Allbirds Wool Runners offer a more sustainable construction and a more minimalist design While the Adidas Ultraboost provides excellent cushioning the Allbirds Wool Runners are more breathable and odor-resistant

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Allbirds Wool Runners typically range in price from $100 to $120 depending on the retailer and color options

Mendocino A Picturesque Coastal Town with Artistic Flair

Mendocino is a picturesque coastal town located on the Mendocino Coast This town is known for its Victorian architecture stunning ocean views and thriving arts community Mendocino offers a variety of activities including hiking exploring the art galleries and visiting the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Product Recommendation: Capturing the beauty of Mendocino requires a high-quality sketchbook and drawing tools We recommend the Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook and a set of Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens These tools are perfect for sketching the stunning landscapes and charming architecture of Mendocino

Use Case: Sketching the scenery in Mendocino requires a durable sketchbook and reliable drawing pens The Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook provides a smooth surface for drawing and the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens offer a variety of line widths and vibrant colors

Product Comparison: Compared to other sketchbooks like the Strathmore Visual Journal the Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook offers a more durable binding and a more compact size While the Strathmore Visual Journal is a great option for larger drawings the Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook is more convenient for traveling and sketching on the go

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook typically ranges in price from $20 to $30 and the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens set typically ranges from $25 to $35 depending on the retailer

Experiencing Breathtaking Natural Landscapes and Outdoor Adventures in California

California is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering a diverse range of natural landscapes from towering mountains to vast deserts Beyond the popular national parks lie hidden gems that offer unique and unforgettable outdoor experiences

Alabama Hills Lone Pine A Stargazing Paradise and Movie Location

Located near Lone Pine the Alabama Hills are a stunning landscape of rock formations that have been featured in countless movies and TV shows This area is also a stargazing paradise due to its dark skies and minimal light pollution The Alabama Hills offer a variety of activities including hiking rock climbing and camping

Product Recommendation: Stargazing in the Alabama Hills requires a reliable telescope We recommend the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope This telescope offers excellent optics a computerized mount and a user-friendly interface making it perfect for beginners and experienced stargazers alike

Use Case: Observing distant galaxies and nebulae in the Alabama Hills requires a powerful telescope The Celestron NexStar 8SE provides excellent magnification and light-gathering capabilities allowing for detailed views of celestial objects

Product Comparison: Compared to other telescopes like the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian the Celestron NexStar 8SE offers a computerized mount and tracking system While the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian is a more affordable option the Celestron NexStar 8SE is easier to use and provides more accurate tracking of celestial objects

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope typically ranges in price from $1300 to $1500 depending on the retailer and any bundled accessories

Lassen Volcanic National Park A Geothermal Wonderland

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal wonderland featuring bubbling mud pots steaming fumaroles and pristine lakes This park offers a variety of activities including hiking camping and exploring the geothermal areas

Product Recommendation: Hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park requires comfortable and supportive hiking shoes We recommend the Hoka Speedgoat 5 trail running shoes These shoes provide excellent cushioning traction and stability making them ideal for hiking on the park's varied terrain

Use Case: Hiking on the trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park requires shoes that can handle uneven terrain and provide ample cushioning The Hoka Speedgoat 5 trail running shoes offer superior comfort and support reducing fatigue and preventing injuries

Product Comparison: Compared to other trail running shoes like the Brooks Cascadia 16 the Hoka Speedgoat 5 offers a more cushioned ride and a wider platform While the Brooks Cascadia 16 is a great all-around trail running shoe the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is more suitable for longer distances and more challenging terrain

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Hoka Speedgoat 5 trail running shoes typically range in price from $140 to $160 depending on the retailer and color options

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park A Desert Oasis

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a desert oasis featuring stunning wildflowers slot canyons and unique geological formations This park offers a variety of activities including hiking camping and exploring the desert landscape

Product Recommendation: Exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park requires a reliable water bottle We recommend the Hydro Flask 32 oz water bottle This water bottle is made from stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours

Use Case: Staying hydrated in the desert environment of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is crucial The Hydro Flask 32 oz water bottle ensures that you have plenty of cold water to drink throughout the day

Product Comparison: Compared to other water bottles like the Nalgene Tritan 32 oz the Hydro Flask offers superior insulation and durability While the Nalgene Tritan 32 oz is a more affordable option the Hydro Flask is a better choice for those who want to keep their drinks cold or hot for extended periods

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Hydro Flask 32 oz water bottle typically ranges in price from $40 to $50 depending on the retailer and color options

Unearthing Unique Cultural Experiences and Local Flavors in California

California's cultural landscape is as diverse as its natural environment Beyond the well-known museums and attractions lie hidden gems that offer unique cultural experiences and local flavors

The Integratron Landers A Sound Bath Experience

The Integratron in Landers is a unique structure designed as a rejuvenation machine and sound bath chamber This building offers a unique sound bath experience that is said to promote relaxation and healing

Product Recommendation: Enhancing the relaxation experience at the Integratron can be achieved with a comfortable eye mask We recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask This mask is made from soft silk and blocks out light effectively promoting restful sleep and relaxation

Use Case: Blocking out any residual light during the sound bath at the Integratron allows for deeper relaxation The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask provides a comfortable and effective way to block out light

Product Comparison: Compared to other sleep masks like the Manta Sleep Mask the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is a more affordable and lightweight option While the Manta Sleep Mask offers customizable eye cups the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is a more simple and comfortable option for most users

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask typically ranges in price from $10 to $15 depending on the retailer and color options

Glass Beach Fort Bragg A Beach Made of Sea Glass

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is a unique beach that is covered in sea glass This beach was once a dumping ground for trash but over time the waves have broken down the glass into smooth colorful pebbles making it a unique and fascinating place to visit

Product Recommendation: Collecting sea glass at Glass Beach requires a sturdy bag We recommend the Baggu Standard Baggu reusable bag This bag is lightweight durable and can hold a surprising amount of sea glass

Use Case: Carrying sea glass collected at Glass Beach requires a strong and reusable bag The Baggu Standard Baggu is a durable and environmentally friendly option

Product Comparison: Compared to other reusable bags like the ChicoBag Original the Baggu Standard Baggu is more stylish and comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns While the ChicoBag Original is more compact when folded the Baggu Standard Baggu is more durable and can hold more weight

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Baggu Standard Baggu reusable bag typically ranges in price from $12 to $15 depending on the retailer and color options

Salvation Mountain Niland A Colorful Art Installation

Salvation Mountain in Niland is a colorful art installation created by Leonard Knight This mountain is made of adobe clay and is covered in paint and biblical verses It's a unique and inspiring place to visit

Product Recommendation: Protecting your skin from the sun while visiting Salvation Mountain is essential We recommend the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen This sunscreen is lightweight non-greasy and provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays

Use Case: Spending time outdoors at Salvation Mountain in the desert environment requires protection from the sun The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen effectively protects the skin from harmful UV rays

Product Comparison: Compared to other sunscreens like the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen is reef-friendly and has a pleasant coconut scent While the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is a more affordable option the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen is a better choice for those who are concerned about the environment and prefer a pleasant scent

Detailed Information (Pricing): The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen typically ranges in price from $15 to $20 depending on the retailer