Are you looking to visit places that are off the beaten path?
Well, you’re in for a treat!
California isn’t just about Hollywood, sandy beaches and tech hubs.
There are many hidden gems scattered all over the state that are so unique, they’ll make you feel like you’re in a whole new world.
From mysterious caves to weird vending machines and even a crazy art installation in the middle of nowhere, California has it all.
So get ready to discover some of the most unusual spots that you never knew existed.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss this adventure!
1. Annie’s Canyon Trail
Annie’s Canyon Trail is a hidden gem located within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, which is positioned between Encinitas and Solana Beach.
This trail is famous for its stunning sandstone slot canyon where you can squeeze through narrow walls and climb ladders – it’s like an adventure playground for hikers!
The trail also offers breathtaking views of the San Elijo Lagoon.
2. Lemon Grove Giant Lemon
You’ll find the quirky and fun Giant Lemon in Lemon Grove, which is in San Diego County.
It’s a 3,000-pound lemon statue that’s 10 feet long and 6 feet wide making it the largest lemon in the world.
This enormous lemon started as a parade float in 1928 and now is a local landmark that sits proudly by the Orange Line trolley tracks in Lemon Grove.
3. Salvation Mountain & East Jesus
Salvation Mountain and East Jesus are two incredible art destinations located in Niland, near the Salton Sea.
Salvation Mountain is a colorful hillside created by Leonard Knight over 28 years.
It’s covered in religious messages and murals made from adobe, clay and donated paint.
It’s a truly unique spot where you can explore the artwork and feel the love and passion that went into its creation.
Just a short drive away, East Jesus is an eco-themed art project filled with quirky sculptures made from recycled materials.
Both spots offer a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Garlic World
Garlic World is a must-visit spot in Gilroy which is known as the ‘Garlic Capital of the World.’
Known for its vast array of garlic products, you can find everything from garlic ice cream to the world’s longest garlic braid!
This quirky roadside stop also offers fresh produce, gourmet foods and unique gifts, making it a fun place to explore and shop.
What makes it truly special is the chance to try unusual garlic treats and take a selfie with the giant garlic cutout!
5. Tio’s Tacos
Tio’s Tacos is a quirky spot located in Riverside, right in the heart of historic Downtown. It’s around 1 hour from Los Angeles.
Known for its authentic Mexican food, you can enjoy delicious dishes while surrounded by crazy and unique art installations made from recycled materials.
The owner, Martin Sanchez, has transformed the space into a folk art wonderland with giant wire figures, colorful mosaics and even a chapel made from bottles.
It’s a fun and unique dining experience where you can see creative sculptures and enjoy a tasty taco all in one visit!
6. Pumpkin Rock
Pumpkin Rock is a fun and quirky landmark located in Norco which is less than an hour from Los Angeles.
This 15-foot tall boulder is painted like a giant Jack-O-Lantern, making it a perfect Halloween hike and a fantastic photo op!
The trail to Pumpkin Rock is an easy hike and along the way, you might even spot some cool metal horse sculptures.
7. Lake Berryessa Glory Hole
Lake Berryessa’s Glory Hole is a fascinating spot in Napa County and it’s definitely worth checking out!
This 72-foot wide concrete spillway looks like a giant drain and is an incredible sight when water spills into it as it looks like a huge vortex.
You can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating and camping around the lake so it’s a perfect outdoor destination.
8. Turtle Racing at Brennan’s
This is a fun event held at Brennan’s pub in Marina del Rey and has been a tradition since 1975.
Every first and third Thursday of the month, you can watch or even participate in these legendary races featuring live red-eared slider turtles.
The turtles race on a special track and the first to cross the finish line wins.
There’s lots of cheering and excitement from the crowd which makes it a lively atmosphere.
What makes it truly unique is the hilarious rules, like not being allowed to point or boo at the turtles, and the chance to win fun prizes.
9. Albany Bulb
Albany Bulb is a cool spot located in Albany, right by San Francisco Bay.
This former landfill is now an urban art haven and is filled with colorful graffiti and funky sculptures made from recycled materials.
You can explore the trails, enjoy amazing views of the bay and even go birdwatching.
10. Bubblegum Alley
Bubblegum Alley is a fun attraction located in downtown San Luis Obispo.
This 15-foot high and 70-foot long alley is covered in chewed bubble gum left by visitors over the years which has created a colorful and ever-changing wall of gum art!
You can snap some unique photos, add your own piece of gum to the collection or just take a look at the sticky creativity on display.
11. Glass Beach
Glass Beach is a mesmerizing spot located in Fort Bragg, right next to MacKerricher State Park.
Known for its colorful sea glass, the beach was once a dump site, but over the years the ocean waves transformed the discarded glass into beautiful, smooth pebbles.
You can explore the beach, see the sparkling glass and take stunning photos of this unique shoreline.
It’s actually illegal to take the glass so make sure you leave it where you found it for future generations to enjoy!
12. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is an unusual roadside attraction located in Oro Grande, along the historic Route 66.
Known for its forest of over 200 bottle trees made from recycled glass bottles, this unique spot is a fun place to explore.
You can wander through the colorful glass sculptures, each topped with quirky items like guitars and surfboards, and bask in the light created by the sun shining through the bottles.
What makes it truly special is the creativity and dedication of its creator, Elmer Long, who turned discarded bottles into a unique art installation.
13. Cabazon Dinosaurs
The Cabazon Dinosaurs, also known as Claude Bell’s Dinosaurs, are a legendary roadside attraction located in Cabazon, just west of Palm Springs.
Known for the enormous Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex, you can actually climb inside these colossal sculptures for an epic view!
Mr. Rex, in particular, allows you to climb up into its mouth for a view.
This quirky spot also features over 50 additional dinosaur statues and activities such as a dino dig and fossil/gemstone panning for children.
14. Egg Vending Machine
The Egg Vending Machine at Glaum Ranch is a truly unique attraction located in Aptos, near Santa Cruz.
For just $4, you can get 18 fresh, cage-free eggs from a vending machine while being entertained by dancing animatronic chickens dressed in seasonal costumes.
This quirky setup plays a clucking version of Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” which is super memorable.
15. Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a fascinating destination located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 11 miles east of Jackson.
Known for its impressive block of marbleized limestone with 1,185 mortar holes, it holds the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America.
You can explore the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum, see ancient petroglyphs and walk through a reconstructed Miwok village complete with a ceremonial roundhouse.
This mesmerizing site offers a glimpse into the life and traditions of the Northern Sierra Miwok people.
16. Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is a mind-bending attraction located in the lush forests of Santa Cruz.
Known for its gravity-defying displays, you can watch balls roll uphill and see people standing at impossible angles inside the tilted house.
The tour is packed with fun demonstrations that will leave you scratching your head and laughing out loud.
It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves a good optical illusion!
17. Skull Cave
Skull Cave is a fascinating spot located in the Lava Beds National Monument which is located in Northern California close to the Oregon border.
Known for its impressive size and easy accessibility, you can explore the cave’s smooth paths and stairs without feeling claustrophobic.
The cave is unique because it’s made up of three large lava tubes stacked on top of each other, and it even has a year-round ice floor at the bottom!
It even has both animal and human bones inside!
18. Mosaic Stairway
The Mosaic Stairway, also known as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, is a colorful gem located in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.
These 163 steps are covered in beautiful mosaic tiles that create a stunning design flowing from the sea to the sky.
You can walk up the steps, enjoy the intricate artwork and take in the breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
19. Toad’s Hollow
Toad’s Hollow is a quirky spot located in Davis, which is around 20 minutes west of Sacramento.
Known for its unique tunnel underpass that was built in 1995, it was built to help toads safely cross a busy six-lane highway, saving them from certain doom.
It cost around $14,000 and was created in response to concerns about toads being harmed by traffic on the newly built road.
You can visit this whimsical place to see the tiny toad houses that come complete with painted toad figures in the windows and solar panels on the roofs.
20. Taco Bell on the Beach
This Taco Bell store, which is located on a beach, is an iconic spot located in Pacifica, right along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
Known for its breathtaking oceanfront views, you can enjoy your tacos and burritos on the outdoor patio while watching surfers and waves crash on the shore.
This unique Taco Bell has a walk-up window for sandy beachgoers and even serves alcoholic beverages like Baja Blast with vodka.
