If you’re looking for a place to go and explore, Southern California is the perfect destination. There are so many hidden gems just waiting to be found – all you have to do is look!
So if you want to find some of these hidden treasures, keep reading. You’ll find 10 hidden places in Southern California that will fill your heart with wonder as well as your Instagram feed with beautiful photos for days!
10 Hidden Places in Southern California
Here I’ve listed some cool places in Southern California. Keep reading to discover these unique places to visit in California with your friends and family.
1. UCR Botanic Garden
Have you ever wanted to visit this 40-acre, lush green paradise that’s bursting with more than 3500 different types of plants? You’re not alone! The UCR Botanic Garden offers an escape from concrete jungles where nature can still be found at its finest form.
You will find this wonderful spot near the University of California’s Riverside.
More Info:
| Located in: | University of California, Riverside |
| Address: | 1 Botanic Gardens Dr, Riverside, CA 92507, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Monday 9AM–12PM Tuesday 9AM–12PM Wednesday 9AM–12PM Thursday Closed Friday 9AM–2PM |
| Phone: | +1 951-827-7090 |
| Area: | 40 acres (16 hectares) |
| Opened: | 1963 |
2. The Lummis House
This charming house is a perfect destination for history lovers! The Lummis House was originally built in the late 1800s and has since been designated as California Historical Landmark, National Register of Historic Places.
The Lummis House is so unique because it was built entirely by hand, without any machinery! It must be seen to believe how intricately this structure really is. It is considered one of the loveliest attractions of California.
More Info:
| Address: | 200 E Ave 43, Los Angeles, CA 90031, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday 10AM–3PM Sunday 10AM–3PM Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed Friday Closed |
| Phone: | +1 323-226-1620 |
| Architect: | Charles Fletcher Lummis |
| Architectural styles: | American Craftsman, Rustic architecture |
| Opened: | 1897 |
| Area: | 1 ha |
3. Ernest E Debs Regional Park
It is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some adventure and fun. There are many different activities that you can do depending on the time of year, including hiking.
Yes, winding mountain passes, magnificent views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles are all waiting for you in this lovely hiking area near the Arroyo Seco. There’s a man-made lake situated on top of the mountain where you may fish or enjoy some fresh air while surrounded by nature on all sides!
More Info:
| Address: | 4235 Monterey Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90032, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday 6:30AM–9PM Sunday 6:30AM–9PM Monday 6:30AM–9PM Tuesday 6:30AM–9PM Wednesday 6:30AM–9PM Thursday 6:30AM–9PM Friday 6:30AM–9PM |
| Phone: | +1 213-485-5054 |
4. Shipley Nature Center
Taking a day trip to the town of Huntington Beach will not only give you an opportunity for some fun activities, but it can also provide locals with great places worth visiting. One such spot is at Shipley Nature Center where nature trails are lined by various wildlife and there’s even more than just plants on show in their interpretive center!
The area has a variety of trails to explore and each one takes you on a new journey. It is definitely worth taking your time to walk around and through the areas to see what you can find!
More Info:
| Located in: | Huntington Central Park East |
| Address: | 17851 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday 9AM–1PM Sunday Closed Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed Friday 9AM–1PM |
| Phone: | +1 714-842-4772 |
5. Point Loma Tide Pools
If you love tide pools and the ocean, Point Loma is the place for you. This area of San Diego features some amazing tide pools that are worth exploring with your family. Not only will you get to see all kinds of sea creatures up close but there’s plenty to do in this beautiful city as well.
Not many people know this astonishing place of Southern California but those who visited this tide pool of Point Loma can’t erase the spot’s wonderful scenarios from their memory.
More Info:
| Located in: | Cabrillo National Monument |
| Address: | 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday 9AM–4:30PM Sunday 9AM–4:30PM Monday 9AM–4:30PM Tuesday 9AM–4:30PM Wednesday 9AM–4:30PM Thursday 9AM–4:30PM Friday 9AM–4:30PM |
| Phone: | +1 619-557-5450 |
6. Escondido Falls
It is a beautiful and hidden hiking spot in the Santa Monica Mountains that offers nature enthusiasts some of what it’s best to offer. As you descend into the valley, your eyes will feast on plenty of large oak trees with inviting shade while intriguing flowers surround this trail for miles upon miles!
There are even butterflies flitting about or just taking time out from their busy daydreaming state before heading back up towards where they came down. A trickling waterfall that rolls behind green mossy walls makes it even more enjoyable while taking time out on your hike. So be sure not to miss out on this beautiful landmark.
You can do so much more than just take in the beauty of nature here as there are plenty of activities to partake in such as hiking, biking, practicing yoga or even your dog may enjoy it too.
More Info:
| Address: | Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265, United States |
| Length: | 3.7 miles |
| Height: | 150 feet tall |
7. Keys Creek Lavender Farm
Keys Creek Lavender Farm is more than just a lavender farm, they offer so many fun events all year long that you simply can’t go wrong whenever you decide to show up. During the height of the season, visitors can enjoy high tea and even soap-making classes at this magnificent landmass in Southern California.
However, if your schedule doesn’t allow for it then don’t worry because Keys creek has got other activities waiting! From the perfect birthday party for your little ones to a simple romantic stroll through their lavender fields! There is not a single event that isn’t fun at this picturesque venue.
More Info:
| Address: | 12460 Keys Creek Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082, United States |
| Phone: | +1 760-742-3844 |
8. Magic Castle Hollywood
Imagine the thrill of discovering an old ruin that has been hidden away for centuries. Imagine unraveling clues, solving puzzles, and exploring secret passageways all in search of treasure or knowledge worthy enough to earn your entrance into this magical world!
If magic tricks are your thing then definitely head on down south of California where there is no shortage of enchantments.
With its invitation-only status and intriguing history, this little-known attraction is sure to get any Harry Potter fan’s heart racing with anticipation!
More Info:
| Address: | 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA |
| Owner: | Academy of Magical Arts |
| Founded: | 1962 |
| Architectural style: | Châteauesque |
| Architects: | Oliver Dennis, Lyman Farwell |
| Function: | Nightclub, Performing arts center |
| Phone: | (323)-851-3313 |
9. Trails Cafe
You won’t be able to hike through Griffith Park without coming across the iconic cafe, Trails Cafe. This hidden hideaway is a perfect spot for anyone who has spent any time in this amazing area and is looking for some delicious food or coffee while they’re out exploring!
The Trails Cafe doesn’t have many customers because it’s located under a canopy of trees where most people go when seeking out this little gem for themselves or as part of their hike–and they’re not disappointed!
More Info:
| Service options: | Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery |
| Address: | 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday 8AM–2PM Sunday 8AM–2PM Monday 8AM–2PM Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 8AM–2PM Friday 8AM–2PM |
| Phone: | +1 323-871-2102 |
10. The Pirate Tower of California
Southern California is home to many unique and beautiful landmarks, but one of the most impressive structures you can find here is this 60-foot pirate tower. To see for yourself how nature has decorated with its own little touch of individuality just head out on Laguna Beach’s shoreline.
The tower is made out of stone and is 60 feet tall. It is also counted as one of the hidden gems in Southern California. The lore surrounding this pirate tower is that it’s simply beautiful.
More Info:
| Address: | 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States |
| Hours: | Saturday Open 24 hours Sunday Open 24 hours Monday Open 24 hours Tuesday Open 24 hours Wednesday Open 24 hours Thursday Open 24 hours Friday Open 24 hours |
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of 10 hidden places in Southern California. Whether it’s the high mountains, green gardens, or coastlines that draw your attention most, I’m sure there are spots on this list for everyone to enjoy! So, get ready for witnessing these best hidden places in southern California with your own eyes.
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