California is one of the most famous American states for a good reason. Many tourists visit California to see the major sites like Yosemite Park and Hollywood. However, some wayward places are unique and make for incredible weekend getaways in California.
These lesser-known attractions or hidden gems are a fantastic idea to escape the hustle and bustle of major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can find a wayward location where you can put your feet up and relax for the weekend.
Therefore, if you are California dreaming, the following are some perfect hidden gems for a weekend getaway:
Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you enjoy the great outdoors, you will undoubtedly love Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park. They are located about 160 miles north of Sacramento.
Lake Almanor offers classic enjoyable water activities such as water sports, including swimming, jet ski riding, and other family-friendly activities. You could also do some diving if you have the skill, experience, and equipment. The lake also provides a tranquil ambiance that is unmatched and perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is an intriguing place with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. It is a perfect place to visit during summer but also offers beautiful scenery during fall. You can also enjoy the winters at the national park by doing activities such as skiing and snowshoeing.
The serenity you will experience at Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park will make for a great weekend getaway.
Monterey Fisherman's Wharf
California's coast is always a good idea for a weekend getaway. A fantastic place to visit in California on the weekend is Monterey Fisherman's Wharf.
One of the best things to do in Monterey is to enjoy a great view of the ocean and the ocean life. You will observe plenty of creatures, including sea lions and otters.
Of course, you can take a boat out to the ocean and fish, which is a fantastic idea for a weekend getaway. You could also sit back and watch the trawlers come in to unload the day's fish haul, which is a sight to behold. Squid is quite popular in these areas.
There is plenty of seafood in Fisherman's Wharf available in numerous seafront restaurants that are experts in preparing seafood.
Murphys
California has plenty of fantastic wine destinations that you can visit on the weekend. Many of them are well known, but there are hidden gems like Murphys that will simply blow your mind.
Murphys is a less famous town in California's Gold Country, located about 85 miles southeast of Sacramento. The town has many boutique wineries that are open year-round for wine tasting.
There are also fantastic inns and bed and breakfasts overlooking the vineyards in Murphys, making for excellent views, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Wine tasting is not the only activity you can do in Murphys. You can also see its incredible natural beauty by visiting Moaning Cavern and Calaveras Big Tree State Park.
Sierra Vista Scenic ByWay
If you like to take the weekend off and experience the world's natural beauty, Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is the place to do it in California. The road starts in the middle of California, specifically at North Fork, about 45 miles from Fresno.
The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is a hundred-mile stretch of road between Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings National Parks. The route will transport you to what California must have looked like a century ago.
You will see granite domes and glaciated peaks that are a joy to behold. The scenery along the road is simply spectacular.
There are numerous places to visit in California for a weekend getaway. The places above are hidden gems that most people, even Californians, don't know. Choose a location and go. You will enjoy California like you never have before.
