Surreal Californian Destinations You Have to See to Believe

The Salton Sea, on the San Andreas Fault, is a saline, endorheic rift lake that formed when the Colorado River burst in 1905. A town developed around the lake, which is 80mi (130km) east of the Pacific Ocean, during the 1960s, but it quickly became a ghost town when the water became polluted. Today, it lives on as a hauntingly beautiful sight.

Mono Lake, in Mono County, is another saline lake that will boggle your mind. Formed around 760,000 years ago, today it spans 70sqmi (181sqkm). You can explore in a kayak, and with its high salt content, you can even enjoy a buoyant swim. Locals claim the lake is a cure-all for illnesses.

Between the Mojave and Colorado deserts sits Joshua Tree National Park, where you’ll see some of California’s most spectacular sights, including wildlife and plant life. There’s plenty of hiking, camping and rock climbing to be done. However, plan to visit in the cooler seasons, as Joshua Tree can reach well over 100F (38C) in the summer months.

On Point Reyes National Seashore, about 45mi (72km) north of San Francisco, a strip of Monterey cypress trees have formed what is known as the Cypress Tree Tunnel – with the treetops on both sides of the road meeting in the middle.

Stop by the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and prepare to enter a time machine. This part of the city dates back to the 18th century, and there are loads of shops and eateries that add to the old-world feel.

At 1,575ft (480m) high, Yosemite National Park’s Horsetail Fall isn’t California’s tallest – the grand Yosemite Falls measure 2,425ft (739m). However, it’s a beautiful waterfall, known for its evening glow. Do bear in mind when you’re planning a visit, though, is that it’s seasonal, and the best time to visit is between winter and early spring.

With beachfront homes, oceanic views and gorgeous sunsets, the town of Santa Monica is beautiful to visit. But there’s one spot in the city that is particularly special: Palisades Park, spanning 26 acres (11ha), lies on coastal sandstone bluffs, making way for mighty Pacific views.

The sunsets at Asilomar State Beach will rival any you’ve seen before. Located in Del Monte Forest, this beach attracts locals, travelers and photographers who show up hoping to catch a glimpse.

Big Bear Lake is a beautiful corner of Southern California, complete with alpine trees and mountain trails. It’s a great destination for skiing, with Snow Summit resort a popular choice for families. And, yes, there is a chance that you’ll see bears in the San Bernardino National Forest, so be aware.

Visiting Glass Beach is a bit of a surreal experience – the sand is covered entirely with glass, following years of trash being dumped in the small oceanside town of Fort Bragg. The pieces of glass are no longer sharp, having been molded by the waves, so you can get up close and see them yourself. However, you’re not allowed to take any home with you.

The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, located on the west side of Antelope Valley, is a reminder of nature’s beauty. Within the poppy fields, which bloom throughout the spring months, there are 8mi (13km) of paths so you can stroll or hike through the flowers.

The Wave Organ, located on the shores of San Francisco Bay, is a wave-activated acoustic sculpture crafted out of 25 organ pipes made with PVC and concrete. It’s been a free attraction since 1986.

The Last Bookstore on Spring Street is a must-visit for book lovers. It’s the largest new and used book and record store in California – and its setting is nothing short of surreal with secret passageways and walkways made out of books.

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