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Fed by springs, these fantasy-like falls flows straight into the Sacramento River all year. With its moss-covered canyon backdrop, it is by far one of California's most glorious waterfalls.

▲What was once a dumping site for garbage, Glass Beach has become a beautiful destination for tourists thanks to its abundance of colorful sea glass that covers the seashore.

▲In the middle of the desert, about an hour south of Palm Springs, there stands a three-story tall mountain of spellbinding colors and religious sentiments constructed by artist Leonard Knight.

▲Believe it or not, this idyllic island is not in Hawaii. It is actually 12 miles (19 km) off of the coast of Santa Barbara. The sensational view from Inspiration Point (pictured) is nothing short of breathtaking.

▲After taking a short boat ride from the Ventura or Oxnard Harbors, get lost in nature while hiking around the island, and take in the stunning seaside cliffs and turquoise waters.

▲This small beach town in the Monterey peninsula is overflowing with charm. Its historical center filled with fairy-tale cottages will have you feeling like you've gone back in time.

▲Here you can find an authentically restored Roman Catholic mission church from 1797. If the outdoors are more your style, be sure to check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

▲Between late February and early May you can find acres and acres of fluorescent orange California poppies in the small town of Lancaster, roughly an hour north of downtown LA.

▲If you're looking for an adventure, hike through the Sierras until you reach Mammoth Lakes. There you can spot a kaleidoscope of colors sprouting from the mists of an incredible 100 ft (30 m) waterfall.

▲You can find this stunning stretch of coastline just 30 miles (48 km) outside of San Francisco. Hike down to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and take in glorious views of the Pacific Ocean.

▲Don't forget to take a stroll under the picturesque Cypress Tree Tunnel and be transported into a fairy tale.

▲This beach town in Central California might not get as much buzz as Malibu, but that adds to the charm. The towering seaside cliffs and quaint town are perfect if you want to get off the beaten path.

▲It was too costly to construct highways in this remote area due to the steep cliffs, so reaching it is a bit of a trek. If you don't mind taking the road less traveled, its black sand beaches are to die for.

▲This heavenly harbor may look like a postcard from Ibiza, but it is just a 20-minute drive outside the Central Californian college town of San Luis Obispo.

▲This sleepy coastal town is a nature lover's fantasy, with varieties of sea lions and wild birds strolling along the sand, and a gigantic volcanic rock springing out from the beach.

▲From its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings to its 18th-century mission Catholic church, California's history of Spanish settlement is perhaps most evident in this coastal city.

▲With a glistening seaside at the forefront and the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background, this college town really has it all. Be sure to grab a glass of local wine at one of the city's many restaurants.

▲San Diego isn't the only place for spotting seals! Over the last 20 years or so, this secluded and scenic beach on the Central California coast near San Simeon has become a major hub for elephant seals.

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The elephant seal population has skyrocketed over the years, with roughly 25,000 visiting annually, according to Atlas Obscura. Be sure to stop by and check out one of these curious creatures.

▲Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is perhaps one of the most Instagram-worthy areas you will find on your California road trip. Beyond its glorious rock formation you'll find purple sand. Take that in for a moment.

▲In this glorious area of Central California, you can also find the stunning McWay Falls, that flow directly into the Pacific Ocean. The impressive Bixby Creek Bridge is equally awe-inspiring.

▲The massive mansions in Malibu may get more press, but they are no match for this enchanted estate. Architect Julia Morgan used a mixture of European styles to create this masterpiece in San Simeon.

▲If you want all of California's coastal charm minus the massive crowds of Venice Beach or the Santa Monica pier, then look no further than this artsy beach town in Orange County.

▲Get outside of the busy streets of LA and head to this natural oasis. Aside from being a popular surf spot, Laguna Beach is primarily known for its plethora of outstanding coves and art galleries.

▲Beyond San Diego National Park's impressive cliffs and iridescent tide pools, you can find a bundle of secret caves hidden in along the shoreline.

▲No need to book a pricey flight to Europe this summer. You can get a taste of Denmark right in southern California's Santa Ynez Valley.

▲This small city is primarily known for its charming Danish architecture and collection of wineries. Besides its famous windmill, the early-1800s Franciscan church is also a must-see in Solvang.

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All the way up the famous Highway 1, in the small coastal city of Point Arena, you will find an otherworldly collection of massive spherical sandstone rocks that dot the coastline.

▲From San Francisco to San Diego and everything in between, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with the Golden State. However, many visitors get lost in tourist traps and miss out on hidden gems along the way. Click through the following gallery and discover the most astonishing attractions the California coast has to offer.

Check out California's best-kept travel secrets

See the real Cali in all its glory

09/09/24 por StarsInsider

TRAVEL Usa

From San Francisco to San Diego and everything in between, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with the Golden State. However, many visitors get lost in tourist traps and miss out on hidden gems along the way. Click through the following gallery and discover the most astonishing attractions the California coast has to offer.