Does your 2023 bucket list involve traveling more? California has a lot more to offer than you think. In case you think you explored enough of the west, there are still a few lesser frequented venues nestled in the Golden State.

Some California Destinations You Might Want to Visit:

Redwood National Forest

If you want to set your sights on a lush landscape, you can pack your hiking boots and visit the Redwood National Forest. This sanguine forest is a former logging town that can be found in Humboldt County, Arcata.

While you’re in Arcata, make sure you pay a visit to Humboldt State University National History Museum and Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. You can support Californian farmers by buying produce from them at Arcata Farmers’ Market.

El Dorado County

It’s no secret that The Wild West had bricks and bricks of gold. If you want a peek at the remnants of California’s historical gold rush, El Dorado County still has several of its architecture preserved.

El Dorado County is situated by the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The county’s eastern border is the California-Nevada state line, while the western side is occupied by a portion of Folsom Lake. Therefore, this rich historical landmark has witnessed Gold Country in its full glory.

Point Lobos

As Californians, we’ll never stop being proud of our beaches. Point Lobos is a natural reserve in the south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Its beautiful and barely-touched ocean is a scuba diver’s haven. If you don’t feel like diving deep into the ocean, you can also go kayaking with family and friends.

If befriending marine life isn’t that appealing to you, you can view their sanctuary from afar — you can hike the Point Lobos Loop Trail and admire the beautiful California coastline. Also, don’t forget to visit the Whalers Cabin.

Bodie Ghost Town

If you want to step back in time, you can explore the remnants of Eastern Sierra Nevada’s Bodie Ghost Town. This formerly lawless town is frozen in time. Thus, the Bodie Ghost Town has hotels and lodging in nearby areas but you can also find a camping ground for you and your friends to settle in.

Cayucos

Cayucos may be just one of California’s many, many beaches but this quiet California paradise has a lot more to offer — its less-than-a-mile shoreline is tranquil, dog-friendly, and kid-friendly. Cayucos is exactly where you want to be if it’s not a party type of getaway.

Check out Cayucos’ pier, hike at Estero Bluffs State Park, take a tour of the Piedras Blancas Light Station, and just enjoy the beauty of Cayucos as a whole. This peaceful hideaway is one of California’s (even non-locals) favorite retirement places to move to.

Lastly…

Just when you thought you’ve seen every California destination the state can wow us with, there are still numerous hidden gems yet to discover. Pack up your bags, bring your best swimwear, and get your hiking boots ready. The Golden State has so much more to show you this 2023!

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