7 of the Most Underrated Places to Visit in California

When considering must-visit spots in California, iconic locations like Yosemite, the Hollywood sign, and the Golden Gate Bridge often come to mind. However, this diverse state also boasts a variety of lesser-known attractions that are just as intriguing. Netcredit has highlighted some of the most underrated places to visit in California, offering a unique perspective on what the state has to offer.

From a castle built by an ‘outsider-architect’ to a graveyard of rusted war boats awaiting decommissioning, California is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. One standout attraction is a store that sells time-travel supplies, adding a touch of whimsy to the state’s more obscure destinations. But how were these hidden gems selected for recognition?

By scouring Atlas Obscura, Netcredit identified California locations with fewer than 1,000 Google reviews but a four-star rating or higher. The result is a collection of maps showcasing the most underrated places to visit in each region of California.

Most Underrated Places to Visit in California

1. China Flat Museum Bigfoot Collection

While the museum itself may be modest in size, its collection of ape-man artifacts creates a Victorian cabinet of curiosities atmosphere. Visitors can marvel at preserved footprints of the mysterious creature and a large wooden sculpture depicting its likeness. For those feeling adventurous, a trail awaits outside where one can search for the elusive ‘real’ Bigfoot.

2. The Allosphere

The AlloSphere offers a unique take on the traditional planetarium experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a 360-degree, 24-million-pixel screen system. Scientists and guests can observe the inner workings of a brain scan or other microscopic events in a visually stunning environment. Located at the California Nanosystems Institute building at the University of California Santa Barbara, the AlloSphere is also home to one of the world’s largest anechoic chambers, known for its exceptional sound system.

3. Folsom Prison Museum

Renowned for being the site where Johnny Cash recorded his iconic live album in 1968, the Folsom Prison Museum exudes a haunting sense of history. The now-closed penitentiary features animatronic ‘puppet prisoners’ in its cells, with the museum staffed by former prison guards, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

4. Mojave Lava Tube

Explore a 10,000-year-old trail of molten lava at the Mojave Lava Tube, meandering through dark tunnels naturally illuminated by beams of light filtering through the ceiling. Visitors can touch ancient history as they trace their hands along the solidified lava walls, experiencing a truly unique geological wonder.

5. Malibu Hindu Temple

The Malibu Hindu Temple offers a cinematic glimpse into Hollywood’s diverse history, featuring prominently in films like ‘Beverly Hills Ninja’ and ‘Kollywood’ production ‘Jeans.’ This culturally rich temple welcomes visitors for services, recitals, and traditional pujas, providing a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and spiritual reverence.

6. Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Despite its somber connotations, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery exudes the glitz and glamour synonymous with Tinsel Town. Showbiz legends such as Cecil B. DeMille and Johnny Ramone rest beneath kitschy yet respectful headstones, with summertime movie screenings projected onto Rudolph Valentino’s mausoleum wall, adding a touch of Hollywood magic to the experience.

7. The Glass Beach

Once a dumping ground for Fort Bragg residents, the Glass Beach now stands as a testament to environmental rejuvenation. Following a cleanup effort, the site transformed into a dazzling landscape of smooth glass pebbles, created from discarded glassware weathered by ocean waves over time.

Editor’s note: some of these attractions are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Please check in advance if planning any visits.

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