San Francisco

The Most Beautiful Places in California You Never Knew Existed

Get out there, already.

Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou

Spring is around the corner and with COVID cases in California (finally) trending downward, now might be a good time to start planning a road trip to safely explore the beautiful outdoors. Your options are endless: you can bask in 68 degree sunshine where the flowers are in full bloom or you can choose between the desert, beach, or mountains. From Dana Point to Idyllwild to Big Sur, the Golden State is one massive outdoor playground with scenic views for days. Here’s our list of natural wonders that you should add to your California bucket list.

Editor’s note: Please note that due to COVID-19, many of these places have modified operations to keep people safe. That means that, for the near future, facilities and services may be limited-including the closure of roads, parking lots, campgrounds, picnic areas, ranger stations, visitor centers, and more. Please check before you go anywhere to see what modifications may be in place.

Photo by Christian Heeb for Visit California
Photo by Christian Heeb for Visit California
Photo by Christian Heeb for Visit California

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

Lancaster
You’ve likely seen photos of the vibrant orange poppy fields flooding your Instagram feed. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Lancaster, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve pays homage to the official flower of the state. The exact season depends on the rainfall that year but typically the best time to visit early on a sunny day in spring when the flowers are in full bloom (the flowers close to overcast skies and when it’s windy). Don’t pick the flowers and stay on the trail-treading on unofficial walking paths can potentially damage all the wildflowers in the surrounding area and you definitely don’t want to be that person. There is a $10 parking fee so make sure to bring exact cash or a credit card to pay with.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

Photo by Mason Trinca for Visit California
Photo by Mason Trinca for Visit California
Photo by Mason Trinca for Visit California

Morro Rock

Morro Bay
Standing at 576 feet tall, Morro Rock, also referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific,” is the focal point of a small coastal town called Morro Bay. The rock which is now recognized as a California Historic Landmark is part of the Nine Sisters which are nine volcanic peaks that stretch from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. Throw back a few oysters (Morro Bay is famous for them) at one of their seafood markets on the embarcadero and enjoy views of the massive ancient formation while watching cute sea otters float in the water.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Morro Rock

Photo by Myles McGuinness for Visit California
Photo by Myles McGuinness for Visit California
Photo by Myles McGuinness for Visit California

Bixby Bridge

Big Sur
It’s hard to talk about beautiful places in California without mentioning the iconic Bixby Bridge along the Highway One coastline. This stunning bridge that was built in 1932 leads into Carmel-by-the-Sea heading north and it is a popular attraction for roadtrippers and photographers. The optimal time for photos is at sunset when the lighting is ideal. On the north end of the bridge, there is a popular turnout area where you’ll likely find other visitors trying to capture their close-up shots as well.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Bixby Bridge

Photo courtesy of Visit Dana Point
Photo courtesy of Visit Dana Point
Photo courtesy of Visit Dana Point

Dana Point Sea Caves

Dana Point
California is home to many sea caves, but the Dana Point Sea Caves are a bit lesser known and easier to access. Sometimes referred to as Pirate’s Cove or Pirate’s Cave, according to local lore, the caves were once used by seafaring buccaneers in the early 20th century. For the best views, drive to the Ocean Institute, head towards the rock jetty, and take the concrete stairs to the right. Follow the signs as you hike to Pirate’s Cave and get your camera ready to snap photos of the caves and the waves crashing in the background. It’s about a 1.2-mile round trip hike but beware, it can get rocky so wear proper shoes. You’ll want to visit when the tide is low because it can get slippery in some areas and you’ll likely get drenched during high tide.
Find an amazing Airbnb near the Dana Point Sea Caves

Travertine Hot Springs

Bridgeport
At the eastern edge of California, just slightly north of Yosemite National Park, you’ll find a number of natural hot springs in Bridgeport. The most popular among them are the Travertine Hot Springs which are easy to get to, but also in a remote area which provides a nice escape from the city bustle. Take a dip in the Travertine Hot Springs while you admire the beautiful views of the Sierras and don’t be surprised if you see others bathing sans clothing. Pack your own snacks and water and make sure to clean up after yourself. These hot springs are free to visit so let’s keep it that way and respect Mother Nature and the local volunteers that maintain this magical place.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Travertine Hot Springs

McCloud Falls

McCloud
There are no shortages of waterfalls in California but the McCloud River’s Three Waterfalls is one of the most underrated. It’s a well-maintained trail that’s about four miles roundtrip and provides swimming in the summer and beautiful foliage in the fall. Start at the Lower Falls parking lot then hike your way up the River Trail to check out the other waterfalls. Lookout for cool geological formations from nearby Mt. Shasta including basalt lava rock shaped in the form of columns.
Find an amazing Airbnb near McCloud Falls

Photo courtesy of See Monterey
Photo courtesy of See Monterey
Photo courtesy of See Monterey

Carmel River State Beach

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Only one mile long, Carmel River State Beach features white, sandy beaches and a lagoon formed by the Carmel River that attracts song birds and waterfowl. The protected bird sanctuary draws bird enthusiasts and is also a popular spot for dog owners or anyone who wants to enjoy a romantic sunset picnic. While you’ll spot a number of local divers and kayakers, the waves are really powerful so swimming is not encouraged.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Carmel River State Beach

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Idyllwild
At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is now open, you’ll find the magnificent Mount San Jacinto State Park. The tramway takes passengers to an elevation of 8,516 feet where you can hike more than 50 miles of trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the second highest mountain range in Southern California. There are also two restaurants, an observation deck, a museum, and a gift shop. Most areas of the park are designated wilderness areas so you might spot a few animals during your visit.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Mount San Jacinto Park

San Simeon Cove

San Simeon
There are a lot of beautiful gems along Highway One and San Simeon Cove is one of them. It’s one of those viewpoints that most tourists don’t know about so you can enjoy stunning views without the busy crowds. Across from Hearst Castle you will find a parking lot adjacent to the beach and this is where you’ll want to start. When you get to the beach you’ll see an uphill hiking trail which you will follow along the bluff and continue on until you see spectacular views of the coastline. Enjoy the aromatic smells of eucalyptus and pines along the trail and make sure to pay attention for private property signs.
Find an amazing Airbnb near San Simon Cove

Flickr/Daniela
Flickr/Daniela
Flickr/Daniela

Bowling Ball Beach

Point Arena
If you go to Schooner Gulch State Beach at low tide and walk to the north, you’ll see a beach that looks like it’s covered in oversized bowling balls, which are actually the result of millions of years of a geological phenomenon known as “concretion.” It doesn’t sound as strange as it looks, so this is definitely one of those places you need to visit in order to understand how cool it is. Also, fun fact: Schooner Gulch got its name because, as the story goes, a schooner was seen stranded on the beach in the mouth of the gulch one night…but by morning it was gone.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Bowling Ball Beach

Elizabethmaher/Shutterstock
Elizabethmaher/Shutterstock
Elizabethmaher/Shutterstock

La Tour

Laguna Beach
The locals call this strange 60-foot concrete castle-esque structure on Victoria Beach the “Pirate Tower,” but it wasn’t built as a place for pillagers to take refuge or lock up damsels in distress; rather, it was built in 1926 to house a wooden spiral staircase that connected a state senator’s home on the top of the bluff to the beach. The nickname came because a retired Naval officer who bought the house in the 1940s would dress up as a pirate and fill the tower with coins for kids to find. Go at low tide if you want to avoid climbing over rocks. Pirate costumes not required.
Find an amazing Airbnb near La Tour

Flickr/Chetan Kolluri
Flickr/Chetan Kolluri
Flickr/Chetan Kolluri

Painted Canyon

Mecca
About 40 miles southeast of Palm Springs is one of the most unique hikes you’ll ever go on since it doesn’t involve just putting one foot in front of the other over and over again, but also climbing up (somewhat rickety) ladders to ascend a magnificent (and narrow) slot canyon named for colorful mineral deposits that cover the rock that were pushed up hundreds of millions of years ago by the San Andreas Fault system.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Painted Canyon

Flickr/Gordon
Flickr/Gordon
Flickr/Gordon

Pfeiffer Beach

Big Sur
This stunning beach is a must-visit for anyone with an Instagram account for two reasons: purple sand and Keyhole Rock. Due to the erosion of the cliffs above the beach that contain Manganese garnet rocks, the sand is filled with a marbling of deep plum that has to be seen to be believed. And as if purple sand weren’t enough, Pfeiffer Beach also has a huge rock with a natural arch at the base. Get there before golden hour and position yourself in front of it to capture the last rays of sunlight as they disappear behind the horizon. Find an amazing Airbnb near Pfeiffer Beach

Nora Yusuf/Shutterstock
Nora Yusuf/Shutterstock
Nora Yusuf/Shutterstock

Fern Canyon

Gold Bluffs Beach
The towering walls of this narrow canyon are draped with an ancient species of verdant ferns with ancestry dating back 325 million years and an otherworldly effect that has to be experienced in person. Every curve of the corridor brings another stunning view of vertical wetland, lush vegetation, miniature waterfalls, and a feeling like you’ve seen this somewhere before, which, oh right, you have if you’ve seen The Lost World: Jurassic Park. It was the backdrop in a couple of scenes, including the one where (spoiler alert) one of the characters becomes lunch for a flock of tiny Compsognathus.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Fern Canyon

Geology of the World and the Environment
Geology of the World and the Environment
Geology of the World and the Environment

The Seven Teacups 

Johnsondale
Hidden in the Sequoia National Forest is one of California’s most stunning (and secret) natural wonders: the Seven Teacups, a succession of seven circular pools linked by waterfalls. It’s a very popular canyoneering site, but you can get to the upper pools with a moderate hike that doesn’t require any gear. Just, please, don’t even think about jumping in any of them unless you know what you’re doing.
Find an amazing Airbnb near The Seven Teacups

Aneta Waberska/Shutterstock
Aneta Waberska/Shutterstock
Aneta Waberska/Shutterstock

Glass Beach

Fort Bragg
While we would never advocate for an entire town to dump its garbage along the coastline, that’s exactly what Fort Bragg did in the ‘50s and ‘60s, which certainly did a lot of environmental damage, but also happened to create Glass Beach, a stretch of shoreline that is covered with smooth and colorful sea glass. (While we’re pretty sure this is the cause, there is folklore that sea glass is actually created by the tears of mermaids. Sadly, it’s unlikely we’ll ever find out the truth.) Also sadly, because sometimes people can’t just appreciate beauty in the moment and insist on taking home a souvenir, the amount of glass is dwindling, so look and touch, but then leave it there.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Glass Beach

Bill Perry/Shutterstock
Bill Perry/Shutterstock
Bill Perry/Shutterstock

Zabriskie Point

Death Valley
Death Valley is probably best known for being home to the lowest point of elevation in North America (and one of the hottest places on the planet), but though we recommend you visit Badwater Basin, a sinkhole located 282 feet below sea level, at some point in your life. You’re really going there to check out this stunning rock formation that was featured on the cover of U2’s The Joshua Tree.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Zabriskie Point

Flickr/Steven Bratman
Flickr/Steven Bratman
Flickr/Steven Bratman

Burney Falls

Burney
Burney Falls isn’t going to win any technical competitions in California: it isn’t the highest, or the largest, and it definitely doesn’t fall directly into the ocean. But what it lacks in stats, it makes up for in beauty. Flowing at 100 million gallons every day, the 129-foot waterfall was dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” by Teddy Roosevelt, and is definitely worth a visit. You don’t have to walk far to see it as it’s right off of the main parking lot, but there are five miles of hiking trails to explore if you want to feel like you earned your reward. Our rec: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the shores of Lake Britton (which you’ll need to access via the Rim Trail, as, currently, part of the Burney Creek Trail is closed due to storm damage/erosion).
Find an amazing Airbnb near Burney Falls

Danita Delmont/Shutterstock
Danita Delmont/Shutterstock
Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

Black Sands Beach

Sausalito
Just a few miles north of San Francisco, at the bottom of a steep hillside, is a secluded beach that stretches four miles along the shoreline and is covered with literal black sand (hence, the name) and offers views of the Point Bonita Lighthouse and possibly a lot more, since this beach is considered to be a clothing-optional beach by some. The beach is pretty sheltered from the wind, and even though you’ll want to dress for typical NorCal weather (so, at the very least a hoodie), wear layers since you might find it’s warm enough to strip down to a T-shirt. Or, if you dare… your birthday suit. Also, avoid going at high tide when the beach can be quite narrow.
Find an amazing Airbnb near Black Sands Beach.

Leila Najafi has lived in California her entire life and is still discovering beautiful places for the first time. Follow Leila’s adventures around California on Instagram or check out her travel recs here.

Daisy Barringer is an SF-based writer who plans to happily spend the rest of her life exploring California. Follow her on Instagram @daisysf to see where her next adventure takes her.

San Francisco

How to Celebrate Black History Month in San Francisco

Support and celebrate SF's Black community.

Courtesy of Black Joy Parade
Courtesy of Black Joy Parade
Courtesy of Black Joy Parade

Though it’s something we need to be doing every day of every month of every year, Black History Month encourages us to pay tribute to the struggles and oppression generations of Black Americans have faced, as well as their often-neglected triumphs and achievements that have helped shape this county and make it better. It’s a time to reflect on how we can do better to confront racism and oppression, which this year’s theme, “Black Resistance,” echoes. This is especially important in a town like San Francisco, where the Fillmore District was known as “the Harlem of the West” before the city displaced a vast portion of the neighbourhood’s Black community in the ’60s and ’70s. This displacement continues today, as the Black population is the only racial group that has declined in every census since 1970.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month, there are lots to do. Whether you want to educate yourself by attending films, performances, or conversations, share the joy at a parade or dance party, or do a little bit of it all at a drag show, here are just a few ways you can get involved and have a lot of fun while doing so:

Visit San Francisco Public Library branches for workshops, films, performances, and more

February (and throughout the year)
Library branches and online
SFPL’s “More Than a Month” celebration focuses on the theme of resistance this year. Family-friendly and adult events include film screenings, musical performances, book clubs, workshops, and more.
Cost: Free

Museum of African Diaspora
Museum of African Diaspora
Museum of African Diaspora

See art, poetry, films, talks, and more at MoAD

February (and throughout the year)
SoMa
Right now, at the Museum of African Diaspora, you can see the first and only West Coast exhibition of “The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion,” which highlights the work of 15 contemporary fashion designers “whose images present radically new perspectives on the medium of photography and art, race and beauty, and gender and power.” The museum, which has a robust year-round program and event calendar, has a slew of events to attend, including youth poetry readings, film screenings, open mic nights, book clubs, artist talks, and more.
Cost: Event prices vary; GA to visit the museum is $12 but free every second Saturday of the month

Check out films, art, reading, talks, and more at BAMPFA

February (and throughout the year)
Berkeley
There is always something interesting to discover at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). During Black History Month, you can see films by Pratibha Parmar, “Felwine Sarr: Music, Freedom, Africa,” a conversation through music with the Senegalese writer, scholar, composer, musician, and more.
Cost: Varies

Old Skool Cafe
Old Skool Cafe
Old Skool Cafe

Enjoy menu specials honoring Black community members at Old Skool Cafe

February (and throughout the year)
Bayview
For Black History Month, Old Skool Cafe is adding the favourite meals of notable Black community members to the menu each weekend. The nonprofit, youth-run supper club helps at-risk, formerly incarcerated, and foster care youth ages 16-22 gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in various front and back-of-house restaurant roles. Bayview hero/community advocate Mrs. Dorris Vincent is first up, followed by Judge Trina Thompson, Delroy Lindo, and Mayor London Breed.

Yerba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens

Walk beneath the Marting Luther King, Jr. Memorial waterfall

February (and ongoing)
Yerba Buena Gardens
Did you know that Yerba Buena Gardens is home to the country’s second-largest memorial to Dr. King? Visit the sculptural waterfall featuring glass panels inscribed with his inspiring words at 750 Howard Street.
Cost: Free

Attend the Commonwealth’s “Dreaming Forward: A Celebration of Black Joy, Power, and Excellence” conference

Thursday, February 9
Embarcadero
On behalf of Dr. Sheryl Evans Davis and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, the Commonwealth Club is hosting its second annual Dream Keeper Initiative, a day-long conference/celebration/call-to-action featuring special guests, including April Ryan of TheGrio and CNN.
Cost: Free

Courtesy of Oakland First Fridays
Courtesy of Oakland First Fridays
Courtesy of Oakland First Fridays

Celebrate Black Love at Oakland First Fridays

Friday, February 10
Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street
Telegraph Avenue transforms into a dining, shopping, and art-appreciating party on Friday, February 10, from 5 pm to 9 pm. There will be food, artist, and retail vendors and a host of Black artists, authors, and entertainment. Please note: This event was rescheduled from February 3 because of potential rain.
Cost: Free

Have a ball at an all-Black drag show at Oasis

Friday, February 10
SoMa
“Reparations with Latrice Royale” is an all-Black drag show hosted by Latrice Royale, the beloved Drag Race star who also happens to be celebrating her birthday.
Cost: $15 to $60

Dance all night and shop all day at the Afro Soca Love carnival and marketplace

Friday, February 10 – Saturday, February 11
341 13th Street, Oakland
Afro Soca Love creates experiences that act as a “gateway to building bonds and strengthen relationships-between communities, individuals, and Africa and its diaspora.” See for yourself at the all-ages marketplace (Saturday), where you’ll find food and drink, fashion, beauty and wellness, home decor, and more. But before the shopping comes the dancing at the 21+ Friday Night Carnival, a culturally immersive music experience with music from all over the world.
Cost: The marketplace is free; tickets to the Friday Night Carnival start at $20

See a live performance of “Words That Made the Difference: Brown vs. the Board of Education”

Saturday, February 11
Unity Palo Alto
See a live theatrical performance based on the true events that occurred in the fight to end school segregation. The script draws from trial transcripts of the five cases brought together in front of the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Earl Warren’s memoirs, and the play is set in the courtrooms where it all happened. There will be a Q&A with the playwright before the performance and the cast afterward.
Cost: Free

Courtesy of San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company
Courtesy of San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company
Courtesy of San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company

Go to the I, Too, Sing America album release party

Saturday, February 11
Mission
Head to the Brava Theater Center to celebrate the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company’s album release of the music created for I, Too, Sing America, a soulful and uplifting performance that moved audiences when it debuted last year. The night includes an album-listening and sing-along party, DJs, dancing, an open bar, and more.
Cost: $40

Go on the Black Liberation Walking Tour of West Oakland

Saturday, February 18
West Oakland
Take a walk with David Peters, founder of the West Oakland Cultural Action Network, and Gene Anderson, the author of Legendary Locals of Oakland, to learn about resident voices and document sites of cultural and historical significance in the neighbourhood. Peters is a local native, and Anderson is an Oakland historian whose family has historical roots in West Oakland.
Cost: $50 ($30 for West Oakland residents)

See a screening of The Black Kung Fu Experience followed by in-person demonstrations

Sunday, February 19
Great Star Theater, Chinatown
The Chinese Historical Society of America is celebrating Black History Month and social unity with a screening of this film about how a group of African American pioneers became respected in a subculture dominated by Chinese and white men. Afterward, there will be demonstrations and talks with Sifu Donald Hamby and Sifu Troy Dunwood, who “will speak about their success as internationally recognized martial arts masters, their Chinese Kung Fu teachers, and what this practice means in relation to diversity, race and inclusion issues.”
Cost: $15

Sip wine made by Black winemakers at a free tasting event at STEM Kitchen + Garden

Thursday, February 23
Dogpatch
STEM Kitchen + Garden is hosting an afternoon wine tasting celebrating Black-owned wineries in its gorgeous indoor/outdoor space, and best of all, and it’s free to the public!
Cost: Free

Bayview Opera House
Bayview Opera House
Bayview Opera House

Attend the San Francisco African American Arts & Cultural District Gala Fundraiser

Saturday, February 25
Bayview Opera House
Enjoy an evening of talent, fashion, and community inspiration at SFAAACD’s 1st Annual Gala Fundraiser. Carla Duke, Television News Director at CBS-KPIX Chanel 5, will host the event, which includes inspiring words from keynote speaker Aniyia Williams, an artist, tech creator, and system-preneur.
Cost: $100

Attend a Black History Month & Chinese New Year Poetry Reading on Angel Island

Saturday, February 25
Angel Island
There is so much history in poetry at the Angel Island Detention Barracks Museum, which makes it a fitting location for poets Chun Yu and Michael Warr. The co-founders of Two Languages/One Community will share their poems and stories in English and Chinese, accompanied by projected images of text and photographs.
Cost: $10 to $21

Courtesy of Black Joy Parade
Courtesy of Black Joy Parade
Courtesy of Black Joy Parade

Feel the joy at the Black Joy Parade

Sunday, February 26
Downtown Oakland
This parade and festival celebrate the “Black experience past, present, and future.” Be prepared to experience “more Black joy than you ever imagined,” starting with the parade (beginning at 14th and Franklin) at 12:30 pm. The family-friendly festival follows (main entrance is at 19th and Franklin) will include 200-plus Black-owned small businesses selling food, drinks, clothing, art, and more. There will also be two stages with Black performers, including The Black Joy Choir.
Cost: Free

Take a sound bath at Grace Cathedral in honor of Black History Month

Monday, February 27
Nob Hill
Take an immersive sound bath featuring Fractals of Sound, a collective of top Bay Area musicians Egemen Sanli, Phoenix Song, and Sam Jackson, with special guest Destiny Muhammad. Together, they will create a “soundscape deeply rooted in world music,” allowing you to take a meditative journey in one of the most beautiful places in San Francisco.
Cost: $25 to $75

See Tsitsi Dangarembga and Angela Davis at City Arts & Lectures

Tuesday, February 28
Civic Center
Co-presented with MoAd, City Arts & Lectures is hosting novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga and scholar and activist Angela Davis for what’s sure to be a riveting conversation.
Cost: $36

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Daisy Barringer is an SF-based freelance writer who spent many childhood days wandering around the Exploratorium. Follow her on Instagram to see what she’s up to now.

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