What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think ofthings to explore in Southern California?
Disneyland? Relaxing on the beach? Checking out the Griffith Observatory or sipping wine in Temecula?
All commendable choices, but for those eager to uncover a different aspect of SoCal for an unusual afternoon or a distinctive view, here are seven locations to begin with.
Go to Salvation Mountain in Imperial County
A vibrant mountain can be found in Imperial County, created by artist Leonard Knight, the maker of Salvation Mountain. Situated in Niland, this long-standing, large, and brightly painted sculpture and imitation mountain was built by Knight and features messages about God and Jesus Christ, crowned with a cross. TheNew York Times reportedIn 2023, it was noted that the hill stood 50 feet tall and 150 feet wide. Visitors can explore Salvation Mountain at any time of the year at no cost, but they are encouraged to remain within designated areas and maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from any painted or displayed sections, as stated by Salvation Mountain’s.websiteThe location of Salvation Mountain is 603 Beal Road, Niland.
Visit the oldest district in San Juan Capistrano
Visitors are likely to be attracted to San Juan Capistrano to explore the history maintained at the mission that was founded — and, hopefully, to hear the bells ringing. Although this is certainly worth your time, nearby lies the Los Rios Historic District, which is considered the oldest neighborhood in California. As stated in a nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places from the 1970s, the district features numerous historic buildings that date back from the late 18th century up until the 20th century.thcentury, featuring multiple adobe houses. The document indicates that Los Rios Street is “considered one of the oldest residential streets in California.”
Whether or not it’s actually the oldest in the state, strolling along the narrow street allows you to view stunning, historic homes enveloped in nature, some of which function as businesses such as Hidden House Coffee.
See the original In-N-Out, somewhat, in Baldwin Park
For someone from California, getting a burger at In-N-Out is just part of a regular Friday night — or really, any day of the week. However, breaking up the routine, or serving as a special delight for die-hard fans, is visiting the replica of the original In-N-Out in Baldwin Park. The famous restaurant chain started as a small drive-thru stand in 1948, according tocompany historyHowever, visitors can tour the replica of the original site to experience what it was like to savor the famous burger almost 80 years ago. This replica restaurant is located at 13752 Francisquito Ave., Baldwin Park. Additionally, the In-N-Out Company Store is also situated on the same street.
Travel back in time to Calico Ghost Town in Yermo
Once a mining community, Calico was left deserted in the mid-1980s when silver stopped being valuable — yet this town still draws visitors because it now serves as a well-known spot for a day immersed in the old West. Take a hike, explore a museum or a silver mine, and do some shopping for an enjoyable, family-oriented outing.Calico Ghost Townis located at 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo.
Get your next tattoo from the oldest tattoo studio in the United States.
Outer Limits Tattoo in Long Beach isThe oldest tattoo studio still in operation in the United States, with origins in the 1920s. Those looking to get their next tattoo and seeking a unique experience should visit the 22 S. Chestnut Place location in Long Beach, which has been owned by the well-known Kari Barba for many years.
Visit the Hobbit House in Culver City
Anyone looking for a delightful view should consider visiting the Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence in Culver City, also referred to as the Hobbit House. The property was created by Lawrence Joseph — a former artist at Walt Disney Studios — in a whimsical, storybook design.Realtor.comexplains that storybook houses are also referred to as fairy-tale homes, characterized by curved walls and slanted roofs along with other imaginative elements. This home was constructed starting in the 1940s, as per theCulver City Hobbit House, and it consists of nine homes, saidRealtor.com. Unfortunately, no hobbits reside here, just people, so remember that when you visit. The Hobbit House is listed at 3819 Dunn Drive, Culver City, on Yelp and Zillow.
Visit Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro and explore the Sunken City
Climb the lighthouse constructed in 1874, as noted by Los Angeles parks, which once supported the Los Angeles harbor. The attractive property and lighthouse located at 807 W. Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro are accessible to visitors and are close to another intriguing attraction: Sunken City. Sunken City is an area of the coastal town where land started moving toward the ocean almost a century ago.LAist reportedIn 2014, access to Sunken City, which is covered in graffiti and offers a view of the ocean, is restricted, yet tourists still walk among its ruins.
Paris Barraza is a popular journalist reporting on California news for The Desert Sun. Contact her at[email protected].
This piece first was published on Palm Springs Desert Sun:A deserted town and large-scale art: 7 unusual things you can only find in Southern California
