Discover California’s Unique Natural Attractions
California’s landscape is a treasure trove of natural attractions. From towering mountain peaks to expansive deserts, to blue ribbon rivers and a magnificent coastline that stretches nearly 1,000 miles, the Golden State has it all. Within these remarkable places are one-of-a-kind gems. These are some of our favorites located near California boutique hotels and inns.
Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, part of the Redwood National and State Parks co-managed system, is an awe-inspiring experience. Several varieties of ferns thrive on the canyon’s steep 50-foot walls, providing lush cover for ecosystems thriving underneath the fronds. Fern Canyon Loop Trail is the best way to see it all. The easy one-mile loop can include some mild traversing in Home Creek which runs through the canyon. It’s no coincidence if Fern Canyon starts to feel like a movie set. Some of Jurassic Park II was filmed here. A permit is required to hike the trail through September 15.
Where to stay
Historic Requa Inn stands above the banks of the Klamath River and is surrounded by the vast forestland and wilderness areas within Redwoods National and State Parks.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hydrothermal activity boils, bubbles, and roars beneath the towering Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Visitors can witness mud pots, scorching hot pools, and fumaroles venting steam and volcanic gas. Bumpass Hell is a popular stop for close-up viewing. The site features a boardwalk that meanders for more than a mile through active geothermal features including Big Boiler, which reaches temperatures as high as 322 degrees. Visitors who prefer viewing without the hike can experience various features at the Sulphur Works site. (Editor’s note: At press time, Highway 89 through the park was closed to the public due to the Park Fire. Please check the park’s website for updates.)
Where to stay
Highlands Ranch Resort sits on 175 acres just a few miles from the southern entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Bowling Ball Beach at Schooner Gulch State Beach
Low tide at Schooner Gulch State Beach in Point Arena exposes more than tide pools teeming with marine life. When the tide rolls out at Schooner’s Bowling Ball Beach, visitors can witness a series of bowling ball-size rock formations lined neatly in rows on the sand. While fantastical explanations for how the balls came to be have been passed down for generations, the simple fact is that the balls are uncommon geological formations known as concretions. Bowling Ball Beach is one of the most popular destinations on the Mendocino Coast for photographers.
Where to stay
Wildflower Boutique Motel and Mar Vista Farm & Cottages blend modern luxuries with sustainable best practices on the Mendocino Coast near Point Arena.
Joshua Tree National Park
Located a short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning expanse of desert ecosystems. It’s where the Mojave and Colorado deserts come together to form one of the world’s most unique arid landscapes. The namesake Joshua tree, or Yucca Brevifolia, is the star attraction. Some of the trees here tower more than 40 feet tall. The park also offers about 300 miles of hiking trails, an estimated 8,000 established rock climbing routes, and an extensive network of offroad vehicle and mountain biking trails. The park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park is a bonus for stargazers.
Where to stay
Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage and Los Arboles Hotel in Palm Springs offer luxurious spaces for unwinding after a day of desert exploration.
Candelabra Tree Enchanted Forest
Candelabra Tree Enchanted Forest is just as the name suggests. It truly feels like a land of enchantment. This forested space in Northern California’s Lost Coast is home to stands of ancient misshapen redwood trees that resemble enormous candelabras. The forest is reached via Usal Beach Campground, which requires driving six miles down a logging road. The Peter Douglas Trail, an extension of the Lost Coast Trail, winds about 2.3 miles from the campground parking lot to the candelabras. The forest is two hours from Mendocino and 35 miles north of Fort Bragg.
Where to stay
Westport Hotel and Howard Creek Ranch offer secluded comfort for Lost Coast retreats in the seaside enclave of Westport.
Pink Moment in Ojai
Nestled in a verdant valley between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Ojai is a storied village of spiritual lore. This reputed vortex at the base of the Los Padres National Forest is regarded among many as a sanctuary and was a sacred place for the Chumash tribe. It’s Ojai’s famous Pink Moment, however, that is a call to all. The event occurs at dusk when the sky casts a rose-quartz-pink glow onto the jagged face of the Topas Mountains. It’s a signal of sorts for tranquil reflection or to simply admire Mother Nature’s beauty.
Where to stay
The historic Lavender Inn is located in town and offers well-appointed guestrooms, including The Pink Moment room which features a private balcony perfect for enjoying the sunset glow.
Burney Falls
Centuries before tourists documented the beauty of Burney Falls in photos, Native Americans that resided here celebrated the 129-foot falls as a sacred space. The focal waterfall at Burney Falls is a dramatic display in itself, but what sets this scene apart is the series of cascading springs that fall alongside the main attraction. As the water crashes into the natural basin below, clouds of mist rise from the river for a refreshingly cooling effect. Burney Falls is located at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. An easy hiking trail leads to the base of the falls. (Editor’s note: At press time, the trail leading to Burney Falls was closed for extensive repairs. Visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455 for updates.)
Where to stay
McCloud Mercantile Hotel, McCloud Hotel Bed & Breakfast, and McCloud River Bed & Breakfast offer timeless hospitality and small-town charm.
Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail at Van Damme State Park
In the Pygmy Forest at Van Damme State Park on the Mendocino Coast, pine trees stand only a few feet tall and Mendocino cypress trees that are estimated to be over 100 years old meet onlookers at eye-level. The forest’s stunted growth is attributed to natural environmental occurrences that provide only the bare minimum for plants to grow. Interpretive signage along the ¼-mile Pygmy Forest Discovery Loop Trail explains various ecological aspects of the unusual forest. The loop trail is an elevated, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.
Where to stay
Cottages at Little River Cove and Little River Inn are located minutes from Van Damme State Park and feature ocean views and life-size Mendocino cypress.
Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser
Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser is celebrated as one of the most reliably frequent geysers in the country. Every one to two hours on average, the geyser sends an eruption of scalding water 30 – 80 feet in the air for an exciting performance that can last up to 10 minutes. Calistoga visitors can make a day of the viewing. Old Faithful is situated within a parklike attraction that includes a geology museum, picnic area, bocce ball courts, and petting zoo. Views of Napa Valley surround. The park is open daily.
Where to stay
The Atlas, The Francis House, Embrace Calistoga, and Calistoga Wine Way Inn are all within close proximity to Old Faithful and within walking distance to downtown Calistoga restaurants and tasting rooms.
La Brea Tar Pits
In the heart of Los Angeles, scientists are actively excavating Ice Age fossils. La Brea Tar Pits is the only site of its kind in the world and it continues to deliver phenomenal discoveries. Everything from mammoths to microscopic remains of plants and animals have been discovered here, many of which are on display in the onsite museum. Project 23, one of two active excavation programs at the Pits, is anticipated to double the size of the institution’s collection. Visitors can watch scientists at work, walk among bubbling pits, and tour the museum.
Where to stay
Short Stories Hotel is within walking distance to La Brea Tar Pits and other famous LA landmarks including the Original Farmer’s Market and The Grove shopping and entertainment megaplex.