Most Underrated Things in California

California is widely known for celebrity status, Hollywood, perfect weather, and beaches. In reality, the state offers so many other beautiful must-see places on the map in addition to rich foods, wine, and culture. 

Winter Adventures

Most people forget that California winters are probably the best time to explore the state because it truly isn’t as cold as the northeast. However, California winters also provide recreation and snow-capped mountains. For instance, Mt. Shasta in the north, with over 14,000 ft of climb, is a great option if you want to go snow tubing or skiing during the peak time: December through March. 

In the middle of the state, you have Mammoth Mountain, which has about 30 ft of snowfall each year. This snowy town has a great skiing and snowboarding resort and fun for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, you can’t beat the beautiful snow-capped trees and scenery during winter. 

In southern California, you have Big Bear resort, and although it gets less snow than Mammoth, its resort and town provide exactly what you need to enjoy the winter months. Big Bear is also a hot summer destination if you want to enjoy the lake life and warmer weather. If you travel a little bit more south, you will also hit Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and get access to Mt. San Jacinto, where you can access some more snow and wintery campsites to finally set up that family snowball fight you’ve been waiting for. 

The Food 

There is no doubt the state brings the foodies. With access to fresh produce, local meat, and seafood, California has a diverse scene when it comes to food inspired by a mixture of different cultures. The state itself produces a third of the nation's fruit and nuts. From the north of San Francisco to the south end of Los Angeles and San Diego, it is hard to rival the high-end fine dining anywhere else. There is proof in the pudding, considering all the food awards that California restaurants have garnered. 

Wineries 

Most winos have heard of Napa Valley, but the state extends much more than that to wine. There are 130 distinct, federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) or specific geographic and climatic features that distinguish the region to be grape-growing. Outside of Napa in the north, Sonoma County has great tastings and wineries that offer the finest of wines.

In the central part of the state, you are more likely to find better zinfandels or less familiar grape varieties. One must-stop wine city in central California is Paso Robles. It has a plethora of wineries and a cute downtown. 

The south is no slouch either when it comes to great wine. Between LA and San Diego sits a city called Temecula. Known for its French and Italian influence, Temecula is a red, white, and blends authority in the wine world. 

Indigenous Culture 

There are over 100 federally recognized tribes in California and some amazing places and spaces to learn about them. 

In northern California in Humboldt county, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park looks closely at how Karok, Hupa, and Shasta tribes and others came to settle and create a place for themselves. After experiencing a brisk bike ride on the American River Parkway, you could also stop at the Folsom History Museum to see exhibits of Indigenous people and the Gold Rush history. You can also get a more hands-on experience by basket weaving and other craft classes through the Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Cultural Center near Sequoia National Park. 

In the south of the state, in Santa Barbara, there is a fascinating Chumash Painted Cave Historical Park that is thought to have been painted in the 1600s by the Chumash people. There are a lot of additional cultural centers that you can explore in the city to understand the highlights and culture of the Chumash tribe.

If you go a bit further south towards San Diego, there is an area called Mission Trails Regional Park, which explores the people of Kumeyaay and Luiseño. It is a great place to enjoy hiking, biking, and camping. 

Small Towns

There is nothing like a small town, and California is ripe with them! Just north of San Francisco is a town called Chico that is surrounded by farms, populated by college students, and offers great food options. It houses Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, which you can take a tour of, and has some great small artists and galleries to view and enjoy. 

Along the central coast, right after passing the beautiful Big Sur, a popular destination is a town called Cambria which has quaint accommodations, local art, and shopping. It also houses the Hearst Castle, the former home of William Randolph Hearst and now a grand attraction. 

If you keep going south, you will touch the town of Solvang, a Dutch-inspired town exploring good bites, wines, and antique shops. And just outside of Solvang sits a beautiful town called Ojai which attracts those interested in health and wellness. Many yoga treats and meditations have been the center of this town. 

Conclusion

While California may be home to the stars and celebrities, it offers much more than the superficiality of Hollywood. It has many underrated places to explore and see outside of what it is known for.