Away from the Crowds in California

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is found in the White Mountains. This is a protected area of Invo County. It is home to the Great Basin bristlecone pines. These trees grow in the Inyo National Forest between 9,800 and 11,000 feet above sea level, along with foxtail pines, and are far older than most other things found in California.

You can follow the Methuselah Grove Trail along its loop to see the grove where the tree known as “Methuselah” stands. This tree is determined to be 4,848 years old.

Avila Beach is an unincorporated community in San Luis Obispo County. It is situated almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The town was established at the end of the 1800s and was the main shipping port for San Luis Obispo. Today it has modern walkways, and sea motifs line the seashore. There are three piers—Avila Beach Pier, Harford Pier, and the Cal Poly SLO pier, which is used only for marine research. This is a great spot to whale watch for both gray and humpback whales. Enjoy your time on the beach and get refreshments at the shops. The background is mountainous, fronted by the Pacific Ocean.

Badwater Basin in Death Valley is the lowest point in North America at about 282 feet below sea level. This is a sinkhole that consists of a small spring-fed pool tainted with salts from the surrounding basins and undrinkable. It is amazing to see it covered by a salt crust with hexagonal honeycomb shapes from constantly evaporating water.

Bodie is a ghost town found in the Bodie Hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is designated as the Bodie Historic District and National Landmark. It was turned into the Bodie State Historic Park in 1962. The town was established during the Gold Rush and became a mining camp. The landowners hired caretakers to preserve the buildings, converting Bodie into a Wild West ghost town. Walk the deserted streets and pass one of the many former gold mills or old storefronts and saloons. Everything has been left as is, including the interiors with their goods.

Cayucos is found between the beaches at Cambria and Morro Bay on the San Luis Obispo County coast. It was once inhabited by the Chumash people prior to the Spanish exploration, who then named it “Cayucos,” their interpretation of the Chumash word for kayak. It is now a charming beach town complete with friendly locals and good weather. You can also cycle or kayak, enjoying the lovely ocean vistas.

Francheschi Park is located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Riviera. The park was named after Italian horticulturalist Francesco Francheschi. He imported plants from around the world and planted them in his garden.

His house now sits in the center of these gardens. The park has trails to hike with great views of the town below and out to the ocean.

Nitt Witt Ridge is located in Cambria. The house was built by artist Arthur Beal, who carved out the terraces of his house with a pick and shovel to create his castle on a hill. You can still see knick-knacks and his unique architectural style in the house, which is considered a California Historical Landmark. Enjoy the beautiful views and the unusual charm of Nitt Witt Ridge.

Pescadero is a small community in San Mateo County just south of Half Moon Bay. It is surrounded by the Pescadero Marsh, a wildlife refuge, and Pescadero Creek. There are hiking and biking trails through the Santa Cruz Mountains. The scenery is lovely, and the little town is friendly with quaint shops to explore.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Preserve is located on the Central California coast. In the autumn of 1990, more than 20 northern elephant seals could be seen in the cove near the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Since then they have returned each year to this lovely beach. The best time to visit is in late January, late April, or late October, when you can see more than 15,000 elephant seals resting on the secluded beach.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is an impressive stretch of coast just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are many hiking trails stretching along the ocean. Nice and peaceful beaches along the way and ideal places for scuba diving. Visitors enjoy the whaling museum and see the historic building once used by local fishermen.

You can also enjoy kayaking or swimming. See the sea otters floating by.

Solana Beach is a coastal city near Cardiff-by-the-Sea. It is a charming surf community and a beautiful stretch of the San Diego coast. You can enjoy Fletcher Cove Park or hike Annie’s Canyon Trail.

Visit the Carruth Cellars Winery.