The best things to do in California that no one has told you about yet

09.09.2023 - 19:39 / lonelyplanet.com / River Valley

California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees – but that’s only part of the picture.

Along with the longest coastline in the continental USA, the Golden State offers small-town getaways, snowy adventures, fine food and wine, Indigenous culture and unique natural encounters.

For travelers looking for all of this and more, here’s a primer for some of the best things to do in California that are a little off the beaten track.

Peaks ideal for winter recreation are easy to find in elevated, snow-capped areas of California. Climbing to 14,179ft, Mt Shasta in the far north of the state is a playground for cross-country skiing, night skiing and snow tubing from mid-December to April.

Inland from Fresno, Mammoth Mountain in the High Sierras receives an average of 30ft of snow each season. It’s a great place to clip onto a snowboard, strap on some snowshoes or go dog-sledding. At the end of an active day, bed down in some of America’s coziest ski-in-ski-out holiday rentals, lodges and resorts.

In Southern California, go snowboarding in the state’s freestyle capital, Big Bear, or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mt San Jacinto to access winter camping sites and prime spots for family snowball fights. If you’d rather stay warm, Palomar Mountain offers scenic seasonal drives through cedar, pine, and fir trees.

A multicolored array of fresh produce (a third of the nation’s fruit and nuts are grown in California) and top-notch local meats and seafood bring superior flavors to the state’s world-renowned restaurant scene. In big cities and small towns, dining options range from hip street eats to casual diners and high-end fine dining.

California is no stranger to food awards, regularly those garnered by restaurants in global capitals San Francisco and Los Angeles. Such recognition underscores California’s status as a powerhouse foodie destination.

Most travelers instantly link Californian wine to the famous Napa Valley – but the state is home to more than 130 distinct, federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Beyond Napa, start your oenophile adventure in Russian River Valley in Sonoma County (we recommend Sonoma-Cutrer’s tasty chardonnay and pinot noir).

Lodi in the Central Valley is primarily known for its zinfandels, but the region is fast emerging as a top destination for less familiar grape varieties such as albariño and vermentino – check out the crisp whites made by Klinker Brick Winery.

Closer to the coast in Paso Robles, the Tin City food and wine market hosts Desparada Wines, known for its French- and Italian-influenced reds, whites and blends. Meanwhile, Temecula in Riverside County – between LA and San Diego – is ideal syrah-growing country.

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