Summary
It would be easy to believe you possess comprehensive knowledge about California. Major cities in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, rank among the foremost destinations for tourism and business in the United States, while the state’s picturesque landscapes have been featured in media since the inception of the film industry. Additionally, attractions such as San Diego and Big Sur have achieved widespread recognition, not to mention the heightened visibility of Death Valley due to the recent super bloom.
Nevertheless, despite its prevalence among travelers, both American and international, California is rife with destinations you may be unaware of, encompassing both natural wonders and manmade curiosities.
Although visiting these unusual attractions in California is not mandatory on a road trip, it is advisable—particularly considering that the only aspect stranger than many of these locations is the state’s limited public transportation outside of major urban centers. Ensure that you possess a fully charged smartphone or GPS device, along with current car insurance, and exercise patience; California is vast!
01 of 05: The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo
The unfortunate reality? The Madonna Inn, located near the city of San Luis Obispo, bears no relation to the pop artist of the same name. Depending on your perspective, this could be considered a positive aspect.
The Madonna Inn, indeed, embodies a quirkiness that rivals that of its namesake, manifesting in a manner that is both charming and eccentric, from the attire of the staff to the employees’ inclination to recommend an array of teas and pastries throughout the day, alongside its distinctly pastel interior design. An alternative moniker for this venue might be the “Alice in Wonderland Inn.”
Adding to the inn’s peculiarity is the fact that its nearest city, San Luis Obispo, is rather unremarkable, albeit with all due respect.
02 of 05: Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner
In terms of unique dining experiences, if you harbor an appreciation for dinosaurs as well as classic diner cuisine, and you find yourself traveling along I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, consider visiting Peggy Sue’s Diner-saur Park situated near Yermo. While the dinosaur replicas featured at this location are, of course, not authentic, they contribute an element of whimsicality that may be unexpected at such a distance from places like San Francisco’s Haight District or Los Angeles’ Venice Beach.
Suggestion: If you wish to encounter metal dinosaurs but do not intend to travel this specific segment of California’s interstate during your journey, alternative locations include Spanish Town in Half Moon Bay close to Santa Cruz, Pismo Beach’s T-Rex Eats Tourists, and Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, among others.
03 of 05: The Canals of Venice
The presence of a locality referred to as Venice Beach in California is not surprising to most, particularly given that the Venice Beach Boardwalk consistently ranks among the top tourist attractions in the state. Nevertheless, a more unexpected feature is the canals that lie just beyond the boardwalk and beach, which indeed provide the city with its namesake reflecting Venice, Italy.
Most notably, visitors can indulge in gondola rides here, and proficiency in Italian is unnecessary for negotiating the best prices. However, while the residences lining California’s canals present a certain appeal, they do not compare with the UNESCO World Heritage designations surrounding their Italian counterparts.
(Conversely, California’s canals will likely remain above sea level for a considerably longer duration than their Italian namesake, and so it is conceivable that, in the future, these residences may be regarded as a heritage of their own!)
04 of 05: Morro Rock: America’s Answer to Gibraltar
In discussions pertaining to California’s central coast, public familiarity often begins and concludes with Big Sur. While Big Sur is indeed breathtaking and justifiably celebrated, it is not the pinnacle of impressive sights in this region of California.
The true standout is Morro Rock, an enormous “volcanic plug” that can accurately be described as America’s equivalent to the Rock of Gibraltar. Enhancing Morro Rock’s allure are the neighboring communities of Morro Bay and Cayucos, its proximity to major cities like Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, and the remarkable oyster farm located a pleasant (and scenic!) boat ride from the rock.
05 of 05: International Banana Museum
While the world’s largest banana resides across the Pacific Ocean in Coffs Harbour, Australia, California preserves its own status through its association with the beloved yellow fruit. Enter the International Banana Museum, situated along the northeastern coast of the Salton Sea.
This museum is remarkable for several unusual attributes. Firstly, it is located in a town named Mecca that has no affiliation with Saudi Arabia. Secondly, it occupies the shore of a “sea” that has remained dry for decades. Lastly, it serves as a museum explicitly dedicated to bananas.
