Southern California is a beautiful place to be. We have some of the best beaches and some pretty popular tourist attractions but we have much more to offer. Southern California is more than Beverly Hills shopping and the Hollywood Blvd Walk of Fame. We have an overflow of some of the most unique attractions you will ever come across. Whether you’re a local looking for something to do or you’re planning a visit to Southern California, we’ve created the perfect list of attractions to add a little more excitement to your trip. Take a peak into some of Southern California’s most unique sites you may never even known existed.
Watts Towers – Watts
Something that began as a simple backyard project turned into a monumental site we now know and love today. The Watts Towers were built by a man named Simon Rodia from collected and purchased broken glasses, plates and 7 Up bottles around his neighborhood. Simon was able to finish the construction of several towers in 30 years all by himself. The tallest one reaches a whopping 99 1/2 feet tall. Had it not been for city limits restricting the tower to this height, it is possible that it could have been taller. The engineering and construction of these towers is the true definition of ambition. You can visit these towers yourself for a small fee of $7: totally worth it for something so different than the “typical” LA art scene, like the LACMA or the Getty. Visit the Watts Towers website here.
Potato Chip Rock – San Diego
If you are into hiking up mountains and through hills, then Potato Chip Rock is a location you may want to add to your list of “places to visit”. Be sure to pack tons of water for the 8 mile round trip trek you have ahead. This site is pretty popular so you might have to wait in a short line. Also, you also want to take precaution when mounting the rock for your picture as we would hate for anyone to injure themselves. Get in some good exercise and marvel at the beautiful San Diego scenery.
Sunken City – San Pedro
Considered the “Atlantis of California” this local treasure unfortunately came at a loss for others. Several decades ago there was a huge landslide that resulted in all the houses on the cliff falling into the ocean. All that’s left are broken pipes, graffiti art and ruins of road. If you’re into abandoned places and beautiful graffiti this is the place for you. WARNING: It is against the law and considered trespassing to enter. It is not advised to visit this place but you can enjoy some of the pictures we’ve included.
Wine Safari – Malibu
Who knew that you could go on a wine tour while meeting and feeding exotic animals, all in Southern California? You read that correctly, wine tasting and feeding animals all in the same day. The Malibu Wine Safari is an exciting way to experience some international-like fun on California grounds. If you have kids don’t worry, they offer a Family Tour for children ages 7 and older. Instead of wine they would be served lemonade. You can make this adventure a family outing or a group activity with friends.
Abandoned Zoo – Los Angeles
Ever wonder what a zoo looks like without all of the animals and people? Well, now you get the chance to explore one yourself. This abandoned zoo in Griffith Park is where all the animals of L.A. used to live before they were moved to their current location; what is known the L.A. Zoo. This is the perfect playground for people of all ages to explore, and what makes this place even more cool is that the cages are left open. Take a walk around the grounds and have a picnic inside a cage if you dare. If you’re into taking artsy photos, this is great for your backdrop. Don’t worry yourself about paying an arm and a leg for an entrance fee because it’s free.
Venice Canals – Venice
Can’t afford a trip oversee? Don’t fret, Venice is home to canals that were purposefully created to resemble the world famous canals in Venice, Italy. I, too, was amazed when I first stumbled upon these beautifully crafted canals when trying to find where I parked my car. These canals are nestled in a quaint part of the neighborhood only a few blocks from the beach and are surrounded by some lovely homes. Some home owners have their own boats which you can see sailing throughout the canals. You may also catch a few people paddle boarding.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve – Lancaster
Poppies are the California state flower but this is one of the only places where the blooms are so vibrant. Depending on the rainfall, mid February through mid May is when the hills are covered. This landscape is protected by the California Department of Parks and Recreation so grazing animals are kept away and people are prohibited from picking the flowers for souvenirs. Regardless of the restrictions, it is still a wonderful place to take pictures and gaze at this surreal show of nature.
Have you already visited any of these places or plan to in the near future? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences! Post a photo and #grandlegacyblog
