Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path
Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path - Overlooked Oases Beyond LA's Concrete Jungle
Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles lies a hidden world of overlooked oases and natural wonders waiting to be explored. While LA conjures images of jam-packed freeways, crowded beaches, and endless concrete, venture outside the city and you'll find pristine landscapes and peaceful vibes.
One prime example is Topanga State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains just 20 miles from downtown LA. Yet it feels worlds away thanks to its rolling green hills, wooded canyons, and 60 miles of hiking trails. You can easily spend a whole day trekking to waterfalls, wading in streams, and spotting wildlife like deer, coyotes, and hawks. Just be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds. Weekday mornings are best.
For a beach escape, head to Leo Carrillo State Park about an hour northwest of LA. Its mile-long shoreline attracts far fewer people than LA hotspots like Santa Monica or Venice Beach. Spend lazy days beachcombing, swimming, tide pooling, and watching gray whales migrate just offshore. The park also features scenic coastal trails, caves to explore, and peaceful campgrounds surrounded by sycamore trees.
Venture further north to Channel Islands National Park and you'll feel like you've landed on a remote island paradise. Catch a boat from Oxnard or Ventura to get up close with wild dolphins, sea lions, whales, and more. Choose from five islands, the closest being Anacapa and Santa Cruz. Anacapa offers exceptional kayaking and snorkeling, while Santa Cruz tempts with 64 miles of trails across mountainous terrain. Just be sure to bring plenty of supplies since there are no stores or restaurants.
For a convenient nature escape right in LA proper, check out the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. At just 200 acres, it provides a quick hit of greenery amidst the city landscape. Hike to the top of Baldwin Hills for panoramic views from downtown to the ocean. The park also features fishing lakes, Japanese gardens, and the new Angels Gate Cultural Center with art exhibits and events.
Finally, discover an unexpected oasis in Griffith Park, one of the country's largest urban parks. Its 4,300 acres pack in tons of recreation like the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, miles of trails past the Hollywood sign, horseback riding, golf and more. Yet thanks to its massive size, you can still find remote corners and experience nature at its finest. For the classic view, hike up to the top of Mount Hollywood. Just prepare to share it with plenty of fellow Angelenos.
Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path - Santa Barbara's Secluded Shores Far From the Madding Crowd
Unlike LA hotspots like Venice or Santa Monica where finding a vacant spot requires divine intervention, Santa Barbara spoils you for choice. Take Arroyo Burro Beach, boasting over a mile of pristine coastline where your own private sandy acre awaits. The vibe here is delightfully lowkey, with beachcombers, surfers and dog walkers scattered amidst the dunes.
"It was so peaceful. We had a huge stretch of beach all to ourselves even on a weekend," recalls Melissa who recently visited with her family. "The kids could run free, play frisbee, build sandcastles. And we didn't have to arrive at dawn to stake out a spot. It was heaven!"
Just up the coast lie Butterfly and El Capitan State Beaches, two more hidden havens offering nature immersion without the nuisance of navigating crowds. Paddle out on a kayak, cast for perch off the pier, or utilize miles of vacant sand for a beach yoga session.
Goleta Beach Park also promises plenty of breathing room to unfurl on the sand. This family-friendly spot boasts over a mile of shoreline, a huge grassy picnic area, and the unique opportunity to spy migrating whales from shore.
"We saw at least a dozen whales during our visit, including a mom and baby," shares Jennifer after a recent December trip. "Bundle up with blankets and you can leisurely whale watch right from the beach. It's an incredible sight and memory."
Of course, no mention of Santa Barbara is complete without the pièce de résistance - Stearns Wharf. As the oldest working wooden wharf in California, this historic pier presents peerless ocean vistas. Meander down its length, pop into quirky shops, grab lunch alfresco, and watch pelicans dive for their dinner.
Crowds undeniably flock here during peak periods. But visit off-season or during weekday mornings and you can soak up the sights in relaxed solitude. Wander to the very end for optimal privacy and phenomenal photo opps.
"We went at sunrise and had the pier entirely to ourselves. It was so serene watching the sky awaken in a kaleidoscope of color," describes Allison after a recent winter visit. "Bundle up with coffee and enjoy this special experience without the crowds."
Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path - Joshua Tree's Rugged Beauty Without the National Park Crowds
With its otherworldly landscape of towering boulder formations and spiky Joshua trees, California's Joshua Tree National Park promises unparalleled desert splendor. Yet its popularity comes at a price, with bumper-to-bumper traffic jams and campsites booked months in advance during peak periods.
Luckily, you can revel in Joshua Tree's rugged beauty and magical energy without the crowds by venturing outside the park. Neighboring communities boast endless expanses of protected desert wilderness just waiting to be explored.
One prime spot is Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, an oasis managed by the Bureau of Land Management just 10 miles north of the national park. Here you’ll find 7,000 acres of unspoiled desert habitat crisscrossed by sandy hiking trails leading past wildflower meadows, marshes, and cottonwood trees. Keep an eye out for coyotes, roadrunners, hummingbirds and even bighorn sheep.
"We hiked the trails at Big Morongo and didn't see another soul for over an hour,” says James who recently visited. “It was so tranquil and allowed us to deeply connect with the landscape in a way crowds preclude."
Fellow desert-lover Allison recommends nearby Whitewater Preserve: “We were enthralled hiking the Pacific Crest Trail through Whitewater’s stunning canyons filled with cottonwoods and willows. And viewing wildlife like bobcats and coyotes in their natural habitat was a special treat."
For more solitude plus incredible views, climb to Mastodon Peak in the Eagle Mountains near Desert Center. Its summit soars to 3,371 feet, delivering jaw-dropping vistas across Joshua Tree and the Salton Sea. Along the way, you’ll navigate rocky slopes dotted with creosote, burrobush and ocotillo. Just be sure to start early before the desert heat intensifies.
Prefer water to dry land? Seek out seclusion at Lake Cahuilla Park located southeast of the national park. Here recreational bliss awaits in the form of fishing, boating and kayaking on a scenic 475-acre reservoir. Comb sandy beaches and coves for optimum privacy to picnic, swim, read or simply zen out.
Other crowd-skipping strategies in Joshua Tree include visiting during off-peak times like weekdays and avoiding school holidays. Arrive early in the morning or later afternoon when crowds thin out. And don't overlook winter - snow-dusted landscapes present a peaceful, magical experience.
Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path - Anza-Borrego's Vast Desert Wilderness off the Tourist Trail
Boasting over 600,000 acres of protected desert habitat, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park stands as California’s largest state park. Yet many travelers zip past this desert wonderland on their way to more famous national parks like Joshua Tree or Death Valley without realizing the treasures that await within its borders.
Venture beyond the main visitor center and Anza-Borrego unfurls into a vast expanse of wilderness begging to be explored. MightyTravels readers rave about the solitude found in obscure corners like Calcite Mine, Elephant Tree Trail and The Narrows.
Desert aficionado James recommends the rugged 4WD road to Fish Creek Wash: “We didn’t pass a single other vehicle during the entire 9 mile journey through Anza-Borrego’s badlands. The sandy wash scenery was like venturing onto an alien planet.”
Allison found tranquility along the Pictograph/Smuggler’s Canyon Trail: “Hiking into Smuggler’s Canyon, I was alone with my thoughts surrounded byotherworldly rock formations and views expansive enough to soothe the soul.”
Anza-Borrego also presents unique opportunities to commune with nature. This is one of the best places on the planet to glimpse endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep in their natural habitat. Join a ranger-led tour or set out on your own into remote areas like Hellhole Canyon.
Come springtime, Anza Borrego explodes into a colorful spectacle when dormant desert wildflowers awaken. Blooms like desert lilies, sand verbena, and brittlebush blanket the hillsides. Beat the crowds by seeking out lesser-visited spots like Ocotillo Wells or Blair Valley to soak up the super bloom.
As for top tips to avoid crowds? Steve who frequents Anza-Borrego regularly advises: “Visit mid-week during the hotter months. You’ll have miles of desert trail to yourself while hordes cram the visitor center on weekends.”
Late autumn through early spring also sees fewer tourists and offers comfortable temperatures for hiking. And if you’re willing to ditch the car, Anza Borrego’s extensive network of Jeep roads lead deep into terrain inaccessible to crowds.
Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path - Idyllic Idyllwild Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains
Escape the frenzy of the holidays among the tall pines and fresh alpine air of idyllic Idyllwild. This charming mountain town lies nestled in the San Jacinto range just 100 miles from Los Angeles, yet feels worlds apart. From cozy cabins and gourmet dining to snowy hikes and outdoor adventures, Idyllwild offers an elixir for the senses.
“We felt our blood pressure drop and everyday stresses melt away as soon as we arrived,” shares Elizabeth who recently spent Christmas in Idyllwild. “Crisp air scented like pine, twinkling lights on the cabins, and a welcoming small-town vibe - it was just what our frenzied souls needed.”
Fellow escapee Allison recommends Idyllwild for anyone seeking holiday tranquility away from tourist crowds. “No packed malls or jammed freeways like LA. We soaked up the mountain peace hiking deserted trails dusted with snow, then warmed up with hot cocoa by a cozy fire.”
Indeed, Idyllwild provides access to over 50 miles of hiking trails that see far fewer footsteps than better known parks. Recommended snowy treks include the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail and trails on the way to Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout. Or strap on some snowshoes for an otherworldly wilderness experience through frosted pines.
Just be sure to check weather and snow conditions at the Idyllwild Ranger Station before venturing out. And exercise caution on icy or steep terrain. The rangers also offer guided snowshoe walks on winter weekends that provide fascinating nature education.
Idyllwild’s cozy accommodations help transport you to a winter wonderland. Choose from cabins, cottages, and lodges with fireplaces and Jacuzzis ideal for snuggling up on snowy nights. Just don’t expect wild partying, as town noise restrictions aim to maintain Idyllwild’s tranquil ambiance.
While evenings center around twinkling lights, hot drinks, and peaceful walks beneath the stars, there’s plenty of daytime fun too. In addition to wintry hikes, popular activities include sledding, ice skating, rock climbing and fishing for rainbow trout.
After working up an appetite outdoors, warm up in one of Idyllwild’s highly-rated restaurants. Choose from casual cafes to fine dining that exceeds expectations. Recommended spots include Café Aroma and Restaurant Gastrognome for their cozy mountain lodge atmosphere and seasonal specialties.
Escape the Crowds: Discover SoCal's Hidden Holiday Gem Off the Beaten Path - Solvang's Charming Danish Village Free of Holiday Hordes
Transport yourself to a charming Danish village this holiday season minus the hectic crowds in Solvang. Situated in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, this town proudly celebrates its Danish roots with Scandinavian architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Yet it maintains a laidback California vibe and scenic beauty ideal for relaxed holidays off the tourist trail.
“We visited Solvang the weekend before Christmas and were delighted to find festive charm minus hordes of tourists,” shares Jennifer after a recent pre-holiday trip. “The Danish-style buildings and holiday decorations made it feel wonderfully hygge. And we never had to battle crowds strolling the shops or finding a restaurant table.”
Fellow visitor Allison echoes Jennifer’s experience: “Every shop and restaurant was decked out for Christmas, with twinkling lights, glittering trimmings, and cozy holiday music. But absent were frenzied shoppers and packed parking lots that sap the joy out of the season.”
Indeed, November through January promise the most enchanting time to visit Solvang when this village of under 6,000 residents becomes even more magical. Enjoy dazzling light displays, a life-sized nativity scene, and themed events like Julefest. The famous town windmill and Copenhagen Drive look like a holiday card come to life.
Late fall and winter also proffer pleasant weather ideal for meandering Solvang’s 150+ unique shops and 30 tasting rooms. Peruse Danish pastries, handcrafted gifts, and artisanal foods before indulging in a glass of local wine or pint of craft beer. Recommended stops include The Book Loft, The Danish House, and Paula’s Pancake House.
Outdoorsy types can work off all the hygge calories on Solvang’s 30 miles of nearby hiking and biking trails traversing idyllic vineyards, ranches, and mountains. Or ride in a genuine Danish horse-drawn carriage for leisurely sightseeing sans the crowds.