8 Best Kept Secret Spots In California For Stunning Views
California is famous for its beaches, mountains, and bustling cities, but beyond the tourist crowds lie hidden spots that most people never discover.
I stumbled upon one of these secret spots during a wrong turn on a road trip, and it completely changed how I explore the Golden State.
If you’re tired of fighting for parking at overcrowded viewpoints and want to experience California’s natural beauty in peace, these eight secret locations will blow your mind.
1. Muir Beach Overlook
North of San Francisco sits a viewpoint so stunning that even locals forget it exists. Muir Beach Overlook rewards those who make the winding drive with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Marin Headlands. During whale migration season, you might spot gray whales breaching offshore—nature’s own fireworks display.
The overlook features benches and interpretive signs explaining the area’s history as a World War II coastal defense site. Fog often rolls in during summer mornings, creating an ethereal atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel.
I once brought a thermos of hot chocolate here on a chilly November afternoon and watched the sun break through the clouds. Pack layers because California weather loves to keep you guessing, even in the summer months.
2. Davenport Bluff Cliffs
Perched along Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, these dramatic cliffs offer jaw-dropping coastal views without the Instagrammers crowding your shot. I discovered this place by accident when my GPS lost signal, and honestly, getting lost was the best thing that happened that day.
The rugged coastline stretches for miles, with waves crashing against jagged rocks below. Wildflowers bloom in spring, painting the bluffs in vibrant purple and yellow hues. Bring a picnic and watch the sunset paint the sky in colors you didn’t know existed.
Park along the highway pullouts and take a short walk to the cliff edge. Just watch your step—the winds can get fierce, and California’s beauty is best enjoyed with both feet firmly planted on solid ground.
3. Point Reyes Chimney Rock
Want to feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world? Chimney Rock at Point Reyes National Seashore delivers that sensation in spades. This windswept trail leads to a rocky promontory where the land simply ends and the vast Pacific takes over.
Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers that carpet the hillsides in a riot of colors. Elephant seals lounge on the beaches below, occasionally letting out their distinctive honking calls that echo off the cliffs. The trail is only about 1.8 miles round trip, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
I’ll never forget watching a pod of dolphins swim past while perched on these rocks. Bring binoculars and a windbreaker—California’s coastal breezes don’t mess around out here. The views are worth every gust of wind.
4. Palos Verdes Bluffs
Hidden in plain sight near Los Angeles, the Palos Verdes Bluffs offer a surprising escape from urban chaos. These towering cliffs provide sweeping views of the Pacific, Catalina Island, and dramatic rock formations that look straight out of a nature documentary.
Walking trails wind along the bluff tops, passing tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones. I once spotted a sea lion hauled out on the rocks below, looking as relaxed as I felt after spending an afternoon here. The sunsets are legendary, with the sky turning shades of pink and orange that would make any painter jealous.
Local surfers know about the breaks below, but most tourists zoom past on their way to more famous spots. Park at Terranea Resort or nearby neighborhoods and explore the trails that California residents have been keeping to themselves.
5. Mount Tamalpais East Peak
Rising above Marin County, Mount Tamalpais East Peak serves up 360-degree views that’ll make your jaw hit the floor. On clear days, you can see San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and even the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance—all from one spot.
A short paved trail leads from the parking lot to the summit, where fire lookout towers once stood guard over California’s forests. Native Americans considered this mountain sacred, and standing at the top, you’ll understand why. The bay spreads out below like a glittering map.
I hiked up here at sunrise once and watched the fog blanket the valleys while peaks poked through like islands. Bring a camera because your phone won’t do this view justice. The mountain is nicknamed the “Sleeping Lady” due to its profile—see if you can spot it.
6. Alabama Hills
Tucked against the eastern Sierra Nevada, the Alabama Hills look like Mars decided to vacation in California. These rounded granite boulders and rock formations have starred in countless Western films, but most visitors to the state never make it here.
The contrast between the rusty orange rocks and the snow-capped Sierra peaks behind them creates photography gold. Wander among the formations and you’ll find natural arches, hidden alcoves, and views that stretch for miles. I spent an entire afternoon here playing hide-and-seek with my friends among the boulders—yes, adults can still have that kind of fun.
Dawn and dusk paint the rocks in warm hues that glow against the mountains. It’s a bit of a drive from major cities, but that’s exactly why it remains one of California’s best-kept secrets. Pack water and snacks for exploring.
7. Battery Point Lighthouse Overlook
Way up in Crescent City, where California’s north coast meets Oregon, Battery Point Lighthouse stands guard on a rocky island accessible only at low tide. The overlook from Battery Point Park provides stunning views of this historic lighthouse and the rugged coastline that defines this corner of the state.
Built in 1856, the lighthouse has weathered countless storms and tsunamis. Walking out to the island during low tide feels like stepping back in time. Tidepools surround the rocky outcrop, filled with colorful sea creatures waiting to be discovered.
I visited during a winter storm and watched massive waves crash against the rocks—absolutely thrilling from a safe distance. Check tide tables before planning your visit, and bring sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain. This remote California gem rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path.
8. Artists Palette Overlook
This desert valley might sound like the last place for stunning views, but Artists Palette proves California loves to surprise you. This geological wonder displays rocks painted in pink, purple, green, and gold—nature’s own abstract masterpiece created by oxidized metals in the volcanic deposits.
A scenic drive winds through the colorful hills, with the best views appearing in late afternoon when the sun illuminates the mineral deposits. The landscape feels otherworldly, like someone spilled an entire paint store across the desert. I couldn’t stop taking photos because each turn revealed new color combinations.
Summer temperatures can fry an egg on the pavement, so visit during cooler months for the best experience. The nine-mile one-way loop road is accessible to most vehicles. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water—this is still the desert, after all, and California’s landscapes deserve respect.