Southern California’s diverse landscape makes this a land of virtually endless adventure. There is so much natural beauty and fascinating places, from the coast to the mountains to the deserts. While many attractions and State and National Parks have entrance fees, here are several natural wonders in Southern California that you don’t have to pay a cent to enjoy.
- Bioluminescent Waves
Kevin Baird/Flickr It is almost magical to see - sparkling neon blue waves crashing on the shore at night. Also known as “red tide,” the phenomenon is caused by a bloom of algae that turns the water an orangish red during the day and glow in the dark. In recent years, these glittering waves have been observed toward the end of summer and the beginning of fall, at various beaches in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.
- Amboy Crater - Mojave, CA
Bureau of Land Management California/Flickr Located in Mojave National Preserve, Amboy Crater was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973. This volcanic cinder crater is a marvel, not only because of its size, rising 250 feet above the desert landscape, but because of its nearly perfect symmetry. If the weather is not too hot, it is worth a hike to the top of the rim - over 1,500 feet wide - to enjoy the panoramic views of the expansive Mojave Desert.
- Vasquez Rocks - Agua Dulce, CA
Rennett Stowe/Flickr These unusual rock formations are located in Agua dulce, near the northern edge of Los Angeles County. The sharp, striated peaks are the result of seismic activity using and lifting sedimentary layered rocks. Vasquez Rocks make for incredible photos as well as fun hiking and climbing opportunities.
- Thousand Steps Beach Cave - Laguna Beach, CA
Steve Deck/Google Local Just over one-fourth of a mile from the steps that lead to scenic Laguna Beach, with moss-covered rocks and tide pools at its entrance, is this large rocky cave. If the tide is low, you can explore inside the cave and the salty pool at the other end. And, although it is a bit of a trek, you will be happy to know there are actually only 223 steps down to reach the beach.
- La Jolla Sea Caves - La Jolla, CA
Abhinaba Basu/Flickr The striking cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores beaches are made even more amazing by a series of seven tall sea cliffs along their base. One of the caves, Clam Cave, is accessible on foot and can be explored at low tide; however, the remaining caves can only be truly appreciated from the water, most commonly by kayak. This is a truly unique experience that is worth the effort.
- Eagle Rock - Warner Springs, CA
Steven Chorma/AllTrails A relatively easy hike on the Pacific Crest Trail leads to an almost surreal rock formation that looks exactly like a larger-than-life eagle with its wings open. This is a remarkable photo-worthy attraction, and yes, you can climb this enormous bird.
- Shiprock - Palm Springs, CA
Scott Todd/Google Local This mysterious rock formation can be seen from Highway 111 just outside of the town of Palm Springs. Formed at the bottom of a prehistoric sea, then lifted and tilted by the formation of Mount San Jacinto, Ship Rock is said to resemble an ancient Spanish galleon stuck in the desert floor.
- Fonts Point -Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA
Beau Rogers/Flickr Fonts Point is perhaps the most popular overlook in Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park. This spot gives visitors unparalleled views of the Badlands, a deeply eroded landscape that truly feels like you have landed on another planet.
- Kelso Dunes - Mojave, CA
Matt Artz/Flickr This immense sand-scape is another natural wonder that will make it hard to believe you are in Southern California. Majestic windswept dunes seem to go on as far as you can see. Kelso Dunes is also one of the only sand dune fields on the continent where you can experience the “Singing Sands,” a deep, booming sound that you can literally feel as well as hear. This is the epitome of a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Cave of Munits - West Hills, CA
Kirk Thompson/Google Local This chimney cave, with is long skinny entrance and skylights at the top, is located on the El Escorpion Trail in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and is said to have been the home of a Chumash shaman. Surprisingly close to the city, this is a beautiful cave to explore.
Have you seen any of these Southern California natural wonders? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Check out more Southern California wonders with this scenic road trip.
Kevin Baird/Flickr
It is almost magical to see - sparkling neon blue waves crashing on the shore at night. Also known as “red tide,” the phenomenon is caused by a bloom of algae that turns the water an orangish red during the day and glow in the dark. In recent years, these glittering waves have been observed toward the end of summer and the beginning of fall, at various beaches in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.
Bureau of Land Management California/Flickr
Located in Mojave National Preserve, Amboy Crater was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973. This volcanic cinder crater is a marvel, not only because of its size, rising 250 feet above the desert landscape, but because of its nearly perfect symmetry. If the weather is not too hot, it is worth a hike to the top of the rim - over 1,500 feet wide - to enjoy the panoramic views of the expansive Mojave Desert.
Rennett Stowe/Flickr
These unusual rock formations are located in Agua dulce, near the northern edge of Los Angeles County. The sharp, striated peaks are the result of seismic activity using and lifting sedimentary layered rocks. Vasquez Rocks make for incredible photos as well as fun hiking and climbing opportunities.
Steve Deck/Google Local
Just over one-fourth of a mile from the steps that lead to scenic Laguna Beach, with moss-covered rocks and tide pools at its entrance, is this large rocky cave. If the tide is low, you can explore inside the cave and the salty pool at the other end. And, although it is a bit of a trek, you will be happy to know there are actually only 223 steps down to reach the beach.
Abhinaba Basu/Flickr
The striking cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores beaches are made even more amazing by a series of seven tall sea cliffs along their base. One of the caves, Clam Cave, is accessible on foot and can be explored at low tide; however, the remaining caves can only be truly appreciated from the water, most commonly by kayak. This is a truly unique experience that is worth the effort.
Steven Chorma/AllTrails
A relatively easy hike on the Pacific Crest Trail leads to an almost surreal rock formation that looks exactly like a larger-than-life eagle with its wings open. This is a remarkable photo-worthy attraction, and yes, you can climb this enormous bird.
Scott Todd/Google Local
This mysterious rock formation can be seen from Highway 111 just outside of the town of Palm Springs. Formed at the bottom of a prehistoric sea, then lifted and tilted by the formation of Mount San Jacinto, Ship Rock is said to resemble an ancient Spanish galleon stuck in the desert floor.
Beau Rogers/Flickr
Fonts Point is perhaps the most popular overlook in Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park. This spot gives visitors unparalleled views of the Badlands, a deeply eroded landscape that truly feels like you have landed on another planet.
Matt Artz/Flickr
This immense sand-scape is another natural wonder that will make it hard to believe you are in Southern California. Majestic windswept dunes seem to go on as far as you can see. Kelso Dunes is also one of the only sand dune fields on the continent where you can experience the “Singing Sands,” a deep, booming sound that you can literally feel as well as hear. This is the epitome of a one-of-a-kind experience.
Kirk Thompson/Google Local
This chimney cave, with is long skinny entrance and skylights at the top, is located on the El Escorpion Trail in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and is said to have been the home of a Chumash shaman. Surprisingly close to the city, this is a beautiful cave to explore.
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