California may be most famous for its movie stars and bright lights, but there are many other interesting and unusual aspects of California worth checking out. Here are ten unique places worth visiting.
Where the Buffalo Roam – Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a lovely little vacation paradise that boasts a herd of over 200 buffalo. The animals range free in the middle of the island, where they can be visited by taking a tour bus into the wilderness. Interestingly, the buffalo were imported to Catalina Island in the 1920s, when they were a part of a film called “The Vanishing American”.
Digging for Gold – Kennedy Mine – Jackson, California
At 5912 feet deep, the Kennedy Mine was one of the deepest gold mines in the world. Its deposits were mined from 1860-1942 and produced over 34 million dollars worth of gold. Visitors are invited to join a 1 ½ hour tour of the surface structures of the mine.
A Child’s Toy in Magnificent Proportions – Legoland – Carlsbad, California
All of us have a little kid lurking under the adult masks that we present. Legoland is the perfect place to let that inner kid out to explore. What could be more fun than enjoying the 15,000 Lego constructs, 50 wild rides, and seeing your childhood toy in its full splendor?
The Largest Tree in the World – The General Sherman Tree – Sequoia National Park
With a diameter of 36.5’, the General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world (by volume). It is only one of several enormous sequoia trees found in Sequoia National Park. These huge trees are thought to be 1000-2000 years old.
A National Monument on Wheels – San Francisco’s Cable Cars
Inspired to prevent further tragedy after watching a terrible horse and cart accident on San Francisco’s steep city streets, Andrew Smith Hallidie build a series of cable cars to safely transport people and goods through the city. The three cable car routes are still in operation and visitors are welcome to learn more about them at the Cable Car Barn and Powerhouse.
Haunted Hotel – The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
This famed hotel is said to be haunted by several of Hollywood’s most interesting celebrities. Reports of bugle playing in room 928 are attributed to the musical styling of Montgomery Clift. Marilyn Monroe, who once lived at the hotel, apparently haunts a mirror in the hotel lobby and has been seen dancing in the hotel’s ballroom.
A Village made of Bottles – Simi Valley, California
Built by Grandma Prisbrey, the Bottle Village started out as a single house, designed to display her extensive pencil collection. Not having the money to buy traditional building supplies, Grandma Prisbrey went to the dump and collected the bottles that now form the walls of the structures in the village. While the village was seriously damaged by the 1994 earthquake, visitors can still make appointments to tour the village.
The World’s Largest Pez – Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia
From the original Austrian invention of peppermint flavored candy, to the popularly known fruit-flavored candy in colorful dispensers, the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia showcases the history and development of Pez candy. In addition to showcasing Pez of all shapes and sizes, the museum opened a Classic Toy Museum in 2004.
A Shoe Store in a Shoe? – Bakersfield, California
Built in 1947, a 30’ long, 20’ high shoe stands proud on Chester Avenue, where it clearly proclaims its business as a shoe repair shop. Complete with 50’ long laces, this unusual store is worth taking a moment to stop for a photo.
Salvation Mountain – Niland, California
A brilliant combination of every color and shape rises in a mountainous heap of creative folk art by Leonard Knight. Salvation Mountain started out as simple tribute to God, but has rapidly grown. Now 18 years into the making of his creation, Knight lives at the site in his small cabin, built on the back of a 1930s vintage pickup truck. Visitors are welcome to climb the staircases built into the construct to get a better look at Knight’s creation.
There are many other unique and interesting things to see in California. Be sure to utilize the many internet sites available to help you plan a trip through the state to discover the many wonders of California.
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