Southern California has so many unique landscapes that inspire awe, from desert wilderness to forested mountains to rugged coastlines, and more - abundant natural beauty to explore and enjoy. Some places in this state can only be explained as phenomenal feats of nature. Whether you have seen them for yourself or didn’t even know they existed there is no denying the sheer awesomeness of these natural wonders in Southern California.
Best Gorges & Canyons In Southern California
Other parts of America tend to get a lot more attention for these types of natural wonders, but you may be surprised to know that we have some truly spectacular canyons and gorges of our own. Each of these natural attractions in Southern California has its own unique natural beauty and must be seen to be truly appreciated.
- Location: Topanga, CA
- Wow Factor: Sculptured red and white sandstone outcroppings
- Cost: $5 for parking
When you visit Red Rock Canyon Park, you will find it hard to remember that you are within an hour of Los Angeles. Towering red sandstone formations, shaped over thousands of years, are strikingly beautiful and like something from another world. You will also enjoy colorful rocks and stately trees at the bottom of the canyon as well as sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Did you know that the Golden State has slot canyons? This one, known simply as The Slot, is a little-known and unexpected natural wonder in the Southern California desert. The deep slot was formed over time by rushing water, leaving narrow, winding passages through the rocky layers whose colors and shadows change as light passes over and through the canyon.
- Location: Silverado, CA
- Wow Factor: Stunning canyon known as the ”Grand Canyon of Orange County”!
- Cost: No cost, but registration is required to access via guided programs or “wilderness access days”
The Sinks, a spectacular canyon with limestone cliffs, has earned the term “Mini Grand Canyon” and is one of the most beautiful places to see in SoCal. The canyon is hiding in the Irvine Ranch Open Space near the foot of the Santa Ana Mountains. You can visit this natural wonder year-round and offers a unique experience with each season.
- Location: Borrego Springs, CA
- Wow Factor: A vast maze of rugged ridges and canyons that look like something from another planet
- Cost: $10 per vehicle per day
The badlands of Anza-Borrego are the epitome of
must-see nature in Southern California. The extensively corrugated ridges and eroded canyons of the badlands are truly breathtaking, especially from the vantage point of the Fonts Point overlook. It is hard to believe this otherworldly place is even part of Southern California.
Best Caves In Southern California
Are there caves in SoCal? Yes! From caverns full of stalactites to wind-eroded rock holes, and everything in between, these incredible caves are some of the best nature spots in Southern California - true natural wonders just begging to be explored!
- Location: Borrego Springs, CA
- Wow Factor: Fascinating holes, caves, and arches overlooking the badlands
- Cost: $10 per vehicle per day
Yet another otherworldly feature of the Anza-Borrego Desert are these striking wind caves. Formed by rocks and sand whipped against the rock faces by desert winds, eroding them and creating a constantly changing landscape full of fascinating shapes and ever-deepening holes. Exploring the caves also offers unique views of the Anza-Borrego badlands.
- Location: Essex, CA
- Wow Factor: Caverns characterized by awesome cave coral, stalactites, and stalagmites
- Cost: Tours are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors, $10 for children, plus $10 day use fee per vehicle
Sitting high on a mountain in the Mojave Desert (interestingly, the driest North American desert) Mitchell Caverns are the only limestone caves to be found in a California State Park. As you approach the caves, they appear to simply be two small openings in the rock face, but inside they open up to stunning caverns full of incredible limestone rock formations. The caverns are accessible by guided tour only.
- Location: La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA
- Wow Factor: A series of caves in the sea cliffs accessible only by water, each with its own different ocean environment
- Cost: The cove is free to visit and swim; kayak tours start at $39/person
The unique and mysterious La Jolla Sea Caves in San Diego are reachable only by water. Most explore them by kayak but when the surf is not too strong, you can even swim to them! On a kayak tour, you can explore the series of narrow caves carved into the rocky cliffs. Each cave has its own unique marine environment, with distinct depth and shape as well as a variety of sea life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, even leopard sharks!
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Wow Factor: Stunning, tall hilltop chimney cave with a rich history
- Cost: Free
When it comes to natural wonders, Los Angeles is not the first place we tend to think of, and yet not far from downtown is an incredible chimney cave known as the Cave of Munits, thought to have been home to a Chumash Shaman. It requires some steep scrambling to reach the cave, but for those who do, it is quite thrilling. The narrow mouth of the cave not only offers spectacular views but leads to tall open spaces, deep nooks and crannies to explore, and skylight openings you can crawl out of.
Best Waterfalls In Southern California
There is something at once thrilling and relaxing about beautiful waterfalls, and these spots offer a view of some of the best nature in Southern California.
- Location: Santa Ysabel, CA
- Wow Factor: A dramatic triple waterfall with a swimming hole at the base of each tier
- Cost: Free
This gorgeous seasonal triple cascade, known as Three Sisters Falls, flows down a rocky ravine and each “sister” flows into a pretty pool as it leads to the next fall. The pools are great for taking a dip before hiking back out of the canyon.
- Location:
- Wow Factor: A 50-foot fairytale-like waterfall accessed by a picturesque trail
- Cost: $5 per day or $30 per year for required Adventure Pass
Sturtevant Falls is an enchanting 50-foot cascade at the end of an easy shaded hike through lush green trees and foliage. This beautiful site in the Angeles National Forest is an idyllic escape from the heat and busyness of the city.
- Location: Ramona, CA
- Wow Factor: Tall rock cliff waterfall with an amazing swimming hole at the base
- Cost: $6 reservation fee for access permit
A challenging and remote 3-mile hike in the Cleveland National Forest leads to the magical, bucket list-worthy Cedar Creek Falls, best visited in the spring. The hike to the waterfall offers scenic backcountry views of rolling green hills, wildflowers, and a variety of trees that are excellent habitats for birdwatching. Lastly, hikers are rewarded with a fairytale-like waterfall with a natural swimming hole, perfect for cooling off after a long hike.
- Location: Palm Springs, CA
- Wow Factor: A flowing waterfall and pool in the middle of the desert
- Cost: $15 for adults, $7 for children, free with military ID
The Tahquitz Falls is a natural wonder in more than one way. Waterfalls are wondrous anywhere, but this unexpected 60-foot waterfall flowing over giant rocks into a clear pool is smack dab in the middle of the desert! The hike to the falls is easy enough for beginning hikers yet interesting enough for more advanced adventurers and is full of scenic views. This is a wonderful hike in the winter due to moderate desert temperatures and maximum flow.
Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Southern California
Some of the best nature places in Southern California are actually scenic overlooks - sites that offer expansive and impressive views that will take your breath away. These natural wonders are some of the best vista points in the state.
- Location: Laguna Beach, CA
- Wow Factor: Unbeatable views include mountains, rock formations, the city, and the deep blue sea… and amazing sunsets
- Cost: Free
It’s in the name with this magnificent overlook known as Top of the World, and that is exactly how it feels. There are several trails, some pretty challenging, to reach the overlook, but the rewards are worth it. Depending on the season, weather, and time of day, you will gaze down on wildflowers, mountain peaks, mist and cloud-filled valleys, the grand Pacific Ocean, and unforgettable sunsets.
- Location: Catalina Island, CA
- Wow Factor: Picture-perfect island views from several points along the rim of the town
- Cost: Ferry to the island cost $84 round trip for adults
The road that runs along the hills surrounding the small town of Avalon on Catalina Island, just off the California Coast, has several incredible vista points over Avalon Bay, each offering a unique view of the turquoise boat-filled water, the picturesque town, the historic Avalon Casino, and more. You may even catch a glimpse of whales, seals, or dolphins in the beautiful clear waters. The overlooks can be reached by hiking or golf cart rental.
- Location: Rimforest, CA
- Wow Factor: Feels like standing on the wall of a castle in the clouds
- Cost: Free
One of the lesser-known vista points along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, the Red Rock Scenic Overlook features a small rock wall on the edge of the “front range” of the stunning San Bernardino Mountains. It was built in 1915 during the construction of the highway and positions you above the clouds with seemingly endless views that, on a clear day, include all of Southern California’s mountain ranges.
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Wow Factor: Sweeping views of the Malibu coast and Catalina Island on the horizon
- Cost: Free
The short oceanfront Point Dume Cove Trail leads to a hidden overlook with gorgeous panoramic views of the beach and the rugged cliffs of Point Dome Cove. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island in the distance, maybe even dolphins playing in the surf. This is an unparalleled spot to catch an iconic Southern California sunset over the sea.
Best Rock Formations in Southern California
When it comes to incredible rock formations in this state, many only think of places in Northern California like Yosemite National Park or Moro Rock in the Sequoia National Forest, but when it comes to natural rock wonders, Southern California has its share of astounding rock formations, too!
- Location: Los Angeles County, CA
- Wow Factor: Prominent uplifted rock formations featured in many films and television shows
- Cost: Free
Vasquez Rocks is a must-see locale and one that is an easy day trip from nearly anywhere in Southern California. There are hiking trails to explore throughout the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Whether having visited in person or not, almost everyone in the USA has seen these incredible rocks, formed millions of years ago by volcanic and seismic activity. They served as a filming location for movies and TV shows like Star Trek, The Flintstones, The Fugitive, Power Rangers, MacGyver, the Big Bang Theory, and many more, as well as numerous music videos!
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Wow Factor: Unique rock formations, eroded bluffs, and sea caves on a pristine sandy beach
- Cost: Free
Along the shore of El Matador Beach, you will find beautiful caves, rocks, arches, and tide pools (at low tide). Since the beach is mainly only accessible via long staircases and parking is scarce, it is rarely crowded, making it even more of a lovely place to spend some time.
- Location: Twentynine Palms, CA
- Wow Factor: A picturesque natural rock arch surrounded by giant boulders
- Cost: $15 per passenger or $50 per car, whichever is less, to enter the park
Joshua Tree National Park is known for, among other things, giant boulders and interesting rock formations, including the magnificent Arch Rock. The rocks are especially picturesque at sunrise or sunset’s “golden hour!” The site is also pretty amazing at night, with dark skies that allow the Milky Way to be a special backdrop.
Unique Natural Wonders in Southern California
Southern California also has some unbelievable natural wonders that are unlike anything else in the state - unique places we think are absolutely worthy of your road trip bucket list.
- Location: Amboy, CA
- Wow Factor: An ancient volcanic cinder cone with 4 lava lakes inside, and a National Natural Landmark
- Cost: Free
Did you know there was a volcano right here in SoCal? Many have no idea now, but it used to be a common roadside stop as it can be easily seen from the Historic Route 66. Amboy Crater is an extinct volcano in the Mojave Desert, in one of the country’s youngest lava fields. You can hike to, around the rim of, and down into the almost perfectly symmetrical crater.
- Location: Death Valley, CA
- Wow Factor: Hills and rocks that appear to have been “painted” with vibrant pastel colors
- Cost: $30 per vehicle to enter Death Valley National Park
The majestic Artist’s Palette is located in Death Valley National Park and is almost hard to believe. Oxidized minerals have colored the rocks here in shades of pink, green, orange, purple, etc., as if splashed with paint. This site may be one of the most accessible natural wonders in Southern California, easy to explore with just a short hike.
- Location: Kelso, CA
- Wow Factor: One of the world’s only “singing” sand dunes
- Cost: Free
Have you ever heard of singing sand dunes? Kelso Dunes, stretching out over 45 square miles and rising 600 feet from the base, are one of only seven fields of sand dunes where visitors can experience this phenomenon, also known as “booming” dunes. When the conditions are just right, sand grains shifting down the slopes create a strange, low rumble that you can not only hear but feel.
These majestic natural wonders in Southern California are worthy of any bucket list. How many of these amazing places have you personally seen? What other natural wonders would you add to this list? We love the idea of planning a road trip to visit natural wonders in SoCal, whether you create one yourself or choose one we have laid out for you! Before you head out, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for a smooth journey.
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