Think you know California? Think again. Beyond the iconic Pacific beaches and Hollywood landmarks lies a whole other side of the Golden State filled with uninhabited islands, offbeat art installations, and otherworldly landscapes you won’t necessarily find in a guidebook.

In this episode, host Angie Orth chats with Josh McNair, the videographer and photographer behind California Through My Lens, a blog and YouTube channel dedicated to uncovering the state’s lesser-known treasures. With more than a decade of exploration under his belt and a map of over 1,500 must-visit spots, Josh is sharing his process for finding these unique destinations, from Martian-like rock formations to secret speakeasies.

You’ll hear about the joy of discovering places many locals don’t know exist, tips for perfectly timing your visits, and why protecting certain spots sometimes means not sharing them at all. Whether you’re into natural wonders, quirky roadside attractions, or tucked-away eateries, this episode will inspire you to explore deeper—maybe right in your own backyard.

What You’ll Learn:

01:51 Why California is more than its most famous landmarks

03:28 The story behind Salvation Mountain and its visionary creator

06:23 Giant Rock, alien lore, and other strange desert finds

10:33 Why hidden spots make travel more approachable and affordable

14:55 How timing can make or break your off-the-beaten-path adventure

Connect with Josh McNair:

https://www.instagram.com/californiathroughmylens/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFRs1R9ECKDwnLy5IQzwkg

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaThroughMyLens/

Read the Westways story:

https://AAA.com/hiddencalifornia

CTA: Which Hidden California spot is at the top of your must-see list? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises