California’s most unforgettable sights are often far from the tourist trail. They’re the ones you stumble upon by accident or hear about as a whispered recommendation: the beach crowned by a pirate tower, the candy-colored hotel room that feels like a movie set, the ethereal desert where art springs up from the sand. These are the places not on postcards, but stay etched in your memory forever.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with explorer and storyteller Josh McNair of California Through My Lens. Known for uncovering the unexpected, from whimsical art installations to wild desert landscapes, Josh curates a lineup of offbeat destinations tailored to every type of traveler. Whether you’re in search of mystery, history, romance, family fun, or something wonderfully weird, Josh’s picks prove that California still has plenty of surprises in store.

From Muir Woods’ towering trees and the pastel glamour of San Luis Obispo's Madonna Inn to Death Valley’s remote mining relics and the ever-changing art scene of the Salton Sea, you’ll discover places that are as unforgettable as they are unconventional.

What You’ll Learn:

00:53 Where to find mystery among ancient trees

01:42 The underrated side of Death Valley’s mining history

02:48 A pirate tower beach adventure kids will never forget

03:28 A romantic getaway at California’s most eclectic hotel

05:16 The bizarre beauty and evolving art of the Salton Sea

Episode Mentioned: 

Exploring Retro Hotels with B.A. Van Sise

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 type of traveler are you? Tell us where you want to go 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