Labor Day weekend fun’s: Five hidden gems of California

You feel like you’ve been to most popular destinations in America? Why not check out California — the waters, hills, and more.

The state of California is highly known for its must-visit places ranging from canyons, valleys, and the beaches. However, many hidden gems of California are yet to be discovered by its tourists and even locals. Consider these 5 places for your upcoming Labor Day Weekend destination!

1.Hearst Castle Central Coast Day Trip

Do you want to experience living as a king or a queen just for the weekend? This gorgeous castle in San Simeon, California features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 126 acres of gardens where tennis courts, a movie theater, and an airfield are all located. This castle also holds both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and the world’s largest private zoo. First built for the newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst by the master architect Julia Morgan, the castle now remains as the United States National Historic Landmark since 1976. It is a four-hour drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles! For more information about tours and tickets, visit: www.hearstcastle.org.

2. Living Desert Zoo Palm Springs Day Trip

A living desert? As ironic as the name sounds, this outdoor desert zoo is located just 15 miles southeast of Palm Springs, California. The zoo offers a thrilling shuttle ride and trail walk through breathtaking flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Along the branches of different pathways from North America to Africa, tourists can feed wild giraffes, ride Arabian camels, and even meet hidden four-footed animals in-between the rocks. Also, don’t miss their September Night Safari!

3. La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour

You know San Diego has a lot to offer! Try visiting La Jolla’s seven beautiful Sea Caves! The caves’ list from West to East goes: the Clam’s Cave, Sunny Jim’s Cave, Arch Cave, Sea Surprise, Shopping Cart, Little Sister, and White Lady. There is more than just kayaking through the caves; you can witness sea lions, leopard sharks, and maybe even dolphins flying over the waters. This is a delightful activity for young and old alike, and for those who love the marine life.

4. The Seven Teacups

You want to stay quenched while climbing up and down the canyon? Visit this new canyoneering playground in the Southern Sierras north of Kernville! The Seven Teacups is a short section of Dry Meadow right before it joins the Kern River. This is an intermediate-level canyon that potentially has strong water currents, and requires some rope work for descending. If you love canyoneering and want to challenge yourself, the Seven Teacups is the perfect place to begin with.

5. Point Reyes National Seashore

If you are too tired to hike or swim, just walk through this peaceful seashore located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, California. This 70,000-acre park is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Point Reyes National Seashore also preserves over 300 historic structures and places that include Pierce Point Ranch, Tule Elk Reserve, and Point Reyes Light House. Check out: http://www.ptreyes.org for more things to do at Point Reyes National Seashore.

This upcoming September’s Labor Day Weekend (Sept 02 – 04) is probably the last long weekend for most people before the Thanksgiving break. This is a great chance to explore what is around you, and especially what California has in store for you. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – St. Augustine.