We all know California’s staples – San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, among a select few other trendy treasures along the coast.
The Golden State has sure made a name for itself in recent years, finding itself on the wrong side of headlines in many cases.
While locals have been up in arms over major cities transforming into a real-life Zombieland, vacationers are still flocking to the West Coast.
Away from the hustle and bustle of California’s household names lies one region nobody ever seems to talk about, but it’s slowly garnering national attention.
One such lake town was just named the California’s best ‘Hidden Gem Destination’, although the trendy coastal town of Elk might have something to say about that…
Home to vivid blue lakes waiting to be explored, this relatively undiscovered region is California’s ultimate place to unwind this fall.
Convict Lake: California’s New Lake Town Darling
Ever been disappointed visiting a trendy new place that didn’t hit the mark?
Well, you don’t have to worry about that with Convict Lake, California’s top hidden gem, according to Cheapism.
Normally, your Golden State lake escape would be the resort-lined town of Lake Tahoe or perhaps the SoCal’s serene getaway, Big Bear.
As fall begins to transform landscapes worldwide, Convict Lake and the surrounding area are no different, seeing a rush of colors matched by its vivid blue waters.
Truly out in the wild, away from touristy eyesores, there may be no more authentic place in California to unwind in such an untouched natural setting.
Those who frequent the picturesque lake love to go trout fishing, take scenic hikes through the lush forestry, or lay camp under the stars.
And yes, there are plentiful cozy cabins to rent, or you can opt for the one resort here, the rightfully named Convict Lake Resort, an upscale lodge offering fun boat rides, kayaks, and even horseback riding.
Fun fact: Convict Lake earned its unique name after a group of inmates escaped prison in the 1800s. This resulted in a shootout and the eventual capture of the runaway prisoners. So much for Alcatraz!
The Anti-Lake Tahoe: An Array Of Alpine Lakes Dot The Region
Lake Tahoe, a beautiful natural wonder shared by both Nevada and California, is a great place to visit, but you can’t say it’s undiscovered with towering resorts and flashy casinos.
The region surrounding Convict Lake, however, is way off the radar for most, especially for those not local to the area.
Pristine water conditions and astounding scenery go beyond Convict with ample alpine lakes dotting the region with names I can almost guarantee you’ve never heard of, yet still boast the same allure.
In no particular order, visitors have a multitude of crystal-clear lakes, such as:
- Silver Lake
- Mono Lake (includes two volcanic islands!)
- June Lake
- Lake Mary
- Duck Lake
- Lake Mamie (4.9 rating on Google!)
This is just scratching the surface, and many of these unheard-of getaways offer relaxing resorts and nearby cabins to enjoy your downtime in pure serenity.
One such place is June Lake, as listed above.
This gorgeous lake town nestled in the Eastern wing of the Sierra Nevada Mountains boasts stunning views from a variety of hiking trails, a charming town center, and even better stays, like the Double Eagle Resort & Spa.
Mammoth: Not Just A Winter Wonderland
If there’s a claim to fame for this side of California, it’s certainly Mammoth (shortened for Mammoth Lakes) – a popular ski destination come winter.
Mammoth has its own flair in the other 3 seasons, however.
Right now makes for an awesome fall escape as well, where just this month, United began their seasonal service to Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop (BIH) under an hour away.
Before the mountains gleam white, you can take advantage of stunning fall blooms with a mix of golds, crimsons, and oranges.
You won’t need to pack your winter coat just yet, as the temperatures are much milder, allowing you to enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Better yet, many of Mammoth’s popular winter resorts are discounted for the off-season. For example, the luxe Westin Monache Resort is $257 in mid-October compared to nearly $400 in mid-December.
Tip: For an off-path escape to warm up, check out Wild Willy’s Hot Springs 13 miles from Mammoth. Best of all, it’s free!
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