Off the Beaten Path Archives - Page 2 of 14

Hidden Gems in Munich Off the Beaten Path

When planning a trip to Munich, there are the obvious famous spots, like the Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall, Marienplatz, or the vast English Garden. But if you’re looking for something more off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems in Munich!

I have lived in Munich for four years, and have grown to love it. The city checks a lot of boxes: lots of nature, charming neighborhoods, and a great selection of cultural events year-round. Discover what makes Munich so great with this list of my favorite places in Munich off the beaten path.

The Seehaus Biergarten

The Seehaus Biergarten, my favorite Biergarten hidden gem in Munich!

Munich is well known for its Biergarten culture, and you’ll find them scattered throughout the city. But my favorite Biergarten is in the middle of the English Garden next to the Seehaus. From the Biergarten tables, you have a beautiful view over a small lake and into the dense green that makes the English Garden an oasis in the middle of the city.

Not only is the scenery unbeatable, but they serve a variety of classic Biergarten food, including Hax’n and Steckerlfisch. And of course, you can pick up a fresh beer right from the tap. Or, if you’ve had your fill of beer, they have an area where you can enjoy cocktails and wine under the Linden trees.

Gärtnerplatz

Hang out at Gärtnerplatz while exploring Munich off the beaten path in the alternative Glockenbachviertel

Nestled between the Viktualienmarkt and the Isar River is the neighborhood known as Glockenbachviertel. While Munich has a reputation for being conservative, Glockenbach is a welcoming and lively neighborhood full of hidden gems in Munich.

Here you can find swanky cocktail bars, grungy dive bars, and hip boutiques. The center of Glockenbachviertel is the circular Gärtnerplatz – grab a drink at a nearby kiosk and hang out with the locals.

Gans Woanders

Even from the funky exterior, it’s clear that Gans Woanders is one of the best hidden gems in Munich. Its name is a play on words from the phrase ‘Ganz woanders’ (somewhere else) but with a twist of using the German word ‘Gans’ which means goose.

A whimsical building houses a unique space that serves as a café during the day and a bar at night. It’s a great place if you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Munich and are looking for something different from the typical beer halls and Bavarian food.

Rosengarten

$Just a small fraction of the many roses you'll see at the stunning Rose Garden$

Just a small fraction of the many roses you’ll see at the stunning Rose Garden

I lived in this city for 3 years before discovering the beautiful rose garden. In fact, my first visit there prompted me to write this article about the best hidden gems in Munich!

Located near the Isar river, this manicured garden offers a great place to take a stroll and relax. There are plenty of lounge chairs and hundreds of blooming plants. After enjoying the Rosengarten, you can walk along the banks of the Isar river, where the locals love to take a dip in summer.

Neues Schloss Schleissheim

Venture to the north of Munich to explore Neues Schloss Schleissheim

Inspired by Versailles, and serving as a summer residence to the Wittelsbacher royals, the Neues Schloss Schleissheim castle is well worth a visit! It’s a little outside the center of Munich, well off the beaten path. The castle features Baroque architecture at its finest and is surrounded by spectacular gardens. I’m surprised this place isn’t more famous – it took 3 years of living here before I even heard about it!

View of the Glockenspiel from Galeria Kaufhof

While the Marienplatz Glockenspiel is arguably the #1 tourist attraction of Munich, there is a viewpoint over the famous square that is a true hidden gem. The café in Galeria Kaufhof overlooks the square and gives you a perfect view of the famous Glockenspiel.

Grab a front-row seat to Munich’s most famous attraction without dealing with the crowds. Side note – if you happen to be in Munich during a heatwave, the Galeria Kaufhof is one of the few places in the city that has coveted air conditioning!

Alte Utting

The Alte Utting boat sits atop a bridge and functions as a restaurant and bar

A scene that looks like it belongs in the more edgy Berlin, Alte Utting is one of the best hidden gems in Munich and my favorite place to take out-of-town guests. It’s an old ship that has been elevated onto an old set of railway tracks, a cool place to grab a drink with friends.

The Lost Weekend

The Lost Weekend is a café and event space in the middle of the student district. It serves great coffee and snacks, and will occasionally have a book reading or poetry slam. Check the schedule of events to see if something sparks your interest.

The Jaded Monkey

With a prominent beer culture, it’s no wonder that great cocktail bars in Munich are few and far between. But there are some great hidden gems, like the Jaded Monkey. Serving up inventive cocktails in a swanky setting reminiscent of a New York bar, you’ll love getting a little more off the beaten path while visiting Munich.

Café im Vorhoelzer Forum

Café im Vorhoelzer Forum – Munich’s best rooftop hang out

As a university town, Munich is full of great restaurants and bars that cater to the student crowd. This rooftop bar is a true hidden gem in Munich because it’s hard to find!

Located atop one of the University buildings, you’ll need to find your way to a back elevator. Once you emerge on the top floor, you’ll find one of the best views in Munich. On a clear day, you’ll even catch a view of the Alps!

Note: Café in Vorhoelzer Forum closed during the pandemic and re-opening is TBD. In the meantime, you can still access the rooftop and BYOB to enjoy a drink with one of the best views in Munich.

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April 19, 2025

How to Train for a Thru Hike: A Beginner’s Guide

Off the Beaten Path

Are you ready to embark on the challenge of hiking the Appalachian Trail, or want to know how to prepare for hiking up Kilimanjaro? In this article, we will talk about fitness tips, gear recommendations and more information for how to train for a thru hike for beginners.

What Is Thru-Hiking?

Thru hiking is hiking an established long-distance trail end to end within one hiking season. The term thru hike can also be used more generally to refer to any hiking trip where you are carrying your own gear on your back for overnight trips. In comparison with camping, you’ll be using the power of your own legs to arrive at your destination, and often with a large backpack in tow.

On a thru hike, you will usually go for multiple nights in a row, and you will have to bring everything with you: your shelter, clothing, food, and cooking equipment.

Thru-hiking is an amazing experience. It will allow you to test your limits and challenge yourself in ways that might surprise you. You may be hiking for days or weeks on end, and you will need to stay focused. It is also important that you take the proper safety precautions and prepare yourself physically and mentally.

How to Physically Train for a Thru Hike if You’re a Beginner

There are a few hiking fitness tips that can help you train for your first-time thru hike. On a typical thru-hike, you’ll be hiking for at least 5 days in a row, so you will need to build up some stamina in order to get to the appropriate fitness level.

Focus on Overall Fitness

Taking part in various forms of aerobic fitness like cycling, swimming, running and group fitness classes will not only give you a solid aerobic base, but will also help you gain confidence and momentum as well.

Targeted Exercises to Train for A Thru Hike

In addition to overall physical fitness, there are certain muscle groups that you should train before embarking on a long hike. Large muscle groups like your quads, glutes, and core will need to be in tip-top shape to ensure you have the endurance and condition for your long hike. The most efficient way to train a muscle group is through resistance training, but luckily most of the reps can be done with minimal equipment. The Thru Hikers Workout from REI gives some good exercises that can help beginners get in shape for your thru hike.

Start with Short Hikes

To start out, you should try going for shorter hikes in order to see if this is the hobby for you. Gradually add more and more distance until you work your way up to the typical distance covered on a thru-hike.

Hike with your Pack

Eventually, you’ll want to try hiking with a pack on in order to train your body for the extra weight. As much as you can, you should simulate the true conditions for your hike, which means either hiking with your full pack of gear, or adding weights to your pack.

Prepare for diverse scenarios

You should also practice hiking in different weather conditions to test out your gear and your pack set-up. You want to make sure that you’re prepared for the worst case scenario, so try hiking when it’s raining or snowing. If your pack starts getting wet, take out everything and stuff it into dry bags (waterproof bags). Practice what you would do if you get caught in a sudden rain storm, or if the weather suddenly becomes much colder.

Safety Precautions for Beginner Thru Hikers

There are certain safety precautions you should take if you’re a beginner to thru hiking. You should always have an emergency first aid kit with you. You should tell someone where your hiking trail is, and when to expect you back.

The Best Gear for Thru Hiking

As a beginner, part of how to train for a thru hike means preparing your gear ahead of time. Make sure you have all of the hiking essentials so that you are safe on the trail, and so that your hiking experience is enjoyable.

When thru hiking, you will need to be hyper-focused on keeping your pack ultralight. Every tiny ounce adds up over time. With the right hiking gear, you will be able to hike further each day with miniml physical discomfort.

Here is a list of some of the most essential gear for a first-time thru hikers, but the specific gear will depend largely on which trail you are hiking and which weather you may be faced with.

The right hiking boots – be sure to take a few long hikes in them beforehand to break them in
A hiking backpacking – Your pack will become like an extension of your body, and choosing the right pack is one of the most crucial decisions during trip preparation.
Ultralight backpacking tent
Ultralight sleeping bag
Ultralight cooking gear
Water purification tablets or a water filter
Safety equipment like a knife and a first aid kit
Trekking poles – Even with the best training, trekking poles are essential on thru hikes. They can help save your hips and back from unnecessary aches and pains. Trekking poles are said to take 25% of the strain off of your knees, which means you will be able to go further distances with minimal physical discomfort. They might also be critical if you will be crossing streams or treacherous terrain.

The Best Thru Hikes in the World

You have probably heard of the famous PCT and Appalachian Trail thru hikes, but there are plenty of established thru hikes found all over the world. Each of these hikes come with their own particular characteristics, so the packing and training will vary slightly for each thru hike.

Here are the most famous thru hikes from around the world:

The Appalachian Trail (United States) Distance: 3,510 kilometers (2,180 miles)
The Pacific Crest Trail (United States) Distance 4,265 kilometers (2,650 miles)
The South West Coast Path (UK) Distance: 1,016 kilometers (630 miles)
Te Araroa (New Zealand) Distance: 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles)
Continental Divide Trail (United States) Distance: 4,990 kilometers (3,100 miles)
Grand Italian Trail, Sentiero Italia (Italy)Distance: 6,166 kilometers (3,830 miles)
Great Himalayan Trail (Nepal) Distance: 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles)
Hokkaido Nature Trail (Japan) Distance: 4,585 kilometers (2,849 miles)
Trans Panama Trail (Panama) Distance: 800 kilometers (497 miles)
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail United States) Distance: 1931 kilometers (1,200 miles)

These are all high on the list for avid thru-hikers. If you don’t have a ton of spare time to do one of these thru hikes in a full season, some people choose to do portions of the trail a little bit at a time. Over a few years, you will be able to complete the entire thru-hike.

We hope you are equipped with the knowledge you need in order to train for your very first thru hiking adventure. Covering vast distances on your own two legs with everything you need on your back is an incredibly rewarding experience. Enjoy!

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April 17, 2025

7 Hidden Gems in St Louis off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path

Anyone looking for things to do in St. Louis already knows to visit Tower Grove Park, the City Museum, the Grand Arch, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, but maybe you’re looking for something more off the beaten path. Read on for the top picks of the best hidden gems in St Louis, places that are lesser-known but still well worth a visit!

1. Laumier Sculpture Park

Laumeier Sculpture Park - a hidden gem in St Louis

Discover more than 70 large-scale works of art in Laumeier Sculpture Park

The Laumeier Sculpture Park is a free open-air museum located in Sunset Hills which covers 105 acres. Here, you can find sixty sculptures that you can inspect when walking along the various trails across the park.

During your walk, you will come across a Tudor stone mansion which was built in 1816 and now houses a beautiful indoor gallery.

You can opt to explore the park on your own with a self-guided tour or join the free walking tour, which takes place the first Sunday of every month from May to October. Whichever you choose, you will come away with a whole hoard of knowledge and you may even feel inspired artistically.

2. Lemp Mansion

If you’re a fan of haunted houses and don’t scare too easily, you should definitely stop at the infamous Lemp Mansion. This historical house is located in Benton Park, where the Lemp family once lived. It is also known for the three suicides that occurred in the house, after the untimely death of the son, Frederick Lemp.

Legend has it that the Lemp mansion is haunted by the Lemp family and has been named as one of the top ten haunted properties in the US. To see for yourself, you should consider taking the Lemp haunted neighborhood walking tour, where you will find out everything there is to know about the Lemp family, including their brewery business success and of course a few ghost stories.

3. Union Station Whispering Arch

Hidden gems in St Louis' Union Station - The Whispering Arch

The Whispering Arch in St. Louis’ stunning Art Nouveau Union Station

The Whispering Arch in St. Louis’ Union Station isn’t hard to spot with its intricate green and gold decoration which stands out instantly along with the Tiffany stained-glass windows that feature three robed women. However, the arch is not just beautiful to look at, as it also has sound-altering abilities which make even the quietest of whispers sound clear as day.

To test out the theory, head up to the second floor in Union Station with a friend. You should stand on opposite sides of the gallery and whisper as quietly as you can, and if the legend is true, it should be heard loud and clear.

4. Forest Park Jewel Box

The recently restored Art Deco greenhouse is one of St. Louis' best hidden gems

Visit the recently-restored art deco Forest Park Jewel Box

One of the best hidden gems in St. Louis is the Forest Park Jewel Box. While this is not an actual gem, it is an art deco greenhouse that houses hundreds of flowers in the middle of the 17-acre park.

The Jewel Box was first installed in 1936 and has since undergone a $3 million renovation to rejuvenate its glow by updating the flowers and creating a beautiful and bright space.

You can take a look around the Jewel Box for just $1, although you can keep a look out for any upcoming special events during your visit, as they are bound to be spectacular.

5. Central Library

Whether you’re a bookworm looking for a quiet space to enjoy a good novel, or want to do a quick search to find out about a travel extension, so you can explore more of St. Louis, the Central Library is the place to go.

This is not only a building with great resources, but it is also brimming with history and beauty, so it’s no wonder that it is known as one of St Louis’ hidden gems and grandest works of art.

St. Louis’ Central Library is a stunning building that was once voted one of the top 12 architecturally significant libraries globally. To uncover its beauty, you can take your own personal tour of the building or attend one of the many lectures held in the library, where you are guaranteed to come away with a whole host of knowledge.

6. St. Louis Hills Art in the Park

Another hidden gem in St. Louis is the Art in the Park festival in the St. Louis Hills which takes place every September. Here you can enjoy an array of masterpieces from sculptors to musicians and more.

If you decide to attend Art in the Park, you will be in for a treat as there is plenty of delicious food available from street vendors. Another great thing about Art in the Park is that admission is free, and it also offers a wide range of child-friendly activities which are guaranteed to entertain any little ones in your party.

7. Turtle Playground

If you are bringing children along on your trip, then Turtle Playground should be at the top of your list of places to visit. The kids will be entranced by the huge sculptures of snapping turtles, box turtles, and even oversized turtle eggs which are all made of concrete.

The Turtle Playground was designed as a gift to the children of St. Louis, offering a place to play and explore in the middle of such a busy city. However, just because it was built for the children does not mean you have to resist climbing on the back of a forty-foot-long turtle.

Now that you’ve uncovered some of the best hidden gems in St Louis off the beaten track, it’s time to start planning your itinerary.

Will you be brave enough to face the dreaded Lemp mansion, or would you prefer to discover the beautiful architectural wonders that St. Louis has to offer? Either way, enjoy your visit to ‘The Gateway to the West!’

April 15, 2025

The Best Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca

Off the Beaten Path, Perfect Itineraries

Take a step into the Balearics by visiting the gorgeous city of Palma, Mallorca. This is the largest city in the archipelago; and while the Balearic Islands are more commonly known for their beautiful beaches and nightlife, Palma de Mallorca is a gorgeous city with so much to offer.

Palma Cathedral is otherworldly, and tapas bars and boutique stores line the streets. It’s the perfect historic city for sitting outside and enjoying an ice-cold drink in the afternoon.

But if you’re based in Mallorca’s capital for a trip, you might be interested in some of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca. While it’s situated in the south of the island, excellent transport links mean that it’s great for day trips to see some of the best of the Mallorcan countryside and engage in authentic Balearic culture.

If you’re interested in the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca, read on!

Soller and Port de Soller

Port De Soller – A perfect day trip from Palma de Mallorca

This day trip from Palma de Mallorca is extra special because you’re going to use an incredible method of transport to get there!

A historic train from the 1920s links Palma with Soller. This train winds through the Tramuntana Mountains, stopping off on the way to enjoy one of the best vistas on the island.

The journey to Soller aboard the historic train

Eventually, it reaches Soller. This is a small town most famous for its imposing cathedral, which stands out amongst the rows of terraced shops.

From Soller, you can hop in a tram and head to Port de Soller. This is a gorgeous beach destination, which only opened up to tourists in around the 1980s when a tunnel gave it road access. This means that it avoided the mass tourism of the 1960s/ 1970s that you’ll see throughout the rest of Mallorca, and today it has more of a local feel!

Take a walk up to a viewpoint to look out over the scenery, wander the backstreets and enjoy a fresh baguette, or simply sit by the beach and watch the world go by. Port de Soller is quite a sleepy town, but it’s lovely.

Once you’ve finished in Port de Soller, you can take a tram back to Soller and then transfer to a train. The trains operate all throughout the year, so it’s a great day trip even if you’re visiting Mallorca in winter!

Pollenca

Pollenca is a beautiful town situated in the north of the island. Basking in centuries of history, Pollenca is an ancient town with a history of being conquered frequently throughout its past.

You can take in all of the city’s best sights by walking around, enjoying places like the “Pont Roma”, which is a Roman Bridge on the outskirts of town.

Don’t miss the Placa Mayor and the 18th-century church too!

There’s also an immense viewpoint over the island at El Calvari, which is set up 365 steps and is lined by cypresses on either side. As you go up, you can take in impressive views of the island, each a little better than the last – which will give you the motivation to hike the whole way to the top! From the summit, enjoy views spanning to Port de Pollenca.

Port de Pollenca is also worth visiting as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca. Ideal in the summer months, it’s a blue flag beach with looming views of the Mallorcan mountains in the background. The white sand beaches are incredibly inviting on a hot summer’s day when you’ve been road-tripping all over the island!

Valdemossa

A view of Valldemossa from the Miranda dels Lledoners

Serene Valdemossa is so close to Palma, it’s hard to call it a day trip – but you’ll feel world’s away as you drive to this village in the Traumatana Mountains!

The highest town in Mallorca, Valdemossa is located on a hilltop, with surrounding views of vineyards.

Attractions include the Real Cartuja, otherwise known as the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where you can find cloisters, a beautiful church, and King Sancho’s Palace which was gifted to Carthusian Monks.

The Chopin Museum is a great spot to visit to discover the village’s history, plus there are wonderful walks in the surrounding countryside.

Valdemossa also has great importance amongst Mallorcans. It’s the birthplace of the only Mallorcan saint, Santa Catalina Thomas!

Sa Dragonera Island

The distinctive shape of Dragonera off the coast of Mallorca

The distinctive shape of Sa Dragonera off the coast of Mallorca

Sa Dragonera Island is a tiny island just off the coast of Mallorca.

It’s easy to visit on a boat day trip from Palma; here, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the island including its history of being a pirate’s residence, see wildlife like the native lizards and take in glorious walks such as the local lighthouse.

It’s the perfect day trip from Palma de Mallorca for the summer months!

Cabrera National Park

Explore Cabrera National Park by boat or by hike, or both!

The Cabrera Islands are a small archipelago just off the coast of Mallorca. You can enjoy them by taking a boat trip to the Cabrera National Park; hike around the island and take in the immense Mediterranean views and white-sand beaches.

It’s the largest national park reserve in Spain, so there’s so much to see here, including the Blue Cave which is renowned for its incredible colour effects, and the Castle of Cabrera.

Nowadays, the islands are uninhabited, but they have a fascinating history spanning centuries, and you’ll learn all about them on the guided tour of Cabrera National Park!

Hike Puig de Massanella

The rolling peaks of Puig de Massanella

Puig de Massanella is the highest hikeable peak in Mallorca (Puig Major is the highest, but it’s a military area that tourists can’t access). From the summit, you’ll see a surreal view of the island!

The total hiking distance (there and back) is about 12km, and you’ll gain 700 metres. You’ll feel on top of the world – or at least on top of the island – when you summit it, and as long as you go on a clear day, you should be able to enjoy some of the best views in the Balearics!

This hike is doable in a day, but it’s not easy – you’ll need a good level of fitness and some orienteering experience. You can start the hike from a trailhead by Restaurant Ca’n Gallet which is an hour’s drive from Palma, making it a perfect day trip. Public transport can be a bit tricky in this area, but you could take the T1/ T2/ T3 bus to Inca and transfer to the 312, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Aqualand

If you’re visiting Mallorca with children, Aqualand is a must! Located in S’Arenal, this water park boasts something for all ages, with high-adrenaline rides like the whirlpool ride “tornado”, rapids and the flume “the devil’s tail” for adults and teens and more relaxed, smaller slides for children! There are also plenty of pools to splash about and relax in.

This is one of the best day trips from Palma de Mallorca because it’s so easy to access! Reach it on the number 23 bus which connects with the capital. Adult tickets are only 30,00€ if you buy them in advance!

Visit the wineries

Sample delicious local wines during a day trip from Palma de Mallorca

Have you ever had Mallorcan wine? While varieties from mainland Spain are more famous, there are lots of wineries throughout the Balearic island as well. One of the best day trips that you can do in Mallorca is to see as many as possible!

One of the best is Vins Nadal Winery in Binissalem. It’s an indoor winery with the option to go out and explore the vineyards, and you can sample some reds, whites and rose wines, try some Mallorcan snacks and see the wine cellars.
Alternatively, visit Can Ribas. This winery has a long history spanning all the way back to 1776. You’ll be able to enjoy a historic courtyard as you sample some of their delectable wines, with packages available for all budgets.
Or, head to Bodegas Angel. This winery is close to Palma, but you’ll feel as if you’re in the heart of nature as you sip on red, white and rose wines while looking at the Tramuntana Mountain view!

You can make your own wine tour by choosing a few of the best Mallorca wineries and organizing transport in between them.

However, you can also do a wine tour from Palma and take in some of the best vineyards on the island!

Ibiza

Visit vibrant Ibiza as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca

With useful boat and flight links, you can actually take a day trip from Mallorca all the way to Ibiza!

Ibiza is known for its nightlife and superclubs, but it’s actually a gorgeous island with lots of hidden coves and spectacular viewpoints.

Visit Ibiza town and smaller villages like San Juan, or simply road trip around all of the best beaches, like Cala Carbó or local favourite Pou des Lleó.

To make the most of a day trip to Ibiza, I’d recommend either taking your car on the boat, or flying over and renting a car when you’re there. Boats take about two hours and leave from Palma.

Menorca

Visit Menorca – the smallest of the Balearics, yet full of coves and beaches

The smallest of all the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great day trip from Palma de Mallorca.

You’ll need to either fly or drive to Alcúdia (around 45 minutes from Palma) and take the ferry (which is 2.5 hours). While Menorca is the smallest main Balearic Island, it actually has the same number of beaches as Ibiza and Mallorca combined!

Dive in the perfectly blue waters of Cala Macarelleta or go snorkelling off Cala Pregonda. Road tripping around Menorca is an absolute dream, but thanks to its small size, it’s very feasible to do in a day.

Again, it’s best to have a car here – you can either take yours with you (if you take the boat) or hire a car from the airport.

How to take these day trips from Palma de Mallorca

Most people fly into Mallorca. If you do, you can rent a car from the airport. It’s probably the easiest way to see these incredible day trip locations, and the roads around Mallorca are fairly easy to drive on.

If you can’t drive or don’t want to rent a car, many of these Palma de Mallorca day trips are connected by bus or rail (in the case of Soller and Port de Soller!). There are also plenty of organized tours leaving from the capital, most of which are bookable on Get Your Guide.

These day trips from Palma de Mallorca are incredible ways to see more of the island – and all of the Balearics! By basing yourself in Palma, you’ll be able to access plenty of amenities, but you’re also in an excellent position to see the rest of the island. Mallorca is a dream destination for many, and this guide will help you make the most of your trip there!

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April 6, 2025

11 Unique Hidden Gems in Santa Barbara

Off the Beaten Path

Santa Barbara, California is one of those cities that feels like an escape every time you visit! You can’t go wrong with year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and mountains, and the gorgeous Spanish-style architecture throughout the whole city. Beyond the more popular tourist options such as visiting the Santa Barbara Mission, shopping on State Street, and visiting the breweries and wineries in the Funk Zone – there are many unique hidden gems in Santa Barbara to explore.

Here are 11 of the best hidden gems and unique things to do when visiting Santa Barbara:

1. Tangerine Falls

The Tangerine Falls Trail is a true hidden gem in Santa Barbara – I lived there for four years before learning about this beautiful hike! The trail is unique because there are not many waterfalls in Santa Barbara since the area doesn’t get a lot of rain.

The hike is a 2.2 mile out and back trail that starts on a path then transitions to scrambling over rocks for most of the hike, so it is a bit more difficult for some. However, the effort is well worth it when you reach the waterfall.

The rocks behind the waterfall have a beautiful orange tint and the water collects enough at the bottom that there is usually a shallow swimming hole, and it all overlooks a great view of Santa Barbara with views out to the ocean! Plus, you might see some animal life (like newts!) and nature that is hard to see anywhere else in Santa Barbara.

2. Montecito Hot Springs Canyon Trail

Santa Barbara has a few areas with hot springs (naturally heated pools of water that have bacteria and sulphur with amazing health benefits) but these Montecito ones are my favorite.

The Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a 3.7 mile moderately challenging loop trail. The hike itself is lush and mostly shady, but the best part is dipping in the hot spring pools at the end.

The hottest pool is at the top and each gets a bit cooler as the water flows down. Whichever pool you choose, you will leave feeling like you came from the spa! Just make sure to follow the signs closely to choose the right turns to reach the hot springs.

3. Visit the Sunstone Winery

Located 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Sunstone Winery is truly a hidden gem for those looking for a gorgeous California vineyard. It has been voted “Santa Barbara’s Favorite Red Wine” and “Best Santa Ynez Valley Tasting Room” by the Santa Barbara Independent, proving the Sunstone Winery is a local favorite.

With French inspired courtyards, stone barrel-aging caves, and picnic tables under the olive and oak trees, not to mention the wonderful wines that can only be bought onsite… this is the perfect afternoon activity for those looking to get off the beaten path in Santa Barbara!

4. Tour Casa del Herrero

Casa del Herrero Home and Gardens is great for those who want to experience a piece of Santa Barbara’s history by diving into a more unique experience than the typical tours.

This 1920s home is one of the finest examples of Spanish revival architecture in the U.S. and is full of 15^th and 16^th century pieces from the “Golden Age” of Spain. Plus, the Moorish-style gardens are spectacular.

5. Lizard’s Mouth

Lizard’s Mouth is a rock formation near the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is aptly named for its resemblance to a lizard’s mouth (from a distance) and has some of the best views of the Santa Barbara area.

The distinct silhouette that gives Lizard’s Mouth Rock its name

You must do a little walking (~0.3 miles) to see the rock formation, but the area is primarily made up of rocks and does not really have trails. This is a popular spot in Santa Barbara for outdoors enthusiasts and people who like bouldering and rock climbing.

6. Walk Through the Goleta Butterfly Grove

The Monarch butterflies migrate through Goleta from November to February and can be seen at the Butterfly Grove. It’s incredible to see the butterflies come through, but the site itself is gorgeous all year round too.

Hidden gems in Santa Barbara - monarch roosts in the Goleta butterfly grove

At the right time of year, you can see monarch roosts in the Goleta butterfly grove

Situated on the Goleta bluffs, there are a few trails through the trees that take you to the cliffs and some that have beach access. The Goleta Butterfly Grove is a beautiful and lesser-known spot for a stroll, picnic, or to watch the sunset.

7. Visit Santa Barbara’s Most Unique Coffee Chain: Cajé

Cajé is my absolute favorite coffee chain in Santa Barbara! They of course have great coffee, but they are unique because there’s multiple locations across Santa Barbara that each have a distinctly different vibe and slightly different menu.

The Cajé I highly recommend visiting is across from the Arlington Theater on State Street. It’s a stunning location (often used as a wedding venue!) and serves signature coffee cocktails. The Haley St. Cajé also has nice vibes and “fancy” cocktails and even occasionally (it’s not advertised) turns into a speakeasy at night with a full bar.

For a more casual cup of coffee visit the Cajé downtown State Street or in Isla Vista. The original Cajé is in Isla Vista and mainly serves the local UCSB college community, but it has a more extensive breakfast food menu and a casual, fun feel with a 5-minute walk to the beach.

8. Have a Picnic and Watch the Planes at the Santa Barbara Airport

The Santa Barbara Airport is a tiny airport located in Goleta. It’s a very easy airport to fly in and out of when visiting, especially for inexperienced flyers, but it’s also a great place to see unique, old-school airplanes.

A fun, hidden gem activity is to pick up Dave’s Dogs (a nearby place that serves hotdogs with all kinds of toppings imaginable) and watch the planes from the benches in the waiting lot right outside of the airport.

9. Spend a Day in Solvang – “The Danish Capital of America”

Solvang is a town that is 34 miles (~45-minute drive) north of Santa Barbara, but is well worth a day trip. Most buildings have Danish-style architecture, there are plenty of amazing wine tasting rooms, and multiple authentic Danish bakeries and restaurants.

Discover Danish architecture of the nearby town of Solvang

Discover Danish architecture in the nearby town of Solvang

In Solvang Village, you can tour Old Mission Santa Inés, shop at The Book Loft or Rasmussen’s, visit a museum, enjoy an outdoor performance, or pet the alpacas!

10. Hidden Gem in Santa Barbara for Foodies: Zaytoon

Somehow, Zaytoon is rarely mentioned in places to eat in Santa Barbara, which makes it hands down the best hidden gem restaurant in the area and the one place I always have dinner at every time I’m in town again!

Zaytoon is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurant with a delicious gourmet menu and beautiful patio. It’s a hidden oasis full of flowers and greenery with fire pits, live entertainment, and a beautiful fountain and architecture.

11. Hidden Gem in Santa Barbara for Extreme Adventurers: Kayak to Platform Holly

There are plenty of outdoor and adventurous activities for people to explore in Santa Barbara from surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, rock climbing, and more. One that many people don’t know about is kayaking towards Platform Holly.

Platform Holly is a decommissioned oil rig sitting about two miles off Coal Oil Point just west of Isla Vista. Rent a kayak, pack a lunch, and pick a fair-weather day to kayak out to the oil rig. You will get amazing views of the Santa Barbara coast and cliffs and likely see some sea life along the way!

Kayaking by Isla Vista

It is certainly a challenge and not something to do alone or if you don’t have plenty of water experience. Be aware of the currents and conditions of the day, stay your distance from the sea lions that lay on Holly, and practice utmost safety while on the open ocean water.

Santa Barbara has hidden gems to explore for every type of tourist whether you prefer to stay out in nature or want to explore the ins and outs of the city. There is so much to see and do in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas, especially when you get off the beaten path!

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March 30, 2025