KQED is a proud member of
Inform. Inspire. Involve.

Hidden GemsHidden Gems

A roller skating rink in a church, a Prohibition-era bowling alley, and a movie set tucked into dunes along the Central Coast. We’ve put together a list of hidden gems in California.

A ship sits next to a doc with cloudy sky in the background

Hidden Gems: The Pirate Ship on Big Bear Lake

Save Article
hand holds cup while other hand ladles creamy white and orange drink, with visible chunks of mango and shredded coconut

At Kiss My Boba, Tongan Specialty Helps San Bruno Shop Stand Out

Save Article

Audio Road Trip: Unearthing California's Hidden Gems

Save Article
A large, rocky island, with waves crashing around it.

'It's Like You're on a Different Planet': In Search of Whales (and Other Creatures) at the Mysterious Farallon Islands

Save Article

Revisiting Some of Our Favorite Hidden Gems: A Journey Through California's Best Kept Secrets

Save Article
A large yellow-and-black sign reads "Welcome to Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz, California U.S.A."

What's Behind One of California's Most Ubiquitous Bumper Stickers?

Save Article
People order food at a white food truck with red lettering and a red flower painted on the side.

Coming Back for More at Lady Chicken & Rice

Save Article
A lush waterfall, with dozens of separate cascades from a green, rocky cliff into a turquoise pool.

Chasing Waterfalls at California's Second-Oldest State Park

Save Article
A box of six colorful mochi, with a plastic top and the shop's label on it.

How Shuei-Do Manju Shop in San José Inspires a Cult Following With Its Soft, Pillowy Mochi

Save Article
Sponsored