Unusual Things to Do in California: 10 Offbeat Adventures for Young Adults

Let's be honest, if you're under 30 and planning a trip to California, you're probably sick of hearing about the same five places. Disneyland, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Fisherman's Wharf... they're fine, I guess. But they're also crowded, expensive, and honestly, a bit predictable. The real magic of California—the stuff that makes for unforgettable stories and killer Instagram posts—isn't on the postcards. It's hidden in abandoned military forts, glowing neon boneyards, and silent discos under the stars. This is your guide to the truly unusual things to do in California, curated for the adventurous, budget-conscious young adult who wants more than a photo op.

Urban Exploration & Forgotten History

California's rapid growth has left behind some fascinating ghosts. These spots offer a tangible, slightly eerie connection to the past that's way more engaging than a museum diorama.

Battery Spencer & The Marin Headlands Bunkers (Sausalito)

Everyone drives to the Golden Gate Bridge lookout, snaps a pic, and leaves. Big mistake. Just above that crowded lot is Battery Spencer, a crumbling concrete military fortification from the late 1800s. You can walk right into the old gun emplacements and bunkers. The view of the bridge and city is arguably better, and you have these massive, graffiti-covered ruins to yourself. It feels like discovering a secret. Further into the Marin Headlands, there's a network of these batteries (like Battery Rathbone-McIndoe). Bring a flashlight, good shoes, and a sense of exploration. There are no official tours or tickets—it's just there. Address: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965. Park carefully along the road.

The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) & Neon Boneyard Tour (Glendale/Los Angeles)

This isn't your grandma's art museum. MONA in Glendale is cool, but the real adventure is their quarterly "Neon Boneyard" tour. You get bused to a secure, unmarked warehouse district in LA where retired neon signs go to die—or be reborn. You're walking among the skeletal remains of iconic 20th-century signage. It's an electric graveyard. The guides are passionate historians, and the photo opportunities are surreal. Tours sell out months in advance, so plan ahead. Cost: Around $55 per person. Booking: Essential via the Museum of Neon Art website.

Nature's Weirdness: Lava, Bioluminescence & Salt

California's natural beauty is famous, but its geological and biological oddities are where the real fun is.

Lava Beds National Monument (Tulelake)

This is the crown jewel of unusual things to do in California for young adults who love adventure. It's remote—way up near the Oregon border—which keeps the crowds away. You're not here to look at lava beds; you're here to go spelunking in them. The monument has over 800 lava tube caves. You can rent a hard hat and flashlight (or bring your own) and explore on your own. Some caves are easy walks; others require crawling. It's pitch black, quiet, and otherworldly. Mushpot Cave is lit and has explanations, perfect for beginners. Skull Cave has ice floors year-round. Cost: $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Essential: Good gloves, knee pads, and multiple light sources per person.

Bioluminescent Kayaking (Tomales Bay or Newport Beach)

Paddling a kayak at night is cool. Paddling a kayak through water that sparkles and glows neon blue with every stroke is mind-blowing. This natural phenomenon, caused by dinoflagellates, is seasonal and depends on water temperature and algae blooms. Summer and early fall are typically best. Tours in Tomales Bay (north of SF) or Newport Beach (SoCal) guide you through safe channels. It's not guaranteed every night, but when it happens, it's pure magic. It's also physically engaging—perfect for burning off energy. Cost: $75-$120 per person for a guided tour. Operators like Blue Waters Kayaking in Tomales Bay or Newport Aquatic Center are reputable.

Quirky Culture & Nightlife Twists

When the sun goes down, the weird gets wonderful.

Silent Disco & Stargazing at Mt. Pinos (Los Padres National Forest)

Here's a combo you won't find anywhere else. Drive up to Mt. Pinos, one of the best stargazing spots in Southern California due to its high elevation and low light pollution. Now, imagine putting on wireless headphones with your friends. One channel plays funky house, another plays 80s rock, a third might be ambient chill. You're all dancing under the Milky Way, but the only sound is the crunch of your feet on gravel and your own laughter. It's surreal, communal, and incredibly fun. What to bring: Warm layers (it gets cold), your own headphones if you have them (most organizers provide), water, and red-light flashlights to preserve night vision.

Ostrichland USA (Solvang)

Solvang is a weird Danish-themed town, but just outside it is something genuinely bizarre. Ostrichland USA is exactly what it sounds like. You can buy a cup of feed and have giant ostriches and emus eat directly from your hand. It's slightly terrifying, hilarious, and utterly memorable. It's cheap, quick (30-60 mins), and breaks up a coastal road trip perfectly. It's the kind of place you go for the story. Address: 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA 93463. Cost: About $7 per adult, plus a couple bucks for feed.

I'll be honest, the gift shop is full of kitsch, and the place smells, well, like a farm. But that's part of the charm. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not.

How to Plan Your Offbeat California Trip: A Realistic Guide

These adventures require a different mindset than a resort vacation.

Transportation is Non-Negotiable: You absolutely need a car. Public transport won't get you to lava beds or Mt. Pinos at midnight. Use Turo or a standard rental, and split the cost 4 ways. It's the biggest expense but also your freedom ticket.

Embrace the Road Trip: Pair these activities. A NorCal loop could be: SF (Battery Spencer) -> Kayak Tomales Bay -> Drive up to Lava Beds. A SoCal loop: LA (Neon Tour) -> Solvang (Ostrichland) -> Mt. Pinos for stargazing.

Accommodation Hack: Skip expensive coastal hotels when doing inland stuff. Book campsites via Recreation.gov (like at Lava Beds) or look for budget motels in smaller towns. Your money goes towards experiences, not a fancy bed you'll only sleep in.

Your Offbeat California Questions Answered