Cool and Unusual Things to Do in California City - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in California City

California City, California

California City: The Unbuilt Suburb

The "3rd largest" city in California is an empty mirage of suburbia in the middle of nowhere.

California City, California

Lake Shore Inn

Abandoned hotel with adjacent lake and golf course.

Are we missing something unusual in California City?

Edwards Air Force Base, California

World's Largest Compass Rose

Etched into a dry lake bed, this massive directional indicator is accurate without magnets.

16 miles from California City

Cantil, California

Saltdale

Salt is slowly eating away this abandoned saltworks town in the desert.

17 miles from California City

Boron, California

Borax Visitor Center

Everything you always wanted to know about borates is here.

17 miles from California City

Randsburg, California

Burro Schmidt Tunnel

This impressive tunnel was dug entirely by hand over the course of 36 years.

20 miles from California City

Rosamond, California

The Cat House

Exotic feline breeding compound and conservation center.

22 miles from California City

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Atlas Obscura Trips

Photographing Palm Springs: The Quirky & Surreal

Join National Geographic author, photographer, and Palm Springs resident Christopher P. Baker on this one-of-a-kind photography workshop exploring the most striking and photogenic sites in and around Greater Palm Springs.

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