However, California is far from a "one mountain range" state, and much further south, the sunny terrain of Southern California has its own splendid mountain ranges to discover. Located just a 1.5-hour drive north of San Diego, Palomar Mountain State Park is a grandiose showcase of Southern California's rolling mountain peaks and distinctive flora and fauna that often gets lost amid nearby major cities. Though it's not the highest peak in the region, Palomar Mountain may very well be the most beautiful. Situated as it is near the coast, Palomar Mountain offers extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean on top of its stunning vistas of the mountains further inland. Altogether, Palomar Mountain State Park is one of California's most underrated mountain destinations, and a can't-miss experience for anyone exploring the hidden wonders outside of San Diego.