This Underrated Mountain Town In California Is A Historic, Outdoorsy Gem

When you think of places in the United States known for incredible outdoor adventures, California often comes to mind – so much so that it remains one of the most visited states in the country. For travelers hoping to escape the crowded parks and famous coastlines, California's mountain towns offer the perfect alternative. Among them, Tehachapi stands out alongside the most underrated small towns in America worth visiting.

Located in Kern County, between the Central Valley and the Mojave Desert, this mountain town sits at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. The surrounding Tehachapi Mountains frame the town with postcard-worthy scenery and create ideal conditions for hiking, biking, and endless outdoor activities. Beyond its natural beauty, Tehachapi's rich history is part of what makes it unforgettable. Once inhabited by the Kawaiisu people for thousands of years, the area changed forever in 1876 with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad. What began as Summit Station soon became known as Tehachapi, a name officially adopted by the railroad company.

Today, downtown Tehachapi reflects its rich railroad heritage, with historic buildings and museums that keep the town's past alive. For out of state visitors, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers the best way to get there — the 110-mile drive via CA-14 takes a little over three hours. Alternatively, Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield is roughly 49 miles away, with major airlines such as American and United offering service. Public transportation from Bakersfield, via taxi and bus, takes about an hour and 22 minutes and costs around $23 to $30. Once you arrive, the mountain backdrop immediately signals you've reached one of California's finest outdoor destinations.

The best place to start exploring Tehachapi is the Tehachapi Loop — the town's most iconic landmark and a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Completed in the 1870s, this nearly 3,800-foot long spiral track was designed to help trains climb the steep Tehachapi Mountains. Visitors can pull over and watch trains curve gracefully around the loop from the overlook on Woodford-Tehachapi Road. There's no fixed schedule, but with a bit of luck, you'll catch a freight train passing through. As breathtaking as that sight is, it's only the beginning of what Tehachapi offers. The Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum, open Thursday through Monday, is a perfect next stop, featuring interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the town's rich railroad past.

A short stroll downtown leads to the Tehachapi Museum, an art deco building from 1931 that showcases pioneer tools, photographs, and exhibits tracing the town's evolution from the Kawaiisu people to the arrival of early settlers. If you're visiting in spring or fall, the museum also offers a four-hour guided tour of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, a protected site of the Kawaiisu tribe, for $20 per person. After returning from the tour, make time for the Errea House, the oldest residence in Tehachapi and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was restored to reflect life in the early 1900s, with a garden resembling one from that period.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Tehachapi Mountain Park spans 490 acres and features scenic trails and abundant wildlife. The quarter-mile Nuooah Nature Trail features signs about local geology and Native history, while the 4.1-mile Tehachapi Mountain Trail and 4.4-mile Tehachapi Mountain Loop reward hikers with sweeping views. Beyond the park, Aimee's Loop attracts mountain bikers seeking rugged terrain and stunning vistas.

Tehachapi's adventures extend far beyond its historic roots. Downtown hums with life, and a visit isn't complete without seeing the four historic wind turbines that have powered the city's water treatment plant since the 1980s. For a calmer adventure, stop by Adorable Alpacas, a ranch where visitors can meet gentle alpacas up close, learn about sustainable farming, and browse a charming gift shop filled with cozy sweaters, socks, and blankets made from alpaca wool.

After a day outdoors, grab something to eat at local favorites like Red House BBQ and Jake's Steakhouse — two spots consistently top-rated on Tripadvisor. Like many other California cities with a reputation as one of the best places in the U.S. for wine tasting, the Tehachapi Mountains were officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). Vineyards such as Triassic Vineyards, Tehachapi Winery, Dorner Family Vineyard, and Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company offer tasting rooms surrounded by panoramic mountain views.

When it's time to rest, camping at Tehachapi Mountain Park remains a top option. Permits are required and cost $18 for daily use. Another alternative is the Brite Valley Aquatic Recreation Area, which offers RV sites, tent camping, and year-round fishing opportunities. For something less rustic, try the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Baymont Inn & Suites, or Best Western Plus Country Park Hotel, with prices ranging from $100 to $160 per night. While this mountain town can be visited any time of the year, it's an underrated adventure destination you need to visit in summer, when the Tehachapi Farmers Market fills downtown with local produce from June through August, and the Tehachapi Mountain Festival, held every August since 1963, are worth planning your trip around.