Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of San Diego's hidden gems with 1.5 miles of sculpted sandstone cliffs & arches, hidden coves and endless ocean vistas. Sixty-eight acres preserve 100 bird, 20 mammal, 10 reptile and 80 native plant species. The land began forming 75 million years ago during the Cretaceous Era and preserved many fossil species now housed in the San Diego Natural History Museum. An afternoon or sunset stroll is an iconic San Diego experience.
#330 Estero Bluffs State Park
Estero Bluffs State Park preserves a coastline with a dramatic meeting of land and sea. Bluffs covered in grassland lead to rocky coves with endless ocean vistas. Cottontail rabbits, mule deer, seven butterfly species, brown pelicans, harbor seals and the endangered sea otter can all be spotted enjoying the coast. Enjoy a hike through miles of secluded ocean-front trails.
#294 Montana de Oro Sand Spit
The Sand Spit is a ancient coastal dune field in Montaña de Oro State Park. For several miles, massive sand dunes cover bluffs that descend into crashing waters below. A trail leads to the ocean while climbing the many peaks offer dramatic vistas of Los Osos and Morro Bay. Enjoy a peaceful day wandering the dunes and finding hidden spots to relax.
#285 Point La Jolla
Point La Jolla, 'The Jewel' in Spanish, certainly lives up to its name with its sparkling clear waters. The walk along Coast Boulevard from Point La Jolla south includes several vista points, hidden coves, rocky bluffs, tidepools, seals and sea lions. It is a special place where everyone comes and everyone belongs.
#284 Bluff Trail
The Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park is the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California. Stunning sea stacks with crashing waves will leave you breathless while the surrounding mountains turn golden with poppies in the Spring. The trails take you to dramatic vista points and secret coves perfect for a picnic or relaxation. From just a few steps to a four mile loop, everyone can experience 'Mountain of Gold' in their own way.
#282 Treasure Island
Treasure Island in Laguna Beach is the perfect place to experience the California coast. With its white sandy beaches, rocky tidepools, hidden coves and perfectly landscaped bluff-top gardens, it is certainly a treasure. Bring your camera and stay for the sunsets.
#265 San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach is one of the most visited state parks in California. Established in 1971 by Governor Ronald Reagan, it is currently leased to the state from the United States Marine Corps. Perfect sandy beaches lie below dramatic sculpted cliffs creating a stunning landscape. The park is also home to a sacred Juaneño Native American village called 'Panhe' that is over 8,000 years old.
#262 Corona del Mar
Corona del Mar State Beach is one of the hidden treasures of Orange County. Meaning 'Crown of the Sea' in Spanish, this stretch of coast certainly lives up to its name. The beach is separated by dramatic cliffs into 'Big Corona' and 'Little Corona'. Big Corona offers white sandy beach perfect for sunbathing while Little Corona offers stunning rocky coves, tidepools and arches.
#250 Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is one of the most beautiful spots along Highway 1's Big Sur Coast. Two miles of stunning coast are preserved with trails that climb from the rocky coast to redwood forest. The park is a great spot to watch whales, seals and sea otters while hidden coves are perfect for solitude.
#245 El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is one of the Jewels of Malibu. Its iconic rock formations, sea caves and coves make for an unforgettable coastal escape. This beach is a favorite among photographers with its limitless shore and winding bluff to sea trail.
