#361 Los Angeles Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library was built in 1926 in the Art Deco architectural style with Mediterranean Revival and Egyptian influences. The crown jewel is the rotunda with its 4 massive murals, each 40 feet wide, created by artist Dean Cornwell. Each one depicts an important piece of California history: the Era of Discovery, the Building of the Missions, Founding of the Pueblo of Los Angeles and the Americanization of California.
#353 Union Station
Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles is the largest railroad terminal in the West serving more than 100,000 passengers each day. Opening in 1939, this was the last great railway station built during the Golden Age of train travel. Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Streamline Moderne are its architectural styles making it timeless and iconic.
#315 Angels Flight
Angels Flight is an historic funicular railway in Downtown Los Angeles which has served the city since 1901. It is known as one of the shortest railroads in the world and was originally used to carry businessmen up Bunker Hill. Operating until 1969, it was then stored for 27 years until reopening in 1996 as a tourist landmark. Unfortunately, several accidents have caused the railway to close and a reopening is unknown at this point. The railway is still displayed Downtown.
#300 Coronado
Coronado, 'Crowned One' in Spanish, is a resort destination across the bay in San Diego. Usually referred to as an island, it is actually connected to the mainland by the isthmus, Silver Strand. The town built the iconic Hotel Del Coronado in 1888 and has been the place to be and be seen ever since.
Traveling the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is the perfect way to make a grand entrance with its sweeping views of Downtown and the bay. Beautiful Main Street is lined with galleries, shops and restaurants while the beach offers the finest in sand in California often making the top list for best beaches in the USA.
#244 Seaport Village
Just steps from Downtown, Seaport Village is an eating, shopping and entertainment district along the Bay of San Diego. The village contains an original hand-carved carousel build in 1895. A short walk away stands the iconic 'Unconditional Surrender' sculpture by John Seward Johnson II depicting a sailor returning home to his girl. Nearby is the 'National Salute to Bob Hope & The Military' memorial by Eugene Daub & Steven Whyte where views of the bay make for a peaceful stroll.
#227 Downtown Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of Palm Springs. Palm trees line the historic buildings, shops and restaurants while the San Jacinto Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a fun way to discover those who helped create the city as a resort getaway including Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor.
#200 Avila Adobe
Part of El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, Avila Adobe was built in 1818 and is the oldest residence in Los Angeles. Francisco Avila, mayor in 1810, built the Adobe to entertain and conduct business as it was in the center of the Plaza alongside working his rancho in the countryside. He hosted family as well as travelers including famous explorer Jedediah Smith. Though falling into ruin and condemned in 1920's, Christine Sterling from San Francisco, helped gain public interest and save it from destruction. The state acquired the property as a state park in 1953.
#116 Santa Fe Depot
Santa Fe Depot in the heart of Downtown San Diego was built in 1915 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Originally constructed to bring in visitors to the Panama-California Exposition the same year, its Mission Revival Architecture was the grandest structure the railway had ever built in the West. Its wooden ceilings were constructed from California Redwood Trees. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Santa Fe Depot is a must see for any visit.
#95 Olvera Street
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument or Olvera Street is the oldest section of Los Angeles. Founded in 1781, the settlement was started by just 44 people and grew to be a social and commercial hub into what would be one of the largest cities in the world. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, today, Olvera Street is a colorful market celebration of Los Angeles' Spanish and Mexican heritage.
#93 Bubblegum Alley
Bubblegum Alley is a 70 foot wall in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Growing in the 1970's, two cleanings were instated to try and remove the gum but people persisted. There is much debate whether it is a great draw for tourists or a smelly eye sore. Whether disgusted or delighted, it is an interesting visit for the senses.
