ocean, central coast, state park, los angeles, national park Kyle Hanson ocean, central coast, state park, los angeles, national park Kyle Hanson

#11 La Piedra State Beach

La Piedra State Beach is a beautiful secret beach in Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It is overshadowed by the popular El Matador State beach next door. La Piedra in Spanish means rock, a fitting name for this rocky shore. It is one of my favorite beaches ever because of its solitude as well as it was the first beach I explored when moving to California.

 
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desert, san diego, state park Kyle Hanson desert, san diego, state park Kyle Hanson

#4 Pictograph Trail

Pictograph Trail is located in the Little Blair Valley region of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. More than two thousand years ago, the Kumeyaay Native Americans lived in this desert. They painted these fragile Pictographs on giant boulders. Though the meaning is now lost, some believe they were created for spiritual rituals.

These Pictographs in the deserts of San Diego County (The Great Outback) are a must see. Hiking involves an easy 2 mile round trip hike if starting from the trailhead parking lot. Please note that it is an unpaved dirt road to the trailhead for a few miles and 4 wheel drive is strongly recommended. Use extreme caution when traveling in the desert. Hike this trail in the winter if possible, let people know where you are going and when you shall return. Carry plenty of water.

Pictograph/Petroglpyh Etiquette: Take many photos but DO NOT TOUCH. Oils from our hands can destroy forever. Do not alter the rock art in any way or form and please stay on the trail to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.

Unknown even to most locals of California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a treasure trove of scenic beauty at every turn. Stay tuned for more from this beautiful State Park!

 
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ocean, san diego, state park Kyle Hanson ocean, san diego, state park Kyle Hanson

#1 Silver Strand State Beach

silver strand state beach

Silver Strand State Beach on Coronado Island in San Diego is constantly named one of the best beaches in the country. It is also my personal favorite sandy beach. The sand dances to create 'silver strands' that shine and glimmer in the sunlight. Soft and fine sand make it is a great beach for walking or running. As a west facing beach, it is one of the best spots to catch a famous San Diego Sunset. In the early morning hours or at night as the tides roll in, perfect sand dollars wash ashore.

 
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