#57 La Cumbre Peak
La Cumbre Peak at 3,997 feet high soars above the Santa Barbara Skyline in the Santa Ynez Mountains. Miles and miles of mountain and ocean views can be seen from this beautiful peak which can be accessed by driving up East Camino Cielo. Boulders, sandstone and pine trees decorate the slopes.
#55 Cayucos
Cayucos on the Central Coast is known as the last of the California beach towns. With a population just under three thousand, this quiet beach town is a friendly retreat. Historic buildings with shops and restaurants line the beach while rolling green hills drop to the shore and delight the soul. Time has stopped here and worries are no more.
#52 Smuggler's Cove
Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park is a premiere Hike in Southern California. The trail is 8 miles out and back making it a moderately strenuous hike. Carry lots of water and use caution in the summer heat. The trail crosses the beautiful island to a hidden cove which is perfect for relaxing and watching the waves roll in. Great views of Anacapa Island can also be seen. This trailhead can be reached by taking an Island Packers Cruise to Scorpion Ranch.
#47 Point Mugu State Park
Point Mugu State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. From the rugged mountains to the giant sand hill on the breezy coast, this park offers more than 70 miles of hiking trails. Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area is also located within the boundary of the park. Point Mugu is also known for Giant Mugu Rock which was formed when the land was cut through the mountains for the creation of the Pacific Coast Highway. This "Point" has been featured in numerous films and commercials.
#44 Mission Santa Inés
Mission Santa Inés, established in 1804, was created to help convert the Chumash Native Americans to the Spanish way of life. Being the 19th established Mission, it served as a link between Santa Barbara and Lompoc. The Chumash revolted this new way of life in February of 1824. They fought for their freedom which eventually led to them fleeing into the mountains. The Mission system ended in 1833 after Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821. Today, Mission Santa Inés has been beautifully restored against the rolling green backdrop of the Santa Ynez Valley in Solvang.
#42 Port San Luis
Port San Luis Harbor District is a recreational harbor and pier for the people in San Luis Obispo County. Steamboats first sailed into the wharf built here in 1837. The railroads then carried goods inland. Whether boating, fishing or strolling, everyone is welcome at Port San Luis. Even the California Sea Lions have made themselves home.
#41 Oxnard Heritage Square
Heritage Square is an historic district in Downtown Oxnard on the Central Coast. Fifteen Victorian structures have been beautifully restored bringing to life the early days of Ventura County. Neighboring Henry T. Oxnard Historic District includes 139 buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Architecture ranges from Victorian to Mission/Spanish Revival and California Bungalow/Craftsman.
#33 La Arcada
In the center of historic Santa Barbara, is the famous La Arcada. With entrances on State Street and Figueroa, La Arcada is charming with its Spanish courtyard, fountains and bronze statues. Beautiful galleries, shops and restaurants fill the tile-lined streets. Myron Hunt designed this timeless SB landmark in 1926.
#24 Elfin Forest
The Elfin Forest is a peaceful nature preserve in Los Osos on the Central Coast. Located along beautiful Morro Bay, the forest protects 90 acres and more than 200 plants, 22 mammals, 13 reptiles & amphibians and over 100 species of birds. The pygmy oak woodland, chaparral, marsh and manzanita plant communities all come together to reveal what the Coast of California is actually supposed to look like.
#23 Franceschi Park
Franceschi Park in Santa Barbara is the essential spot to view a panorama of Santa Barbara. The drive up via Alameda Padre Serra road is a thrill in itself. Located on the former estate of Francesco Franceschi, an Italian Botanist, this 18 acre park contains the ghostly remains of a mansion and gardens. During the turn of the 20th century, Franceschi imported nearly one thousand different species of plants into Southern California transforming the way SoCal would be landscaped forever.
