los angeles, state park, mountains, foothills, forest Kyle Hanson los angeles, state park, mountains, foothills, forest Kyle Hanson

#212 Placerita Canyon State Park

Placerita Canyon State Park preserves an important transition zone between the San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert ecosystems. Coast live oaks line winding trails through chaparral covered hills. One oak in particular, 'Oak of the Golden Dream', claims fame as the first location of gold discovery in 1842. The canyon has also been a favorite location for Hollywood films with its streams, trees and canyons.

 
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los angeles, ocean, foothills Kyle Hanson los angeles, ocean, foothills Kyle Hanson

#206 Portuguese Bend Reserve

Portuguese Bend Reserve is a 399 acre preserve along the rolling hills of Rancho Palos Verdes. A variety of trails wind along the bluffs and provide stunning views of the ocean. With its rocky canyons and coastal sage scrub, it is the perfect example of the Mediterranean habitat of the Southern California Coast.

 
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san luis obispo, central coast, mission, museum, foothills Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, central coast, mission, museum, foothills Kyle Hanson

#204 Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Founded in 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was the fifth of the California Missions. A successful hunting expedition of grizzly bears to feed the Spanish and Native Americans at the mission in Monterey nearby led to the founding of this mission with the nickname 'Mission in the Valley of the Bears'. Abundant food & water, a mild climate and friendly Native American Chumash allowed the mission to thrive.

 
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los angeles, national park, ocean, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson los angeles, national park, ocean, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson

#199 Charmlee Wilderness Park

Charmlee Wilderness Park is a beautiful coastal park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Beautiful trails wind through rolling hills with wildflower-filled meadows that offer stunning views of Malibu on sacred Chumash land. With the convergence of mountains and ocean, this is Southern California at its most iconic.

 
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ventura, mission, foothills, ocean, central coast Kyle Hanson ventura, mission, foothills, ocean, central coast Kyle Hanson

#189 Grant Park

Grant Park is one of the best views in Ventura. Sweeping views of the ocean, Channel Islands, Santa Monica Mountains and the city itself go on for miles. A cross has marked the top of the park since 1782 named 'Serra Cross' after Father Serra, the father of the mission system. It lies directly above Mission San Buneaventura. A new 2 mile trail makes a great hike to the top from City Hall though can also be reached by a short, winding drive.

 
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orange county, ocean, foothills Kyle Hanson orange county, ocean, foothills Kyle Hanson

#186 Seaview Park

Seaview Park in Laguna Niguel offers breathtaking views of the Laguna Coast and San Joaquin Hills at Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. A trail leading down to Aliso Peak offers even more coastal views of Laguna Beach. On a clear day, views of Rancho Palos Verdes, Catalina Island and the Santa Ana Mountains to the east make it a great spot to watch the sunset.

 
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central valley, foothills, forest, mountains, museum, state park Kyle Hanson central valley, foothills, forest, mountains, museum, state park Kyle Hanson

#182 Fort Tejon State Historic Park

Fort Tejon State Historic Park was a United States Army military post established in 1854 to control and protect Native Americans in the area as well as control livestock. The Gold Rush brought about great conflict between miners and Natives. Land disputes began and Native Americans were forced to live on reservations. Efforts for the Civil War was needed out East so the army left after only 10 years. Restored exterior and interior buildings recreate the way of life here 150 years ago. Valley Oak Trees up to 400 years old are also part of the park property.

 
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los angeles, foothills, museum Kyle Hanson los angeles, foothills, museum Kyle Hanson

#158 Griffith Observatory

At 1,135 ft high in the hills of Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is the crown jewel of Los Angeles. On a clear day, gorgeous views of Los Angeles, Hollywood and the ocean are seen for miles. It has been free since opening its doors in 1935. Colonel Griffith J. Griffith donated his land to the city in what would become a great park as long as a planetarium was built. He wanted a place where all could explore and enjoy astronomy. The Observatory was made famous by its appearance in the iconic James Dean Film 'Rebel Without A Cause'.

 
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