#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'.
#153 Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area
Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area is a grand assortment of sandstone boulders and cliffs at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. At 4,750 feet, the San Andreas Fault travels directly beneath the park helping to create its striking formations. A one mile trail takes you down into the heart of the punchbowl for an up-close look at this geological wonderland.
#146 Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest museum of its kind in the west. Operating since 1913, the beaux-arts building and rotunda is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is something for everyone to enjoy with more than 35 million artifacts spanning 4.5 billion years. From the new 'Dinosaur Hall' with over 300 real fossils to the history of the 'Becoming Los Angeles' exhibit, a visit will inform and delight.
#144 Point Dume Nature Preserve
Point Dume Nature Preserve is a beautiful headland hill on the cliffs of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. A hike to the top provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding ocean and mountains. Secret coves and white sandy beaches line the ocean below.
#141 Wayfarers Chapel
Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is a beautiful seaside church designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. Nicknamed the 'glass church', it officially opened in 1951. The surrounding landscape and planted redwood trees blend seamlessly to become one with the hillside while views of the ocean and Catalina Island are stunning.
#138 Rocky Peak Park
Rocky Peak Park is a great way to escape the bustle of the city without traveling far. Shared by Los Angeles & Ventura Counties, giant sandstone boulders dominate the landscape among chaparral and oak woodlands. It is also a great place to see spring wildflowers. The parkland has been used by the Tataviam, Tongva and Chumash Native Americans for at least 8,000 years.
#135 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier has been a classic California experience since 1909. Its iconic views of the Santa Monica Mountains make it a perfect spot to catch a sunset at the end of Route 66. The pier has always been a pleasure pier from its original ballroom, aquarium, arcade, Ferris Wheel, and carousel. Originally built in 1922 featuring 44 hand-carved horses, the current carousel was rebuilt in 1990 under the Looff Hippodrome, an architectural monument on the National Register of Historic Places. Join the amazing docents for free historical walking tours Saturdays and Sundays 11 and 12pm.
#127 Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Southern California. This 64 acre ecological reserve includes beautiful coves, tide pools and bluff top trails. Starfish and sunbathing seals surround the deep blue waters while the rolling hills in the background make for a perfect wild afternoon close to the city.
#126 Peter Strauss Ranch
Peter Strauss Ranch is an enchanting park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Beautiful oak woodlands surround the ranch house as well as the cactus garden, original swimming pool and bird cage ruins. Trails wind through the National Park Service property which was once the ranch for actor Peter Strauss. It is also sacred land for the Chumash Native Americans who resided in these mountains for thousands of years.
#122 Boddy House
The Boddy House is a beautiful Hollywood Regency Mansion at the Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Designed by Hollywood's James Dolena for newspaper tycoon Manchester Boddy in 1937, the 22 room mansion has stunning views of the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. This 12,000sq. ft. house is a wonderful way to relive the glamour of Hollywood's past by a visit to the gardens.
