#84 Mandalay Beach
Mandalay Beach in Oxnard is a pristine sandy beach with rolling sand dunes. The beach also preserves central coast wetlands on the Oxnard Plain. Commanding views of the Channel Islands can be seen while enjoying a perfect sunset from this relaxing beach.
#79 Carpinteria Tar Pits
Tar Pits Park, part of Carpinteria State Beach in Carpinteria, is a natural asphalt tar pit lake on the Central Coast. There are only 5 known in the world with three in Southern California. The Native Chumash have used the tar to waterproof their canoes for thousands of years giving Carpinteria its name 'carpentry shop'. Hundreds of fossilized mammals have also been found here frozen in time.
#77 Malaga Cove
Malaga Cove is a hidden cove in Rancho Palos Verdes. The southern edge is rocky shore which opens up to the sandy Los Angeles County stretch. The surrounding bluffs provide seclusion and make for an enjoyable escape from city life. During the winter rains, the hills turn a beautiful shade of green.
#76 Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Crystal Pier, in San Diego's Pacific Beach Neighborhood, is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy a sandy beach. Built in the 1930's, the cottages of the Crystal Pier Hotel rest peacefully on the pier and make for an unforgettable experience of sleeping over the ocean.
#72 Wrigley Botanical Garden
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is a 38 acre garden on the edge of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. It is a memorial for William Wrigley Jr., famous Chicago chewing gum tycoon. He purchased most of the island in 1919 and dreamed up a vacation spot and focused efforts on island preservation. The gardens showcase endemic plants found only on California's Channel Islands and was conceived by Wrigley's Wife Ada. The memorial was designed by Bennett, Parsons & Frost famous for Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. Though no longer buried here, the Gardens & Memorial are filled with Wrigley's Spirit.
#71 Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a sure highlight for any road trip up Highway 1 on the Central Coast. Located just north of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the rookery is managed by Friends of the Elephant Seals, a non profit group where volunteers observe and share their knowledge of these amazing marine mammals.
Elephant Seals migrate twice a year for thousands of miles to rest, breed and birth. Thought to be extinct by the end of the 19th century, a small group survived on Isla Guadalupe in Baja Mexico. Through breeding and protection by Mexico and the United States, there are now an estimated 150,000 going strong.
#68 Corral Canyon
Corral Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area follows a natural creek flowing to the ocean. It is one of the last undeveloped stretches in Malibu. The Sara Wan Trail winds 2.5 miles through the canyon and has great views of the Coast and Point Dume. Wildlife includes Red-Tailed Hawks and Deer.
#65 La Jolla Sea Cave
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave in La Jolla is the only one of the seven sea caves that you can walk into. L. Frank Baum, the writer of 'The Wizard of Oz', named the cave after British Force Wheat Cereal in the 1920's because the opening of the cave resembled its mascot. 145 steps lead you down into the cave whose sandstone is estimated to be 75 million years old.
#64 Arroyo Verde Park
Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura is a beautiful place to view the central coast. Commanding views of the Channel Islands, the Oxnard Plain, the Santa Monica Mountains and Ventura County can all be seen from the trails. The Iconic 'Two Trees', a Ventura Landmark, can also be seen as the rolling foothills turn a brilliant green in the wintertime.
#61 Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach and its Pleasure Pier have been a destination since 1889. It is the 7th pier to be constructed on this beach. The Victorian Hotel Redondo opened in 1890 and was an important Coastal Resort of the West that was linked to the railways. It was up there in luxury with the likes of the Hotel Del Coronado with 3 floors and 225 rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel was demolished in 1926 and would certainly have been an icon today.
