#117 Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach named after Emma Catherine Wood is a secluded beach in Ventura on the Central Coast. Sitting at the mouth of the Ventura River, the Santa Ynez Mountains beautifully frame the beach and estuary in the background. Whether coming for relaxation or a stroll, this stunning beach with views of the Channel Islands will delight.
#114 Reef Point
Reef Point in Crystal Cove State Park along the Orange County Coast is a great way to spend an afternoon. Beautiful bluffs drop to sandy beaches as well as rocky tidepool coves making it the perfect beach for everyone.
#112 Rincon Point
Rincon Point, nicknamed 'Queen of the Coast', is one of the most famous surf spots on the coast of California. It is even mentioned in the Beach Boys Classic 'Surfin' Safari'. The beach north of the point provide dramatic sea stacks and are a photographers paradise.
#110 Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
The Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach is one of the most spectacular sights on the Central Coast. Each year thousands and thousands of monarch butterflies travel south to roost for the winter. They blend right into the eucalyptus trees which provide shelter. This is one of the largest colonies in the nation with up to 25,000 butterflies. Enjoy them at Pismo State Beach from November to February.
#103 Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor on the waterfront has been the perfect afternoon stroll for more than a century. Row after row of beautiful boats frame the rolling Santa Ynez Mountains in the background making this the perfect land-meets-ocean coastline.
#101 Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier on the stunning coast of Malibu is a wonderful classic wooden pier. Originally built in 1905 for the local ranches, the pier is now owned by California State Parks and has been a public pier since 1934. Enjoy the stunning coastal views while on a beautiful sunset stroll.
#91 Balboa Island
Balboa Island is a charming community in Newport Beach. Once a natural swampland with sand on the ocean, an island was created for the construction of a village and adjacent harbor. Lots which sold for $250 one hundred years ago now cost millions. Many celebrities during the golden age of Hollywood had boats here including John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Mae West and Shirley Temple. Quaint shops and ice cream parlors line the streets and make for a perfect afternoon of relaxation.
#88 Palisades Park
Palisades Park is a beautiful bluff-top park in Santa Monica. With its stunning ocean to mountain views, it makes for a perfect stroll to enjoy a sunny California day. The park is landscaped with a variety of palm, fig and eucalyptus trees and stretches 1.5 miles.
#87 Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Old Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego is one of the original six lighthouses approved by Congress in 1850 after California was admitted to the union. Opening in 1855, the lighthouse was the highest in the country at 400 feet. Fog and cloud coverage made the lighthouse hard to see so was retired in 1891. The lighthouse also served as the home for the light keeper and family who would entertain visitors with its grandiose bluff-top views. Part of Cabrillo National Monument, the lighthouse can be visited in San Diego's National Park.
#86 Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon is a beautiful spot in the Santa Monica Mountains. A 2 mile round trip hike takes you into the canyon to the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House which was designed by Paul R. Williams, famous African American Architect in 1952. The house blended in with its natural surroundings and can be discovered by its blueprint foundation today. A nearby waterfall is also a highlight that can be seen flowing all year long.
