#260 Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. With over 11,000 animals representing 500 species, the amazing array of exhibits has something for everyone. The jellyfish exhibits are some of the most comprehensive of its kind while the shark lagoon and touch tanks are an experience for the child in us all. Discover what lies beneath the Pacific Ocean in this deep sea wonderland.
#252 Oceanside Pier
Oceanside Pier has been a popular ocean spot since 1888 and is a friendly beach where everyone is welcome. At 1,954 feet, it is one of the longest on the West Coast. Enjoy the pelicans and the endless ocean vistas.
#250 Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is one of the most beautiful spots along Highway 1's Big Sur Coast. Two miles of stunning coast are preserved with trails that climb from the rocky coast to redwood forest. The park is a great spot to watch whales, seals and sea otters while hidden coves are perfect for solitude.
#245 El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is one of the Jewels of Malibu. Its iconic rock formations, sea caves and coves make for an unforgettable coastal escape. This beach is a favorite among photographers with its limitless shore and winding bluff to sea trail.
#244 Seaport Village
Just steps from Downtown, Seaport Village is an eating, shopping and entertainment district along the Bay of San Diego. The village contains an original hand-carved carousel build in 1895. A short walk away stands the iconic 'Unconditional Surrender' sculpture by John Seward Johnson II depicting a sailor returning home to his girl. Nearby is the 'National Salute to Bob Hope & The Military' memorial by Eugene Daub & Steven Whyte where views of the bay make for a peaceful stroll.
#238 Casa Romantica
Casa Romantica was the former home of Ole Hanson built in 1927. Born in Wisconsin in 1874, Ole became a politician and moved to Seattle, Washington where he served as mayor from 1918-19. He bid for presidency in 1920 but lost so moved to California to begin a more peaceful life. Ole founded the city of San Clemente in 1925 to create a 'Spanish Village by the Sea'. Casa Romantica was his dream 'White House' and is a cultural center today that celebrates the history, culture and architecture of Orange County.
#237 Cabrillo National Monument Tidepools
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed here on September 28th, 1542 and became the first European to set foot on the West Coast. Cabrillo National Monument preserves this legacy as a National Park in San Diego. The tidepool trail reveals rocky shores and hidden coves that look just as they have for thousands of years. It the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the coast.
#236 Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island is a treasure of the Channel Islands. This volcanic island separates into a chain of carved islands creating a jaw-dropping vista that drops to the ocean. A 2 mile round trip hike takes you across the tiny island to the viewpoint.
#232 Flat Rock Point
Flat Rock Point at Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve is a must see along the Los Angeles Coast. Trails take you from the bluffs down to hidden rocky coves while beautiful views of the coast stretch all the way to the Santa Monica Mountains.
#231 Santa Barbara Shores County Park
Santa Barbara Shores County Park preserves what the wild coast here has looked like for thousands of years. Easy trails wind to sandy beach with views of the Channel Islands while the Santa Ynez Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. The park is also home to the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove each winter from November to February where thousands of butterflies come to roost. The highest amount ever recorded was 48,000!
