ventura, state park, ocean, central coast Kyle Hanson ventura, state park, ocean, central coast Kyle Hanson

#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.

 
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#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.

 
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san diego, state park, mountains, forest, scenic drives Kyle Hanson san diego, state park, mountains, forest, scenic drives Kyle Hanson

#107 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

High in the Laguna Mountains above San Diego lies Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Forests of oak woodland and pine surround meadows and creeks which make for a beautiful hike. At a mile in the sky, warm summers, fall colors, snow-decorated winters and spring wildflowers make this a four season destination. It will be hard to believe you are still in San Diego at this perfect recreational escape. 

 
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#106 Will Rogers State Historic Park

Will Rogers State Historic Park is a beautiful ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. Once the estate of Will Rogers, the highest paid actor in the 1930's, this ranch was his place of relaxation. With almost 200 acres overlooking the ocean, the ranch contains more than 30 rooms, 7 fireplaces, horse stables, a polo field and hiking trails. in 1944, Will's wife Betty donated the property to California State Parks. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park is a great place to celebrate the life of Will Rogers as a philosopher and star.

 
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#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.

 
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#83 Oak of the Golden Dream

The Oak of the Golden Dream is the first original discovery of Gold in today's Placerita Canyon State Park. Six years before the California Gold Rush, a man named Francisco Lopez, brother of nearby Mission San Fernando Rey de España, had a dream of Gold while napping under an oak tree. After the dream, he picked wild onions and discovered gold in its roots. It became the first documented gold site in California. Marking the famous March 9th 1842 discovery is the surviving tree and the California Historical Landmark No. 168 Plaque.

 
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santa barbara, central coast, ocean, state park Kyle Hanson santa barbara, central coast, ocean, state park Kyle Hanson

#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.

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#60 Wildwood Canyon State Park

Located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Wildwood Canyon State Park preserves 900 acres of wild land. Dedicated in 2003, it is fairly new to the California State Park System which was formed in 1927. The park contains oak woodland, grassland, ancient Native American crossroads as well as the ruins of Pioneer Hunt Ranch. The ranch can be reached from the parking lot by an easy 2 mile out and back hike.

 
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#56 Kumeyaay Village Site

The Kumeyaay Village Site is located in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Kumeyaay Native Americans inhabited these beautiful boulders and caves in the winter months for thousands of years. They survived off of plants, jackrabbits and bighorn sheep. The site can be found right off Highway 78 with a short drive through Mine Wash. Though a gravel wash road, it is usually passable for most vehicles. 

 
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