#214 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on Big Sur's Highway One is a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline. Julia Pfeiffer Burns was a pioneer woman of Big Sur and provided early tourists with food and lodging. The 80 foot McWay Falls drop directly to the beach and is one of the most photographed spots on the Pacific Coast.
#212 Placerita Canyon State Park
Placerita Canyon State Park preserves an important transition zone between the San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert ecosystems. Coast live oaks line winding trails through chaparral covered hills. One oak in particular, 'Oak of the Golden Dream', claims fame as the first location of gold discovery in 1842. The canyon has also been a favorite location for Hollywood films with its streams, trees and canyons.
#200 Avila Adobe
Part of El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, Avila Adobe was built in 1818 and is the oldest residence in Los Angeles. Francisco Avila, mayor in 1810, built the Adobe to entertain and conduct business as it was in the center of the Plaza alongside working his rancho in the countryside. He hosted family as well as travelers including famous explorer Jedediah Smith. Though falling into ruin and condemned in 1920's, Christine Sterling from San Francisco, helped gain public interest and save it from destruction. The state acquired the property as a state park in 1953.
#196 California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park preserves one of the last remaining citrus groves in the Inland Empire, once known as the Orange Empire. The citrus industry of California was known as the 'second gold rush'. In the 1870's, the introduction of the navel orange created an extreme economic boom. The parallel boom of the railroad industry allowed the 'gold' to be shipped across the country and America went crazy. Though the boom today is only a fragment of its past, it is still a billion dollar industry in California. Park trails allow visitors a glimpse into the romanticized orange groves that made California famous.
#195 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rises 6,000 feet from the desert floor to the alpine forest through five diverse life zones. It is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. From the top to the bottom, the temperature can differ by up to 40 degrees making it the perfect escape during hot summers. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as 200 miles including Mount Charleston outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Because of its engineering feat, it earned the nickname 'eight wonder of the world' when it opened in 1963.
#193 Broken Hill
Broken Hill is a beautiful overlook at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla. Eroded sandstone cliffs create a dramatic scene offering breathtaking views of the ocean below. A hiking loop trail leads down to the beach and makes for a great afternoon.
#191 Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park preserves one of the last remaining strands of Joshua Trees in Antelope Valley. Native Americans used the trees as a source of food and material. During the Spring, Joshua Trees contain gorgeous blooms and provide a striking sight.
#188 Spooner's Cove
Spooner's Cove in Montaña de Oro State Park is a stunning cove on the Central Coast. Alden Spooner moved here the the late 1800's and established a farm of dairy and hog. At its peak, his ranch contained 9,000 acres and 6 miles of beautiful coastline. He built a ranch house as well as several barns and warehouse to load ships to deliver. The original house still stand as well as the 100-year-old-flooring purchased from a Sears Roebuck and Co. Catalog. The inviting cove features beautiful sand as well as dramatic rock formations.
#182 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Fort Tejon State Historic Park was a United States Army military post established in 1854 to control and protect Native Americans in the area as well as control livestock. The Gold Rush brought about great conflict between miners and Natives. Land disputes began and Native Americans were forced to live on reservations. Efforts for the Civil War was needed out East so the army left after only 10 years. Restored exterior and interior buildings recreate the way of life here 150 years ago. Valley Oak Trees up to 400 years old are also part of the park property.
#179 El Pescador State Beach
Meaning 'the fisherman' in Spanish, El Pescador State Beach is a great pocket beach in the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area. From tide pools to sandy beach, this beach has something for everyone and rarely attracts large crowds. It is a slice of Malibu heaven.
