#6 Dinosaur Caves Park
Dinosaur Caves Park is a bluff-top park in Pismo Beach. Along Highway One on California's Central Coast, this charming park offers stunning Ocean Vistas as well as a dinosaur themed playground. The rocky cliffs are a joy to the eye as the waves splash against the coast.
#5 General Sherman Tree - The World's Largest Tree
The General Sherman Tree, inside of the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, is the World's Largest Tree. Estimated to be an age of 2,300-2,700 years old, it is also one of the longest lived trees on Earth. This Gigantic Sequoia Tree is 274.9 feet tall with a ground circumference of 102.6 feet. The diameter of its largest branch measures 6.8 feet. It is certainly one of the great wonders of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
#4 Pictograph Trail
Pictograph Trail is located in the Little Blair Valley region of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. More than two thousand years ago, the Kumeyaay Native Americans lived in this desert. They painted these fragile Pictographs on giant boulders. Though the meaning is now lost, some believe they were created for spiritual rituals.
These Pictographs in the deserts of San Diego County (The Great Outback) are a must see. Hiking involves an easy 2 mile round trip hike if starting from the trailhead parking lot. Please note that it is an unpaved dirt road to the trailhead for a few miles and 4 wheel drive is strongly recommended. Use extreme caution when traveling in the desert. Hike this trail in the winter if possible, let people know where you are going and when you shall return. Carry plenty of water.
Pictograph/Petroglpyh Etiquette: Take many photos but DO NOT TOUCH. Oils from our hands can destroy forever. Do not alter the rock art in any way or form and please stay on the trail to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
Unknown even to most locals of California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a treasure trove of scenic beauty at every turn. Stay tuned for more from this beautiful State Park!
#3 RMS Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner docked in the Port of Long Beach. It sailed the Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967. Luxury & Opulence is the key to this Art Deco Dream. Queen Mary was the last great ocean liner built during the golden age of world travel. Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Gloria Swanson & Fred Astaire among many other silver screen stars called this sailing palace home while on voyage to Europe.
During WWII, it was nicknamed the 'Grey Ghost' and transported 765,429 Military Personnel. It became the worlds largest and fastest troopship. Winston Churchill even considered it his headquarters at sea. In 1947, passenger service resumed. Modern amenities such as air conditioning were added but this would not prove to be enough as jet planes began to change the industry.
Queen Mary opened as a tourist attraction in 1971 and continues to delight today with a hotel, museum and restaurants. The ship in full can be explored at your leisure. It is even on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Historic Hotels of America. One visit to Queen Mary will have you longing for more. Are you ready to set sail?
#2 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a gem on the Central Coast of California. Nestled in the foothills of Los Padres National Forest, the 78-acre garden showcases over 1000 native California flora and vegetation. Beautiful Mission Creek flows through and provides the perfect landscape along its many trails. Wildflowers also cover the ground in the springtime.
#1 Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach on Coronado Island in San Diego is constantly named one of the best beaches in the country. It is also my personal favorite sandy beach. The sand dances to create 'silver strands' that shine and glimmer in the sunlight. Soft and fine sand make it is a great beach for walking or running. As a west facing beach, it is one of the best spots to catch a famous San Diego Sunset. In the early morning hours or at night as the tides roll in, perfect sand dollars wash ashore.
SoCal365
SoCal365 is a Celebration of Southern California's 365 Must See & Most Beautiful Places
Beginning September 9th (California Admission Day) Discover a New Place Each Day
From the most secluded beaches, forested mountain peaks, vast desert vistas, and scenic drives to the national parks, wild canyons, cities and historical landmarks, SoCal 365 will inspire the tourist as well as seasoned resident to explore the beauty of their surroundings
