#16 Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a beautiful natural arch in Joshua Tree National Park. It is only a half mile loop trail starting from White Tank Campground. Geology unfolds right in front of your eyes as the granite rock formations rise above the Mojave. The trail is a wonderland for the imagination.
#15 Laguna Meadow
Laguna Meadow in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is a stunning site high in the mountains of San Diego. Part of Cleveland National Forest, this conifer forest meadow is an island in the sky. This is a must visit for every season: fall colors, winter snow, spring wildflowers and summer green. Take the Sunrise Scenic Byway which winds through mountains making it a beautiful drive. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also passes through this gorgeous recreation area.
#14 Griffith Park Zoo
Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles was in existence between 1912 and 1966. When it opened, there were only 15 animals. The zoo grew as many movie star animals retired here. Today, it is a popular hiking and picnic spot among ruins. Many of the enclosures were built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration. It greatly captures the progress and improvement in zoos today. The cages are tiny and claustrophobic and allow the visitor to feel what it would have felt like to be an animal here. Although grotesque, this is an essential and fascinating experience.
#13 Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
Orchids Orchids Orchids. The Santa Barbara Orchid Estate has been one of the world's foremost growers and collections for more than five decades. Being right near the ocean has proved to be the perfect environment for growing orchids. Whether you are an expert or admirer, the estate has something to delight everyone.
#12 Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is a magnificent island off the coast of California. Part of the Channel Islands, it was first inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. The island has had many lives from hunting, smuggling & movies but was turned into a thriving tourist destination in the 20's by William Wrigley, Jr.
Catalina's main city Avalon is most definitely enchanted and photogenic. It is a city reminiscent of the Mediterranean and has a population of about 3,700. 88% of the island is now protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Whether you visit for the day or a week, Catalina Island is the place to relax and enjoy the sun.
#11 La Piedra State Beach
La Piedra State Beach is a beautiful secret beach in Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It is overshadowed by the popular El Matador State beach next door. La Piedra in Spanish means rock, a fitting name for this rocky shore. It is one of my favorite beaches ever because of its solitude as well as it was the first beach I explored when moving to California.
#10 Mosaic Canyon
Mosaic Canyon is a beautiful geologic wonderland in Death Valley National Park. Limestone rocks known as Noonday Dolomite were formed here 750 to 900 millions years ago. Over time, faults and running water sculpted the canyon into beautiful marble walls. This slot canyon is a joy to explore and is the perfect example of an outdoor museum. Mosaic Canyon is very steep and rugged and Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. Please explore with extreme caution. *4 wheel drive is recommended to reach the trailhead.
#9 Victoria Beach
Victoria Beach is a hidden cove in Laguna Beach of Orange County. The Iconic Victorian Lighthouse Tower is the famous landmark. It was built in 1926 by state senator William Brown so his family could reach the beach from their bluff-top home. This beach features a sandy stretch as well as crashing waves against the rocks which makes it a photographers dream.
#8 San Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) is one of Balboa Park's great treasures. Founded in 1874, it is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the west and the oldest in Southern California. TheNAT has a great selection of exhibits including dinosaurs, fossils and skulls but the new Coast to Cactus exhibit is a reason to visit in itself.
Coast to Cactus showcases the astonishing diversity of Southern California from its beaches, canyons, mountains and deserts. This variety of terrain is known as a biodiversity hotspot because of its high concentration of species. It is one of only 35 in the world. This interactive exhibit reveals the great beauty of what makes SoCal so special!
#7 Mount Wilson
Mount Wilson is a grand peak in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument & Angeles National Forest. The summit is just over a mile high at 5,710 feet. From the Angeles Crest Highway, Mount Wilson Red Box Road beautifully winds up the range. Visit on a rainy day and soar above the bursting clouds. Snow is even common in the winter. This wonderland is unbelievably right above Los Angeles yet you will feel you've entered another land.
