#53 Whaley House
The Whaley House is an historic home and museum located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It holds the title for most haunted house in America. Built in 1857, this landmark is the oldest brick building in Southern California. The house has had many uses from store, courthouse, school and theater to the home of San Diego Pioneer Thomas Whaley. In its heyday, it was the most beautiful house in San Diego.
#52 Smuggler's Cove
Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park is a premiere Hike in Southern California. The trail is 8 miles out and back making it a moderately strenuous hike. Carry lots of water and use caution in the summer heat. The trail crosses the beautiful island to a hidden cove which is perfect for relaxing and watching the waves roll in. Great views of Anacapa Island can also be seen. This trailhead can be reached by taking an Island Packers Cruise to Scorpion Ranch.
#51 Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is an essential hike in Joshua Tree National Park. 3 miles out and back will have you climbing over 1,000 feet making this a moderate hike. The trail gives sweeping views of the park and the Wonderland of Rocks that rise from the ground. You will feel as if you are on the crown of the Mojave Desert.
#50 San Clemente Boardwalk
San Clemente Boardwalk is one of the best ocean trails in Orange County. Connecting San Clemente with Dana Point, this trail follows the railroad adding to the atmosphere. The views are panoramic and it is a great place to watch the sunset. Following the coast for several miles, this trail can be tailored to anyone's needs.
#49 Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles is an architectural dream. On the National Register of Historic Places, this Victorian Landmark was built in 1893. It is the oldest remaining commercial building in L.A. and contains a courtyard, ornate iron decoration, marble stairs and cage elevators. Sumner Hunt and George Wyman served as architectural designers while funding for the building was put up by gold mine millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury. It has been featured in many tv shows, movies and music videos.
#48 Mount Soledad
Mount Soledad, with its elevation of 824 feet, is one of the best spots to view a panorama of San Diego. The Mount is also a Veterans Memorial paying tribute to those who have served our country. Views of La Jolla, the Coast and Downtown San Diego are magical here. Dr. Seuss' last home is also located on the slopes of Mount Soledad.
#47 Point Mugu State Park
Point Mugu State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. From the rugged mountains to the giant sand hill on the breezy coast, this park offers more than 70 miles of hiking trails. Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area is also located within the boundary of the park. Point Mugu is also known for Giant Mugu Rock which was formed when the land was cut through the mountains for the creation of the Pacific Coast Highway. This "Point" has been featured in numerous films and commercials.
#46 Cinder Cone National Natural Landmark
Cinder Cone National Natural Landmark is a series of lava flows in the Mojave National Preserve. Surrounded by 32 small volcanoes known as cinder cones, this natural landmark has been erupting for 7.6 million years with the most recent occurring only 10,000 years ago. The lava cooled and emptied leaving behind a cave called a Lava Tube.
Today, a stairwell descends into the tube allowing the visitor to explore this geologic wonderland. The Lava Tube can be accessed by a 5 mile drive on Aiken Mine Road. Use extreme caution as this is a rough gravel road. 4 wheel drive recommended.
#45 Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is a fun attraction in Sequoia National Park along Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest. After falling from natural causes in 1937, this Giant Sequoia was 21 feet wide by 275 feet tall and was estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. Today vehicles can drive through this gentle giant.
#44 Mission Santa Inés
Mission Santa Inés, established in 1804, was created to help convert the Chumash Native Americans to the Spanish way of life. Being the 19th established Mission, it served as a link between Santa Barbara and Lompoc. The Chumash revolted this new way of life in February of 1824. They fought for their freedom which eventually led to them fleeing into the mountains. The Mission system ended in 1833 after Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821. Today, Mission Santa Inés has been beautifully restored against the rolling green backdrop of the Santa Ynez Valley in Solvang.
