#63 Sherman Library and Gardens
The Sherman Library and Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden on the Orange County Coast in Corona del Mar. Orchids, roses, ferns, succulents, tropical vegetation and desert cacti are displayed among beautifully landscaped fountains, patios and grotto's. Though only 2 acres, the Sherman Collection is expansive and stunning.
#62 Wawona Hotel
The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian Wonderland in Yosemite National Park. Built in 1876, the Hotel has been hosting guests for more than a century. It is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the Sierra Nevada. The most famous site near the hotel is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, one of the treasures of Yosemite. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed here while touring Yosemite with John Muir which would lead to the federal protection of Yosemite.
#61 Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach and its Pleasure Pier have been a destination since 1889. It is the 7th pier to be constructed on this beach. The Victorian Hotel Redondo opened in 1890 and was an important Coastal Resort of the West that was linked to the railways. It was up there in luxury with the likes of the Hotel Del Coronado with 3 floors and 225 rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel was demolished in 1926 and would certainly have been an icon today.
#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.
#59 Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is an Historic District in Downtown San Diego named for the lamps which lit its streets. Victorian Buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, line this 16 block neighborhood. The Quarter was dreamed up by Alonzo Horton in 1867 who had the idea of creating a new bustling center for San Diego. Horton purchased 800 acres of land here for just $250!
By the turn of the century, the Quarter was best known for its gambling saloons and brothels. Falling into decay in the 50's, the area was redeveloped in the 70's and 80's and is beloved today by locals and tourists alike.
#58 Hole In The Wall
Banshee Canyon at Hole-in-the-Wall in Mojave National Preserve is a beautiful canyon with endless exploration possibilities. The canyon was named after the sound of the wind as it blew across the canyon sounding to early settlers like a Banshee from Irish Mythology. The colorful rocks were formed by volcanic eruptions several million years ago. Adjacent is a great visitor center highlighting many sights of the Mojave. *Dirt road access
#57 La Cumbre Peak
La Cumbre Peak at 3,997 feet high soars above the Santa Barbara Skyline in the Santa Ynez Mountains. Miles and miles of mountain and ocean views can be seen from this beautiful peak which can be accessed by driving up East Camino Cielo. Boulders, sandstone and pine trees decorate the slopes.
#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.
#55 Cayucos
Cayucos on the Central Coast is known as the last of the California beach towns. With a population just under three thousand, this quiet beach town is a friendly retreat. Historic buildings with shops and restaurants line the beach while rolling green hills drop to the shore and delight the soul. Time has stopped here and worries are no more.
#54 Korean Bell of Friendship
The Korean Bell of Friendship in Angel's Gate Park, San Pedro was given to the city of Los Angeles from the Republic of Korea in 1976. It was presented to the United States for the country's bicentennial and honors Veterans of the Korean War. The bronze bell itself weighs 17 tons and is 7 and a half feet tall. Sweeping views of the ocean can be seen from the bell making this an essential sunset spot.
