#76 Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Crystal Pier, in San Diego's Pacific Beach Neighborhood, is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy a sandy beach. Built in the 1930's, the cottages of the Crystal Pier Hotel rest peacefully on the pier and make for an unforgettable experience of sleeping over the ocean.
#75 Roaring River Falls
Roaring River Falls is a 40 foot fall in Kings Canyon National Park. This granite chute in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a perfect example of how water has carved the surrounding land. This short and spectacular trail is a must for any visit.
#74 Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County is known as the 'Jewel of the Missions'. Founded in 1775, it was the 7th of the 21 California Missions. Its main purpose was to teach and convert the Native Americans to the new Spanish way of life. At its peak in the early 19th century, the mission was home to 1,000 people.
The earthquake of 1812, lack of funding, Mexican Independence along with disease that the Spanish had brought with them proved too much and the mission system ended in 1834. Today, the beautiful grounds are a great way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and learn the history of the missions. The famous swallows return to the Mission every March which is commemorated on St. Joseph's Day.
#73 Pioneertown
Pioneertown is a western town outside of Yucca Valley in the Mojave Desert. It was built in the 40's as a living/working movie set for Hollywood Westerns. Roy Rogers & Gene Autry both used the set for films and television. With a population around 350, the town still feels like a western ghost town and makes for a great visit near Joshua Tree National Park.
#72 Wrigley Botanical Garden
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is a 38 acre garden on the edge of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. It is a memorial for William Wrigley Jr., famous Chicago chewing gum tycoon. He purchased most of the island in 1919 and dreamed up a vacation spot and focused efforts on island preservation. The gardens showcase endemic plants found only on California's Channel Islands and was conceived by Wrigley's Wife Ada. The memorial was designed by Bennett, Parsons & Frost famous for Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. Though no longer buried here, the Gardens & Memorial are filled with Wrigley's Spirit.
#71 Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a sure highlight for any road trip up Highway 1 on the Central Coast. Located just north of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the rookery is managed by Friends of the Elephant Seals, a non profit group where volunteers observe and share their knowledge of these amazing marine mammals.
Elephant Seals migrate twice a year for thousands of miles to rest, breed and birth. Thought to be extinct by the end of the 19th century, a small group survived on Isla Guadalupe in Baja Mexico. Through breeding and protection by Mexico and the United States, there are now an estimated 150,000 going strong.
#70 Warner's Ranch
Warner's Ranch, high in the mountains of San Diego County, was a Pioneer Ranch built in 1849. It served as a stop for the famous Southern Emigrant and Butterfield Stage Trails that brought immigrants as well as mail into California during the California Gold Rush. It was an important stop because year round travel was possible due to lack of snow unlike other northern routes. For a time, it was the only trading post between New Mexico and Los Angeles. The Ranch House became a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
#69 Santa Barbara Sea Center
The Sea Center operated by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a fun aquarium located on famous Stearns Wharf. From a 1,500 gallon sea tank, a live shark touch pool, baby shark pods and an exotic jellies exhibit, this aquarium packs in an amazing array of sea life to discover.
#68 Corral Canyon
Corral Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area follows a natural creek flowing to the ocean. It is one of the last undeveloped stretches in Malibu. The Sara Wan Trail winds 2.5 miles through the canyon and has great views of the Coast and Point Dume. Wildlife includes Red-Tailed Hawks and Deer.
#67 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a highlight for any visit to Death Valley National Park. Before Sunrise and During Sunset are the best times to visit the Dunes as the shadows dance and the light paints the dunes. There are no designated trails due to shifting sand allowing the imagination to create its own trail. Watch for animal tracks from animals frolicking during the nighttime. *Use extreme caution in the heat as there is no shade and this is the hottest and driest place on Earth
