#103 Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor on the waterfront has been the perfect afternoon stroll for more than a century. Row after row of beautiful boats frame the rolling Santa Ynez Mountains in the background making this the perfect land-meets-ocean coastline.
#102 Los Rios Historic District
The Los Rios Historic District in Orange County is the oldest neighborhood in California dating back to the late 1700's. Located across the railroad tracks of Mission San Juan Capistrano, several of the structures provided homes for the residents of the mission. The 31 structures that make up this district are located on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, a walk along the streets provide a glimpse of Southern California at the turn of the twentieth century.
#101 Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier on the stunning coast of Malibu is a wonderful classic wooden pier. Originally built in 1905 for the local ranches, the pier is now owned by California State Parks and has been a public pier since 1934. Enjoy the stunning coastal views while on a beautiful sunset stroll.
#100 Balboa Park
Celebrating 100 Years, Balboa Park in San Diego is the greatest city park in the west. The park contains 1200 acres in the center of the city with 17 world class museums, 16 landscaped gardens, the house of pacific relations international cottages, old globe theatre, spreckels organ pavilion and of course the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park has been home to two World Fair's, one in 1915-16 and again in 1935-6. Kate Sessions, 'Mother of Balboa Park', designed the natural landscape of the park. After 100 years, the park is still going strong and has a fitting motto: A Landscape of Art & Culture. Here's to 100 more years!
#99 San Mateo Canyon Wilderness
With 38,000 acres of beautiful unprotected land, San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is the perfect escape for solitude. Part of Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains, chaparral, coastal sage and oak woodlands are the main vegetation of this Coastal Range. For those seeking a scenic drive, follow tenaja road through the south main divide road which winds through the mountainous canyon and offers magnificent panoramic views. Please use caution as most of the drive is a single lane road.
#98 Calico Ghost Town
Founded in 1881 as silver mining town, Calico Ghost Town is now an attraction in the Mojave Desert. In the 1890's when the silver boom declined and borax was discovered, the population soared to 3,500 and became a thriving desert community. This would end by the turn of the century and by 1907 became a true ghost town. Walter Knott, Knott's Berry Farm Mogul, purchased Calico in the 1950's and restored the town into an attraction with authentic and faux restorations.
#97 Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park is an essential beautiful vista point high in the Sierra Nevada. At more than 8,000 feet high, the point offers a unique view of Yosemite and its iconic Half Dome and can be accessed by the scenic Tioga Road. It was named after Frederick Law Olmsted, the Father of American Landscape Architecture and Conservationist.
#96 Matilija Wilderness
Matilija Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest is a beautiful serene wilderness in Ventura County. Trails wind through mountain streams, woodlands and springtime wildflowers. At more than 29,000 acres Matilija Wilderness is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the present.
#95 Olvera Street
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument or Olvera Street is the oldest section of Los Angeles. Founded in 1781, the settlement was started by just 44 people and grew to be a social and commercial hub into what would be one of the largest cities in the world. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, today, Olvera Street is a colorful market celebration of Los Angeles' Spanish and Mexican heritage.
#94 Botanical Building
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park is one of the largest lath structures in the world. Featured seasonal collections surround over 2,000 palms, ferns and orchids. One of my favorite spots in San Diego, the gardens are a wonderland and a free-must-see for any visit to Balboa Park.
