#143 Kwaaymii Point
One of the most beautiful views in Southern California is Kwaaymii Point. Located on the Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains, the point offers a jaw-dropping vista of the Colorado Desert from a mile high in Cleveland National Forest. The Pacific Crest Trail also passes this point and offers great hiking. A group of Kumeyaay Native Americans called the Kwaaymii have called this land home for thousands of years.
#142 Lost Grove
Lost Grove in Sequoia National Park contains over 400 magnificent giant sequoia trees. Along generals highway, the grove can easily be accessed and explored by all. The grove sits on the edge of the park and provides seclusion from the popular Giant Forest. Get lost and enjoy solitude in this peaceful grove.
#141 Wayfarers Chapel
Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is a beautiful seaside church designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. Nicknamed the 'glass church', it officially opened in 1951. The surrounding landscape and planted redwood trees blend seamlessly to become one with the hillside while views of the ocean and Catalina Island are stunning.
#140 Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest place on Earth and the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The basin is a great salt pan of 'bad' un-drinkable water that pools only during a rare rain. Average annual rainfall is only 1.9 inches per year while the evaporation rate is 150 inches!
#139 Heisler Park
Heisler Park is a premier place to enjoy the Laguna Beach Coastline. Beautifully landscaped gardens blanket the bluffs that drop to the ocean floor while gorgeous tide pools are a wonderland of discovery. Come for the afternoon but stay for the sunsets.
#138 Rocky Peak Park
Rocky Peak Park is a great way to escape the bustle of the city without traveling far. Shared by Los Angeles & Ventura Counties, giant sandstone boulders dominate the landscape among chaparral and oak woodlands. It is also a great place to see spring wildflowers. The parkland has been used by the Tataviam, Tongva and Chumash Native Americans for at least 8,000 years.
#137 San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the sister of the San Diego Zoo. With 1800 acres and over 2600 animals, this world class zoo receives more than 2 million visitors per year. Safari Park preserves endangered species from 6 continents and has the famous Africa Tram. This features enclosures where the animals roam free to live a more natural life. The world's largest veterinary hospital is also here which gives the animals the best care possible. Beautifully landscaped with 3,500 plant species, this Zoo is a must see in San Diego.
#136 One Thousand Steps Beach
Beneath the quiet bluffs of Santa Barbara, One Thousand Steps Beach is a secluded rocky and sandy beach. The many steps down to the beach feels like a thousand but are actually only 150. This secret spot is a locals paradise hidden away from the world.
#135 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier has been a classic California experience since 1909. Its iconic views of the Santa Monica Mountains make it a perfect spot to catch a sunset at the end of Route 66. The pier has always been a pleasure pier from its original ballroom, aquarium, arcade, Ferris Wheel, and carousel. Originally built in 1922 featuring 44 hand-carved horses, the current carousel was rebuilt in 1990 under the Looff Hippodrome, an architectural monument on the National Register of Historic Places. Join the amazing docents for free historical walking tours Saturdays and Sundays 11 and 12pm.
#134 Borrego Badlands
The Borrego Badlands in Anza Borrego Desert State Park are a wonder. Miles and miles of desert vista await among rugged golden canyons. The water sculpted lands are a fossil paradise where sea turtles, sharks, bears, ground sloths and camels once lived.
