#146 Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest museum of its kind in the west. Operating since 1913, the beaux-arts building and rotunda is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is something for everyone to enjoy with more than 35 million artifacts spanning 4.5 billion years. From the new 'Dinosaur Hall' with over 300 real fossils to the history of the 'Becoming Los Angeles' exhibit, a visit will inform and delight.
#145 Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve is a stunning park in San Luis Obispo County. Winding trails protect centuries-old coast live oaks and ancient sand dunes. Different coast live oak species grow next to each other and range from 6 to 25 feet tall.
#144 Point Dume Nature Preserve
Point Dume Nature Preserve is a beautiful headland hill on the cliffs of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. A hike to the top provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding ocean and mountains. Secret coves and white sandy beaches line the ocean below.
#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.
