#153 Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area
Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area is a grand assortment of sandstone boulders and cliffs at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. At 4,750 feet, the San Andreas Fault travels directly beneath the park helping to create its striking formations. A one mile trail takes you down into the heart of the punchbowl for an up-close look at this geological wonderland.
#152 Yosemite Falls
At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park. Water passes through three gorgeous tiers before making its final plunge to the ground. It is one of the most iconic sights of the National Park Service and the 6th tallest in the world.
#151 Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Fremont Canyon is a beautiful Nature Preserve in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County. Stunning granite formations tower along coastal sage scrub, chaparral and oak woodlands. Many endangered plant and animal species reside here making it a biological hot spot. *Access is limited to programs by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
#150 Children's Pool
Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla is the place to see harbor seals basking in the sun. A barrier was constructed in 1931 to protect the beach from waves and currents so children could enjoy the ocean. The seals soon took over and were here to stay. Harbor Seals come here to rest, sunbathe and birth their young.
#149 Thousand Palms Oasis
Thousand Palms Oasis in the Coachella Valley Preserve is a fine example of a desert palm grove. With its towering California Fan Palms and glorious trails, it is the perfect escape into a wonderland. These palms are the only ones actually native to California and grow along springs in the colorado desert. It is a must to see the 'Palm' in Palm Springs.
#148 Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a beautiful zoo on America's Riviera Coast. With more than 500 animals, it is one of the best small zoo's in the country and has been operating since 1963. The zoo is also known as one of the most beautiful zoos with its sweeping views of Santa Barbara, the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains as its backdrop. Botanical gardens landscape the exhibits and trails making for a wonderful visit.
#147 San Emigdio Mountains
The San Emigdio Mountains are a beautiful transverse mountain range in Los Padres National Forest. Rising high above the southern portion of the Central Valley, these mountains turn brilliant tones of green in the springtime and were named for Saint Emygdius, a Christian Martyr.
#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.
