san diego, desert, mountains, state park Kyle Hanson san diego, desert, mountains, state park Kyle Hanson

#166 Shelter Valley

Directly along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route lies a magnificent valley known as Shelter Valley or geologically, Earthquake Valley. This desert valley, once home to the Kumeyaay Native Americans, is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Southern California. It is protected by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through. Spring wildflowers dot the ground while mountains rise majestically in the background. With its clean air, light streams down and paints the ground and makes it the perfect spot for stargazing at night.

 
Read More
san diego Kyle Hanson san diego Kyle Hanson

#164 Free Flight

Free Flight in sunny Del Mar is a bird sanctuary full of paradise with a mission to promote the unique bond between birds and humans. A visit to Free Flight offers the chance to get up close and personal to interact with these gorgeous creatures. With its variety of birds and friendly atmosphere, it is one of the best experiences in San Diego.

 
Read More
sierra nevada, mountains, desert Kyle Hanson sierra nevada, mountains, desert Kyle Hanson

#163 Fossil Falls

Fossil Falls Scenic Area along the beautiful Highway 395 contains volcanic lava flows up to half a million years old. Basalt lava was sculpted by rushing water creating the smooth formations seen today. Native American artifacts have been found here dating from 12,000 to 3,000 years ago when the area was a wonderful place to live for its plants, animals and once abundant water supply.

 
Read More
san luis obispo, central coast, ocean Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, central coast, ocean Kyle Hanson

#162 Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve protects 430 acres of the gorgeous central coast in Cambria. Chumash and Salinan Native Americans have used the land for thousands of years while the Fiscalini family opened a cattle ranch in 1850's. Local community and conservancy efforts came together to purchase the land for a preserve in 2001. Beautiful coastal bluff trails wind through overlooks, grasslands and forest while 25 rare and endangered plant and animal species reside here.

 
Read More
desert, national park, museum Kyle Hanson desert, national park, museum Kyle Hanson

#161 Kelso Depot

The Kelso Depot stands brilliantly in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve. Now a visitor center for the park, the depot has been a desert landmark since opening in 1923. It was an important railroad service stop for the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad and was crucial during World War II for the war effort delivering key goods via Union Pacific. The National Park Service saved the depot from demolition when abandoned after passenger service ended in 1964 and restored it to its original glory.  It continues to be a beacon of light for travelers in the desolate, yet stunning Mojave Desert.

 
Read More
los angeles, ocean, central coast, national park, state park Kyle Hanson los angeles, ocean, central coast, national park, state park Kyle Hanson

#160 Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park on the coast of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the jewels of Malibu. With its secret rocky coves and white sandy beaches, the place has it all. Named after Leo Carrillo, famous actor on the State Park Board, this beach has also been featured in many movies and television shows. It is the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

 
Read More
orange county, ocean Kyle Hanson orange county, ocean Kyle Hanson

#159 Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel at Salt Creek Beach is a gorgeous stretch of Orange County Coastline. The rolling hills that drop to the sea as well as soft, sandy beach are perfect for everyone's visit. Landscaped gardens surround the luxury hotel and make for postcard-perfect views of the sea. Relaxation is the key to enjoying this spot.

 
Read More
los angeles, foothills, museum Kyle Hanson los angeles, foothills, museum Kyle Hanson

#158 Griffith Observatory

At 1,135 ft high in the hills of Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is the crown jewel of Los Angeles. On a clear day, gorgeous views of Los Angeles, Hollywood and the ocean are seen for miles. It has been free since opening its doors in 1935. Colonel Griffith J. Griffith donated his land to the city in what would become a great park as long as a planetarium was built. He wanted a place where all could explore and enjoy astronomy. The Observatory was made famous by its appearance in the iconic James Dean Film 'Rebel Without A Cause'.

 
Read More