#186 Seaview Park
Seaview Park in Laguna Niguel offers breathtaking views of the Laguna Coast and San Joaquin Hills at Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. A trail leading down to Aliso Peak offers even more coastal views of Laguna Beach. On a clear day, views of Rancho Palos Verdes, Catalina Island and the Santa Ana Mountains to the east make it a great spot to watch the sunset.
#185 Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Built in 1926, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architectural wonder. Beautifully landscaped gardens with plants from 25 countries surrounded the buildings. The grand mural room depicts California history while the winding staircase is a perfect photography moment. 7,000 visitors from 60 countries visit its Clock Tower each year and enjoy its free 360 degree panoramic views of the city.
#184 Point Fermin Lighthouse
Built in 1874 from California redwood trees, Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first lighthouse constructed on San Pedro Bay. This Stick Style Victorian Lighthouse was designed by Paul J. Pelz who created six in the same style. Point Fermin constantly guided ships until Pearl Harbor in 1941 where its light was forever dimmed. It served as a Navy lookout tower during World War II before being restored for its Centennial in 1974. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, it opened to the public in 2003.
#183 Randsburg
Gold was discovered in 1895 at the Rand Mine and a camp was soon formed in this remote Mojave Desert enclave. Located near the other boom town of Johannesburg, the two names merged to spell Randsburg. With a population today of about 70, it is a true western ghost town. The famous General Store as well as its charming abandoned sites and sounds make it a must stop along the beautiful Highway 395.
#182 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Fort Tejon State Historic Park was a United States Army military post established in 1854 to control and protect Native Americans in the area as well as control livestock. The Gold Rush brought about great conflict between miners and Natives. Land disputes began and Native Americans were forced to live on reservations. Efforts for the Civil War was needed out East so the army left after only 10 years. Restored exterior and interior buildings recreate the way of life here 150 years ago. Valley Oak Trees up to 400 years old are also part of the park property.
#181 Panoramic Point
At 7,520 feet high in Kings Canyon National Park, Panoramic Point is a great place to enjoy a vista in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From the parking area, a quarter mile hike takes you to the breathtaking views. The drive here from Grant Grove winds through beautiful woods and meadows and is equally breathtaking.
#180 San Diego Model Railroad Museum
At 27,000 square feet, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The museum recreates many California Railroad scenes from cities to mountains and deserts. Model Railroads first became popular at the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park as a way to promote railroad travel during the Great Depression. Model enthusiasts have flocked here every since to create a world class museum.
#179 El Pescador State Beach
Meaning 'the fisherman' in Spanish, El Pescador State Beach is a great pocket beach in the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area. From tide pools to sandy beach, this beach has something for everyone and rarely attracts large crowds. It is a slice of Malibu heaven.
#178 Catalina Casino
The Catalina Casino has been one of the most iconic landmarks in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island since 1929. Casino in Italian means 'place of gathering' which can be quite confusing in English today as gambling does not exist. The Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival architecture helped to create the look of the city. It continues to serve as the island's movie theater and grand ballroom. The theater can seat 1,154 while the ballroom can accommodate up to 3,000 dancers.
#177 San Clemente State Beach
Since 1937, San Clemente State Beach has been one of the most popular beaches in California. Located at the halfway point between Los Angeles and San Diego, this is the perfect escape from both cities. Beautiful ocean views surround eroded badlands creating a dramatic coastal landscape while soft, sandy beaches await at the water's edge.
