#233 Eureka Mine

Eureka Mine & Harrisburg are the ghostly remains of Peter Aguereberry's famous Death Valley mining camp. He first discovered gold here with his partner Shorty Harris in 1905. Pete would remain here for forty years until 1945. His camp and mining ruins patiently stand against the test of time. A famous 1612 gram Golden Nugget from the mine is displayed at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institute.

 

#232 Flat Rock Point

Flat Rock Point at Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve is a must see along the Los Angeles Coast. Trails take you from the bluffs down to hidden rocky coves while beautiful views of the coast stretch all the way to the Santa Monica Mountains.

 

#231 Santa Barbara Shores County Park

Santa Barbara Shores County Park preserves what the wild coast here has looked like for thousands of years. Easy trails wind to sandy beach with views of the Channel Islands while the Santa Ynez Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. The park is also home to the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove each winter from November to February where thousands of butterflies come to roost. The highest amount ever recorded was 48,000!

 

#230 Garnet Peak

Garnet Peak is the crown jewel of San Diego. Located along the Sunrise Highway in Cleveland National Forest, this 6,000 foot peak offers jaw-dropping 360 degree views of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, beautiful alpine forest mountain terrain and even the ocean 50 miles away on a clear day. A moderate 2.2 round trip hike take you to the top and past the Pacific Crest Trail.

 

#229 Avila Beach

Avila Beach served as the main port for San Luis Obispo when its first wharf opened in 1855. Today, it serves as a relaxing beach town on the Central Coast. Its charming small downtown feels like a piece of Americana with its architecture, shops and restaurants while a stroll on the pier will take you back to a simpler time.

 

#228 Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park preserves 2,500 acres of canyons, streams, coast live oaks, grasslands and chaparral in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Red Rock Canyon is the most scenic feature of the park and provides striking contrast to the rolling green hills in the Spring. More than twenty trails of varying skill levels make this a park for everyone to enjoy.

 

#227 Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of Palm Springs. Palm trees line the historic buildings, shops and restaurants while the San Jacinto Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a fun way to discover those who helped create the city as a resort getaway including Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor.

 

#226 Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier

Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is a sleepy fishing pier once located near the famous Pike Amusement Park in Long Beach which featured a roller coaster, bath house, arcades and entertainment. Echoes of the historic past can be remembered while strolling along the beach and bluff park trail. Look for the Lone Sailor Memorial Statue which looks out to sea in contemplation.

 

#225 Sandstone Peak

At 3,111 feet, Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. A moderate-strenuous 3 mile round trip hike takes you to one of the best vistas in Southern California. Malibu, the Channel Islands, Ventura and Santa Barbara can all be seen on a clear day. Once at the top, do not forget to sign and enjoy the log.

 

#224 Wild Horse Canyon Road

Wild Horse Canyon Road is a scenic drive through the Mojave National Preserve. This dirt drive is a true experience of solitude as is winds along the secluded canyon. Beautiful mountains full of desert cacti reveal vista points of genuine Mojave desert terrain. *Watch for free roam cattle and 4 wheel drive strongly recommended