#236 Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island is a treasure of the Channel Islands. This volcanic island separates into a chain of carved islands creating a jaw-dropping vista that drops to the ocean. A 2 mile round trip hike takes you across the tiny island to the viewpoint.
#235 Tejon Ranch
Tejon Ranch is the largest private land owner in California. The Central Valley, Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mojave Desert all meet here to create an ecosystem like no place else on Earth. Rare and endangered plant and animal species call the ranch home. In the Spring, the mountains come alive with a mosaic of wildflowers. Access to the ranch is only allowed through the Tejon Ranch Conservancy.
#234 Piedra Blanca
Piedra Blanca, meaning white rock in Spanish, are a series of geological rock formations in Los Padres National Forest. The Gene-Marshall Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail takes you just over a mile each way to the site. After crossing the Sespe Creek, the white rocks appear and create a stark contrast to the surrounding forest.
#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.
