#243 Madonna Inn
The fabulous and quirky Madonna Inn is an iconic landmark on the Central Coast. Created by Alex & Phyllis Madonna in 1958, each room and suite features a new look and experience. Whimsical names like Safari Room, Cloud Nine and Irish Hills give an idea of what awaits the traveler. The lobby and restaurant continue to showcase the eccentric feel with its famous pink interior.
"Anybody can build one room and a thousand like it. It's more economical. Most places try to give you as little as possible. I try to give people a decent place to stay where they receive more than they are entitled to for what they're paying. I want people to come in with a smile and leave with a smile. It's fun." - Alex Madonna
#242 Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara is nicknamed the 'Queen of the Missions' because of its graceful, yet grand exterior. Founded on December 4th, 1786, the feast day of Saint Barbara, it is the 10th of the 21 Missions. The current Mission was completed in 1820 after an earthquake destroyed most of the original in 1812 and the interior remains almost completely unchanged. Each May, the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival showcases beautiful chalk paintings by 150 artists.
#241 Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Grauman's Chinese Theatre has been a Hollywood icon since opening in 1927. Sid Grauman was a visionary who wanted to create beautiful movie palaces to show films. Just weeks before the opening, Sid invited dear friend Norma Talmadge for a preview. She accidentally stepped in wet cement which led to the tradition of movie star hands and feet forever memorialized. The theatre has held many Hollywood's premieres including 'The Wizard of Oz'.
#240 Redwood Mountain Grove
Redwood Mountain Grove in Kings Canyon National Park is the largest Giant Sequoia Grove in the world. The grove also features the tallest sequoia at 311 feet. A windy dirt road takes you to the trailhead making it one of the least visited in the park, perfect for those seeking solitude.
#239 Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Rainbow Basin is a National Natural Landmark in the Mojave Desert outside of Barstow. Its geological rock formations include a mirage of brilliant colors. The basin is also a rich fossil bed with findings of horses, camels and even flamingos! Enjoy a trip through time in this untouched landscape. A one way dirt road winds through the scenic canyons. *4 wheel drive recommended
#238 Casa Romantica
Casa Romantica was the former home of Ole Hanson built in 1927. Born in Wisconsin in 1874, Ole became a politician and moved to Seattle, Washington where he served as mayor from 1918-19. He bid for presidency in 1920 but lost so moved to California to begin a more peaceful life. Ole founded the city of San Clemente in 1925 to create a 'Spanish Village by the Sea'. Casa Romantica was his dream 'White House' and is a cultural center today that celebrates the history, culture and architecture of Orange County.
#237 Cabrillo National Monument Tidepools
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed here on September 28th, 1542 and became the first European to set foot on the West Coast. Cabrillo National Monument preserves this legacy as a National Park in San Diego. The tidepool trail reveals rocky shores and hidden coves that look just as they have for thousands of years. It the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the coast.
#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.
