#246 Rim O' The World
Rim O' The World is a National Scenic Byway in the San Bernardino Mountains. This beautiful 100 mile stretch lives up to its name as it winds along panoramic mountains with gorgeous vistas. You will feel as if you are driving on the edge of the world as you climb to alpine peaks 7,000 feet and up. Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake are just two of the many wonders awaiting discovery.
#245 El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is one of the Jewels of Malibu. Its iconic rock formations, sea caves and coves make for an unforgettable coastal escape. This beach is a favorite among photographers with its limitless shore and winding bluff to sea trail.
#244 Seaport Village
Just steps from Downtown, Seaport Village is an eating, shopping and entertainment district along the Bay of San Diego. The village contains an original hand-carved carousel build in 1895. A short walk away stands the iconic 'Unconditional Surrender' sculpture by John Seward Johnson II depicting a sailor returning home to his girl. Nearby is the 'National Salute to Bob Hope & The Military' memorial by Eugene Daub & Steven Whyte where views of the bay make for a peaceful stroll.
#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.
