#253 Palm Canyon
Palm Canyon is a magnificent palm oasis on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. These natural palm canyons are what gives Palm Springs its name and are the only palm trees that grow naturally in California. Stunning trails wind along palm filled creeks of desert terrain while the San Jacinto Mountains give an impressive backdrop. A variety of trails for every skill level make this a must for any Palm Springs visit.
#252 Oceanside Pier
Oceanside Pier has been a popular ocean spot since 1888 and is a friendly beach where everyone is welcome. At 1,954 feet, it is one of the longest on the West Coast. Enjoy the pelicans and the endless ocean vistas.
#251 Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a seasonal lake in Yosemite National Park that peaks in the Spring after a great snow melt. An easy, 2 mile round trip hike takes you to the base and is a great way to see what Yosemite looked like thousands of years ago when an entire lake covered the valley floor. In the summertime, it becomes a giant green meadow.
#250 Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is one of the most beautiful spots along Highway 1's Big Sur Coast. Two miles of stunning coast are preserved with trails that climb from the rocky coast to redwood forest. The park is a great spot to watch whales, seals and sea otters while hidden coves are perfect for solitude.
#249 San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is Celebrating its Centennial and for 100 years has been a world leader in animal conservancy. Dr. Harry Wegeforth founded the zoo after he discovered abandoned animals left over from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition World Fair. More than 3,700 animals from 650 species make up its expansive family. It was the first zoo in the world to recreate animal habitats instead of just house animals in cages which has led to the happiest animals. Orangutans, Pandas, Koalas & Elephants are among its most famous residents.
#248 Descanso Gardens
The Descanso Gardens are a 150 acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge. Its beautiful natural oak forest with its rolling green hills are a must see as are the world famous camellia gardens. Each Spring, tulips are planted and compliment the colorful rose, lilac and California native garden.
#247 Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park features a series of dramatic cliffs and rock formations in the Mojave Desert. The park preserves 27,000 acres and has been featured in many Hollywood Films. Kawaiisu Native Americans have lived here for thousands of years and used the colorful canyons as a meeting place for their trade route.
#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.
