#256 Solvang
Solvang is an historic Danish Village on the Central Coast. Danes wanting to escape cold Midwestern Winter's founded the town in 1911 and called it Solvang or 'sunny village'. Its charming architecture, thatched roofs and windmills create a truly authentic experience along with its 200 shops and restaurants. Solvang is also the heart of Santa Barbara's wine country making it the perfect spot for tastings. A replica of Copenhagen's famous 'Little Mermaid' statue is a highlight for any visit.
#255 Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater is a half mile length volcanic crater in Death Valley National Park. It was created by a steam and gas explosion caused by rising magma touching ground water. Research has estimated it could have occurred less than 1,000 years ago making it very young in geologic terms. Timbisha Shoshone Native Americans called the crater 'Tem-pin-tta- Wo’sah' which translates to 'coyote's basket'.
#254 Mobius Arch
Mobius Arch is the most famous of many arches in the Alabama Hills. Giant monzogranite boulders have eroded for millions of years creating magnificent shapes. The arch perfectly frames the Sierra Nevada Mountains including Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. A 3/4 mile hike winds through the boulders and provides sweeping views of the landscape.
#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.
