#293 Presidio Park
Presidio Park in San Diego marks the spot of the first European settlement of the Western United States. Founded in 1769, the Presidio or military fort was established here to protect the land from invasion. Abandoned in 1835, it decayed for 75 years until local civic lead George Marston purchased the land for preservation. He donated the land to the city where a Museum to honor Mission Founder Father Junípero Serra was built. The museum is open today and provides sweeping views of the city in an idyllic setting.
#292 San Clemente Pier
San Clemente Pier is a classic California wooden pier at 1,296 feet long. It is the third pier to be constructed at this site with the first one opening in 1928. A leisurely sunset stroll or moonlit walk are a perfect way to spend time on the Orange County Coast.
#291 San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
San Gabriel Mountains National Monument was created on October 10th, 2014 to protect 346,177 acres of pristine wilderness above Los Angeles. More than 15 million people are within a 90 mile radius of the monument, but a visit will feel uncrowded with 4 designated wilderness areas. 300 species of plants and animals are found here and nowhere else on Earth making it a rich biodiversity zone. The San Gabriel Mountains provide Los Angeles with 70% of its wild space and 30% of its drinking water. Native American history here dates 8,000 years.
#290 Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum is a sculptural museum in Joshua Tree. Noah Purifoy was an artist born in Alabama but spent most of his working life in California. He was the first African American to attend the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles and graduated with a BFA in 1956. He used debris and found objects from the desert to sculpt over 100 mesmerizing art installations created during his final years from 1989 to 2004.
#289 Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is the premier nature wonderland of the Santa Monica Mountains. Grasslands, oak woodlands and rolling hills make up more than 8,000 acres of scenic beauty. The area was once home to the Native American Chumash who had a village here called Talepop. Paramount Pictures & 20th Century Fox both used the area for filming including M*A*S*H & The Planet of the Apes. Hiking trails of every length wind through canyons covered in wildflowers each Spring.
#288 Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been around since 1958 and represents 2,500 stars of film, television, music, radio and theatre. With 10 million annual visitors, it is one of the most visited spots in the country. Since 1968, it has been a requirement for an honoree to attend the unveiling of the star. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce accepts nominations for those that have been in their industry for at least five years and give to charity. Enjoy 15 blocks of Hollywood stars from the past and present.
#287 Jalama Road Scenic Byway
Jalama Road is a 14 mile Scenic Byway between Lompoc and the ocean. The road winds through rolling hills that are a brilliant green in the winter and golden in the summer. Oak groves dot the slopes to provide shade and a haven for wildlife. At the end is the secluded Jalama Beach where you will feel worlds away to discover a pristine coast.
#286 Getty Center
Built on the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center is a grand collection of art, architecture and gardens overlooking the Los Angeles Metropolis. It opened in 1997 at a cost of $1.3 billion dollars and was designed by famed architect Richard Meier. More than 1.3 million visitors come each year to enjoy famed European paintings, sculptures, photography and skyline views.
#285 Point La Jolla
Point La Jolla, 'The Jewel' in Spanish, certainly lives up to its name with its sparkling clear waters. The walk along Coast Boulevard from Point La Jolla south includes several vista points, hidden coves, rocky bluffs, tidepools, seals and sea lions. It is a special place where everyone comes and everyone belongs.
#284 Bluff Trail
The Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park is the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California. Stunning sea stacks with crashing waves will leave you breathless while the surrounding mountains turn golden with poppies in the Spring. The trails take you to dramatic vista points and secret coves perfect for a picnic or relaxation. From just a few steps to a four mile loop, everyone can experience 'Mountain of Gold' in their own way.