#306 Congress Trail
Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park is a great place to get close to Giant Sequoia's. Starting at the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth, the trail winds through impressive groves of some of the largest sequoia's in the park. Names like 'The House', 'The Senate' and 'The President' strand give the trail its name. Crowds get smaller the further you hike on the easy 3 mile loop which can be done in varying lengths.
#305 Keys View
Keys View offers a stunning panoramic vista of the desert from Joshua Tree National Park. Located on the edge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, endless views of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto Peak, San Andreas Fault, Salton Sea and Mexico on a clear day can all be enjoyed from this must-see point.
#304 Morro Rock
Morro Rock in an ancient volcano and main landmark of Morro Bay at 581 feet. This monolith is protected as Morro Rock State Preserve which includes the surrounding stretch of coast as a beach. It is the first of San Luis Obispo's 'Nine Sisters' or volcano plugs created 20 million years ago. Native Chumash and Salinan consider it sacred and archeological evidence has found settlements near the site dating 6500-2000 B.C. Morro Rock is the perfect place to relax on the Central Coast.
#303 Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
The Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are a nationally recognized historic district in Crystal Cove State Park of Newport Beach. Built in the 20's through 40's, these cottages provided visitors with a unique oceanfront experience. The state park has preserved this untouched stretch of coast offering a glimpse into California's travel past. They have been featured in many films from the silent days through 1988's 'Beaches' with Bette Midler. You can stay overnight in one of the restored cottages or just enjoy the beautiful beach.
#302 Mission San Buenaventura
Mission San Buenaventura or 'Mission by the Sea' is the 9th California Mission founded on Easter Sunday: March 31, 1782. It was the last Mission under the vision of Padre Serra. The current church was built between 1792 and 1809 making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in California. Native Chumash created an aqueduct with a steady water supply allowing the mission to flourish and create beautiful gardens which can still be enjoyed to this day.
#301 Scotty's Castle
Scotty's Castle is a Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival architectural wonder in Death Valley National Park. It was created with the vision of Walter E. Scott, famous gold mine con man. Walter convinced Chicago investor Albert Mussey Johnson to invest in his fake mine. The investment turned out to be a fraud but Albert enjoyed Scott's enthusiasm and constructed the property anyway. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1970 and has led tours of the interior ever since which contains all original furnishings.
*Due to a 2015 flood, the castle is currently closed and estimated to reopen in 2019
#300 Coronado
Coronado, 'Crowned One' in Spanish, is a resort destination across the bay in San Diego. Usually referred to as an island, it is actually connected to the mainland by the isthmus, Silver Strand. The town built the iconic Hotel Del Coronado in 1888 and has been the place to be and be seen ever since.
Traveling the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is the perfect way to make a grand entrance with its sweeping views of Downtown and the bay. Beautiful Main Street is lined with galleries, shops and restaurants while the beach offers the finest in sand in California often making the top list for best beaches in the USA.
#299 Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway
Jacinto Reyes is a 36 mile National Scenic Byway in Ventura County. The scenic route, also known as Highway 33, winds through beautiful mountain canyons of Los Padres National Forest and offers stunning vista points along the way. Four National Wilderness areas can be accessed here for those seeking solitude. Come for the day and stay for the sunsets.
#298 El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park preserves one of the four original presidios or military districts of Alta California. Founded on April 21st 1782, its primary purpose was to protect the mission and settlers against local attack or foreign invasion. It was also the primary government and cultural center from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. Today, the presidio operates as a State Park Museum that offers a glimpse into the past with original and restored structures.
#297 Yosemite Valley
Tunnel View overlooking Yosemite Valley is one of the most iconic scenes in Yosemite National Park. Its vantage point includes breathtaking views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and the Half Dome. Late afternoon light through sunset is the best time to photograph this lovely vista. If arriving to the park from Wawona Road, this stop is also the first view of the valley making it a famous spot.
