Points of Interest

Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous prison bearing the same name, is San Francisco's top tourist attraction and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Although it has not erupted in over 10,000 years, this extinct volcano is still an imposing sight in the Mojave Desert.

Los Angeles may not have the most intricate public transportation system, but at least they have this exciting and historic funicular in Bunker Hill.

View this colorful rock formation, where volcanic activity caused color changes in the sedimentary hills.

This 31-mile highway that travels through Humbolt Redwoods State Park is one of the most scenic forest drives in the world.

Sitting 282-feet below sea level, this natural basin is the lower point in the United States and all of North America.

Located inside the Pinnacles National Park, this talus cave has become famous for its resident colony of Townsends big-eared bats.

Many Californians would argue that this section of the California coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

If you are visiting San Diego, then it is worth heading to the ocean at night to see this magical natural phenomenon with your own eyes.

This creek winds for 10-miles through the heart of Inyo County and is the largest tributary of the Owens River.

This body of water next to Sonoma and Marin Counties is believed to be where Sir Francis Drake landed when he first arrived in California.

Imagine staring up at the night sky and seeing millions of twinkling stars and colorful ribbons of far-off galaxies.

This alien-like landscape on the shores of Mendocino County is one of the most bizarre landscapes in California.

This 16-acre area in Lesson Volcanic National Park is a bubbling and hissy landscape of boiling hot springs.

President Theodore Roosevelt took one look at this majestic waterfall and called it the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Thirty miles off the coast of Long Beach sits this small island known for its vibrant towns, hidden harbors, and dramatic coastlines.

This volcanic field in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve consists of 40 volcanic cones and 60 lava flows, creating and black and red landscape of rocky volcanic material.

There is something here for nature lovers, history buffs, and architecture aficionados.

One of at least 240 known caves in Sequoia National Park.

A lush oasis inside of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this canyon is marked by its vine and fern-covered cliffs, some of which stand nearly 50-feet tall.

Originally built as an army post in the early 1900s, this military fort is mostly known as being the headquarters for the 91st division army for WWI and WWII.

Do not expect to come here and see plunging waterfalls and glistening pools.

Home to some of the biggest trees on the planet, this redwood grove is a must-see for visitors of Humbolt Redwoods State Park.

The second-largest giant sequoia tree in the world.

The General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree, is the prime visitor attraction in Giant Forest.

In the early 1900s, this land was known as the Dumps due to people discarding garbage, glass, and appliances onto the coast.

San Franciscos most recognizable landmark sits on the strait of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

One of California'ss most familiar rock formations and a Yosemite icon.

For one of the best views over the Santa Barbara coastline, make the hike up to this scenic outlook.

It is not every day that you get to crawl inside the middle of a lava tube.

Easily the most spectacular waterfall in California, this natural wonder sits on the coast of Big Sur in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

A road trip to this rugged coastline in Mendocino is a must-do for any nature lover.

The most popular and accessible sand dunes in Death Valley National Park.

A short trek through the Alabama Hills takes you to this unique rock formation.

This 581-foot tall volcanic plug sits at the mouth of Morro Bay connected only to the mainland by a thin strip of shoreline.

With an elevation of 14,179-feet, this snow-capped mountain is the fifth-highest peak in California.

Watching over the coast of San Diego, this historic lighthouse sits at the 400-foot summit of the Point Loma peninsula near the entrance of the San Diego Bay.

Famous for its jagged peaks and colored layered walls, this canyon is the crown gem of the Mecca Hills Recreation Area.

This 845-acre property in Sonoma County is home to the largest petrified forest in the world.

Built-in 1870, this historic lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Marin County.

The main beach in Californias most prominent surf town has more than just sand and surf.

This hidden natural wonder in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is one of the more unique sites in California.

When a nearby volcano erupted 20,000 years ago, the molten lava covered the floor of the Hat Creek Valley, creating these tunnel-like caves that stand here today.

The most famous of Death Valley's "playas" -- dry lake beds -- the Racetrack is known for its "moving rocks."

Built for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, this man-made island is one of San Franciscos most historic attractions.

If you are visiting Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierras, these unusual rock formations are hard to miss.

Although this ship now permanently resides at the Port of Los Angeles, she was once a powerful Navy battleship during WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

There are more similarities between Venice Beach and Venice, Italy, besides having the same name.

A lovely resort reminiscent of the Victorian era, with classic white buildings, expansive verandas, and lush natural surroundings.

This three-tiered waterfall is one of the newer discoveries in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

This Victorian mansion may look innocent enough from the outside, but on the inside, it is a maze of secret passages, hidden walkways, and staircases that lead to nowhere.

This historic cemetery is located in Yosemite National Park and is worth some investigation.

At 2,425 feet, this is the highest waterfall in North America.

Once a year, you can head to Yosemite National Park to see one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the world.

point of interest

Named for a borax baron and located in a wildly eroded section of Death Valley National Park.