Yosemite Falls, in Yosemite National Park, is made up of three falls including Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet) and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet), for a total height of 2,425 feet, making the combination one of the world’s tallest. The Falls can be seen from many places in Yosemite Valley and an all day hike leads to the top of the falls. Yosemite Conservancy offers webcam views on their website.
Links: Yosemite Waterfalls Webcam
“Scotty’s Castle” (or Death Valley Ranch), is located in Grapevine Canyon in the far north of Death Valley National Park. Construction, in the Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles, began in 1922, and cost $1.5-$2.5 million. It is named for Walter Scott, also known as “Death Valley Scotty”, who convinced a wealthy friend (Albert Johnson, a Chicago insurance magnate) to build the house.
Links: NPS info Detailed history
Borrego Springs, the gateway to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (California’s largest at approximately 600,000 acres), contains an awesome collection of metal sculptures (roughly 130) by Ricardo Breceda, many commissioned by the late Dennis Avery (Avery Labels heir), placed in Avery’s Galleta Meadows Estates and open to the public. Be sure and pick up a map to sculpture locations (available in town).
William Randolph Hearst began building his palatial home in 1917 near San Simeon. Designed by Julia Morgan in the Mediterranean style and completed in 1947, it encompasses about 90,000 sq. ft. scattered across several buildings. One of its many spectacular features is the Neptune Pool.
Point Loma was the landing site for the first European expedition to come ashore in present-day California. The tidal pools are located within Cabrillo National Monument, which boasts a nice visitor center, lighthouse, hiking trails, and fantastic views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.
Links: Cabrillo National Monument
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