San Pedro to Dana Point Road Trip

Built by the Tagami brothers in 1917 this was one of the most popular beach resorts of its time especially among Japanese-Americans. It's demise has a sad, long, and sordid history to it and perhaps the ruins are a reminder of how unfairly immigrants were treated at that time. Only a few fragments of the once-magnificent seaside vacationing spot remain slowly eroding under the destructive force of the Pa...

There’s enough tragedy and controversy wrapped up in the ongoing saga of Sunken City for a movie script plus a sequel. This stretch of beach contains the ruins of ritzy homes and streets that fell from a lofty height during a massive landslide in 1929. Over the years, the so-called “Sunken City” gained a cult following when urban artists covered the ruins with graffiti. Plus, it just became a cool rite-o...

Update: After being closed for 8 long years, the world famous Channel Street Skatepark is now open to the public! Under the 110 Freeway right about where it terminates on its south end is the infamous skate spot know as the Channel Street Skatepark. This popular DIY skatepark emerged in 2002 when local skaters built it on no-man's land under the freeway overpass with no city oversight or permits. T...

A tribute to the frontman Bradley Nowell of Sublime, this mural depicts him with what he loved best - and in no particular order - his baby, his guitar, his music, and his dog Lou. It was commissioned by popular L.A. salon chain Floyd's 99 Barber Shop and finished in 2005 by Venice-based artist, Jonas Never. The wall is in Long Beach, the hometown of the band. (Submitted by Mireya López)

You might think you were magically transported to a posh street in San Francisco but you're still in Los Angeles County. This row of colorfully painted Victorian homes was built in the 1980s, perfect replicas of the charming life-sized dollhouses built a century earlier. Many of the homes are even fashioned with interior designs reminiscent of the Victorian era although accompanied by more modern conveni...

Before the World's Largest Surfboard was hoisted high outside the International Surfing Museum, it was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. It actually broke two records - it was the largest surfboard in the world at about 42 feet long, 11 feet wide, and 1.5 feet thick. It also broke the record for the surfboard with the most riders on it at one time - 66 people managed to keep their balance ...

Officially titled "Ultimate Challenge" and known by locals as "Nude Dude," the Naked Surfer Statue was originally sculpted by Edmond Shumpert in 1976. If curious, and we know you are, yes - he still has his front bits. Although it looks like the water was quite cold that day.

With a horde of more than 50 fiberglass pirates this abode is the perfect party place for these raiders of the high seas. An otherwise picturesque house in the middle of affluent Newport Beach is thronged by sailing ne'er-do-wells. Moreover, it's free to see - which is quite a treat in this part of SoCal. It's still a private residence even if it is being accosted by drunken sailors so be mindful of visi...

It's almost exactly like that ancient site in the UK except it doesn't have giant grey stone monoliths, throngs of tourists, or an aura of mysticism. Okay...so it's not really much like Stonehenge. But the circle of white rabbits purposefully posed in an occult-like formation is either cute or disturbing depending on your point of view. Best time of day to visit is when the sun starts to set and the bunn...

Designed for public use this small promontory allows visitors a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Head down to the beach to frolick in the waves and watch them crash against the cliffside. To avoid the crowds it's best to go early in the morning or near sunset. Take Highway 1 to Marguerite Ave and make a left on Ocean Blvd. The point will be on your right-hand side.

This arch makes a natural picture frame for the beach. Surrounding the tunnel are tide pools, cliffs, sand, and the Pacific Ocean. The water is known for being safer and cleaner than surrounding areas too. Treasure Island Beach is located just off Hwy 1. 

Taking the same steps as you would take to the secret pool reveals a mysterious cave on the south end of the staircase. Make sure you go at low tide for complete safety and so that you can walk all the way through to a cove on the other side. On the north side of the staircase a rocky tunnel leads you to a gorgeous beach. Either way, you can't go wrong. To get to Thousand Steps Beach head to 9th Avenue a...

A secret cave trail that leads to secret pools in Laguna Beach? Yes, please! These saltwater pools were originally built by movie director D.W. Griffith (and family) back in 1929. To get to the pools you'll need to go at low tide as high tide is dangerous. (Plus you'll see some of the marine life left behind when the water recedes.) Lastly, stay on the beach away from private property. (Submitted by @ime...

To get to the Dana Point Sea Cave, park in one of the lots near the Ocean Institute. Then walk past the Ocean Institute towards Dana Cove Park. You'll see a large, green, grated walkway with stairs. Take those stairs and follow the coast to the right for the next .6 miles before you reach the cave. You'll be entering from the back door so be on the lookout for a 3.5-foot wide by 8-foot tall opening. Take...

We found the elusive white squirrels of Dana Point! These super rare ground squirrels are a little tricky to find since they only live in a 40 foot section of the rocks at Dana Point Harbor and are surrounded by hundreds of regular old grey ground squirrels. For a chance at seeing them, find the statue of Richard Henry Dana located at the end of Island Way. From the statue, walk about 10 feet towards the...