Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2 (page 7 of 7)

MISSION BEACH - SAN DIEGO

32.769263, -117.25224 Free parking

Mission Beach is a neighborhood in San Diego, California. This small seaside resort is the perfect destination for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of the California coast.

The pedestrian boardwalk along the beach is lively and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Nearby is Belmont Park, a small amusement park that includes, among other things, a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1925.

https://youtu.be/aCykZ2As-nM

OCEAN BEACH TIDE POOLS - SAN DIEGO

Ocean Beach Tide Pools - San Diego - California

32.74639, -117.25440 Parking 32.74610, -117.25506 Tide Pools

The tide pools at Ocean Beach, California, are the perfect spot to observe small marine creatures.

When we visited, we saw sea anemones, sea snails, chitons, and lots of crabs.

It was actually pretty funny watching one of those crabs! It looked starving! It was quickly using its claws alternately to devour everything in front of it!

https://youtu.be/oOzK48q3Kng

SUNSET CLIFFS NATURAL PARK - SAN DIEGO

32.71961, -117.25683 Stairs 32.72434, -117.25756 Cave

The sea caves in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego, California, are truly spectacular.

They were formed by the relentless action of waves and wind over thousands of years.

A walk along the cliffs offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline interspersed with stunning secluded beaches.

However, caution is advised as the cliff edges can be unstable in some areas.

There’s a staircase with about a hundred steps leading down to the base of the cliffs. It’s essential to go at low tide if you want to discover the marine creatures in the tide pools, reach the nearby beaches, or explore the caves in the area.

https://youtu.be/qd8rqx2JwWg

TUNA HARBOR PARK - SAN DIEGO

32.71275, -117.17412 Taffy 3 Memorial 32.71288, -117.17518 The Kiss 32.71277, -117.17550 National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military 32.71247, -117.17314 USS San Diego Memorial

Tuna Harbor Park is located in San Diego, California. It offers a stunning view of the USS Midway, the famous aircraft carrier turned museum, as well as San Diego Bay.

This park features numerous memorials that highlight the city's significant naval presence.

The Taffy 3 Memorial is a beautiful monument dedicated to the memory of Vice Admiral Clifton A.F. Sprague and the 13 ships and 7,300 men of Task Unit 77.4.3 under his command during the naval battle off Samar Island in 1944.

The monument consists of thirteen granite panels (one for each ship) arranged in a V shape, along with a bronze bust of Admiral Sprague.

The sculpture "Unconditional Surrender," also known as "Victory Kiss," depicts the famous photo taken at the end of World War II with Japan, where a sailor kisses an unknown Red Cross nurse in Times Square.

A monument also pays tribute to Bob Hope and the military. From World War II to the Gulf War, Bob Hope performed on distant battlefields to entertain American troops.

This monument features life-sized bronze statues arranged as if attending one of Bob Hope's shows. Men and women in service, as well as wounded veterans, are represented.

The USS San Diego Memorial honors the exceptional service of the USS San Diego cruiser and its crew during World War II.

The monument consists of five walls with inscriptions, a life-sized bronze statue of a crew member, and a terrazzo map showing battle locations, among other details.

Interpretive panels have been installed along the oceanfront promenade. These pay tribute to the tuna industry's contribution to San Diego.

Continuing our walk along the coastline, we arrived at Tuna Harbor Pier, famous for its fishermen's market.

A fishing boat had just docked, allowing us to witness the unloading of several tuna.

https://youtu.be/D1ylIAlNET4

SEAPORT VILLAGE & EMBARCADERO MARINA PARK - SAN DIEGO

32.70957, -117.17138 Seaport Village Carousel 32.70899, -117.17112 Seaport Fountain 32.70798, -117.16947 Embarcadero Marina Park 32.70497, -117.16568 Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 32.70569, -117.16011 San Diego Convention Center

Seaport Village is a shopping and dining complex nestled along the picturesque San Diego Bay in California.

It’s just a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center and the cruise terminal.

The complex consists of several buildings with different architectural styles, ranging from Victorian to traditional Mexican. There are over 70 shops, galleries, and restaurants.

You’ll also find a lovely carousel dating back to 1895. It features 54 animals and two horse-drawn chariots.

Its waterfront location offers stunning views of the Coronado Bridge and Coronado Island.

We also took a stroll to the Convention Center. To get there, we followed the pedestrian walkway leading to Embarcadero Marina Park and enjoyed amazing views of the marina and the city of San Diego.

The esplanade of the San Diego Convention Center also offers beautiful views of the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, an outdoor concert venue, the marina, and San Diego Bay.

https://youtu.be/SuYs3A_nBQY

GASLAMP QUARTER - DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

32.70731, -117.16020 Gaslamp Quarter Archway (Sign) 32.71039, -117.16154 Horton Grand Hotel 32.71245, -117.16030 Old City Hall 32.71373, -117.16032 Keating Hotel 32.71421, -117.16003 Louis Bank of Commerce (formerly) 32.71437, -117.16139 Balboa Theatre 32.71543, -117.16154 Fountain at Horton Plaza Park

32.71622, -117.16949 Santa Fe Depot 32.72188, -117.17224 Waterfront Park

Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood in downtown San Diego, California. It includes over 90 historic buildings, most of which were built in the Victorian era.

Many of these buildings now house restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and nightclubs.

Still in downtown, near the Gaslamp Quarter, is the Santa Fe Depot train station, a historic building dating back to 1915. This station is still in operation, by the way.

Waterfront Park is a public park with green spaces, water jet fountains, and plenty of playground equipment for kids. Plus, it offers stunning views of the city and San Diego Bay.

https://youtu.be/RFVmj7iZNBg

CORONADO ISLAND - SAN DIEGO

32.69087, -117.16498 Parking at Coronado Tidelands Park 32.68891, -117.16388 Beach and viewpoint of the bridge and San Diego

32.69900, -117.17052 Parking - Coronado Ferry Landing 32.69994, -117.17167 Viewpoint of downtown San Diego

32.69065, -117.17697 Coronado Beach via Orange Ave 32.68224, -117.18105 Coronado Beach - Street parking

32.67524, -117.16955 Parking - Glorietta Bay Park 32.67572, -117.16911 The Naked Warrior 32.67518, -117.16837 Beach 32.68017, -117.17566 Marina and Blue Water Grill

Coronado Island faces downtown San Diego in California.

Crossing the bridge that connects the city of San Diego to Coronado Island is a memorable experience. The views of the bay and downtown San Diego are breathtaking.

Several viewpoints also offer stunning views of this bridge and the city of San Diego.

The legendary Hotel del Coronado, in Victorian style, is located on a beautiful, long white-sand beach. It’s actually one of the oldest wooden buildings in California. It’s the perfect spot for some fun.

We also took a walk along the promenade that runs along Glorietta Bay. It offers great views of the marina, and you can spot lots of seabirds.

https://youtu.be/ezoc06KrEPM

DEAD DOLLY LANE - ALPINE

Location: 32.76478, -116.68087 (21721-21829 Japatul Rd)

Dead Dolly Lane in Alpine, California, is an unusual art installation by Toni Fusco. It’s located on a dirt road leading to a private property.

The site features hundreds of creepy dolls, often dismembered, hanging from barbed wire along the road near Japatul Road.

A must-see if you love offbeat attractions!

https://youtu.be/qRMPPQlNPbk

METAL SCULPTURES OF GALLETA MEADOWS - BORREGO SPRINGS

33.21136, -116.35548 Borrego Springs Rd & Anzio Dr 33.25717, -116.37561 Stage Coach Sculpture - Christmas Circle 33.25678, -116.37157 2 sculptures - Borrego Springs Welcome Center 33.28282, -116.37526 Intersection of Borrego Springs Rd & Big Horn Rd and others in this area 33.30093, -116.38734 Henderson Canyon Rd - More sculptures in this area

In the desert surrounding the small town of Borrego Springs, California, stand over 100 iron sculptures, mostly depicting animals.

Located along or near Borrego Springs Road, these were created by artist Richard Breceda and are known as Galleta Meadows Sky Art.

They blend perfectly into the desert landscape and are easily accessible since you can drive right up to them.

It’s a must-see if you’re passing through this region.

https://youtu.be/tTqG-oOniXU

WHAT TO SEE IN PALM SPRINGS

Palm Springs is a desert city in Southern California. It's known for its mid-20th-century modern architecture, mild climate, charming hotels, and spectacular mountain landscapes.

It's a popular destination for relaxation, outdoor activities, and design enthusiasts.

Here are some suggestions for attractions to discover:

* By car:

Art:

33.67227, -116.40902 Palm Desert Sign 33.81198, -116.54208 Popsicles, 605 Sunny Dunes Road 33.81680, -116.52394 "TOT", 3-foot stainless steel sculpture of a toddler - Palm Springs Swim Center 33.82316, -116.51327 The Art of Taming Horses 33.85181, -116.55152 Mural Woman in Glasses, 2481 N Palm Canyon Dr

Celebrity homes:

https://goo.gl/maps/w3fkD9C98rSDwG1TA

33.78368, -116.53863 Walt Disney, 2688 S. Camino Real, Palm Springs 33.83539, -116.55160 Elizabeth Taylor, 417 W. Hermosa Place, Palm Springs 33.83869, -116.55458 Dean Martin, 1123 Via Monte Vista 33.84105, -116.55736 House of Tomorrow - Elvis Presley and Priscilla's honeymoon spot, 1350 Ladera Cir 33.84071, -116.55791 Marilyn Monroe, 1326 Rose Ave 33.84244, -116.54925 Liberace house - 1441 Kaweah, Palm Springs 33.84632, -116.55756 Elvis Presley, 845 W. Chino Canyon Road 33.84656, -116.56142 Edris House, 1030 W Cielo Dr

* Hike of about 1 mile in downtown:

33.81958, -116.54593 Downtown free parking, 275 S Indian Canyon Dr 33.82201, -116.54716 Sonny Bono Statue, 155 S Palm Canyon Dr 33.82314, -116.54679 Walk of Stars, Palm Canyon Dr and others on La Plaza + painted benches 33.82419, -116.54846 Forever Marilyn & The Černý "Babies", Museum Wy 33.82401, -116.54919 Car plunge into the water, 102 N. Museum Drive 33.82369, -116.54757 Isabelle & Stay Human Mural (Angel Wings) & PS Loves You, 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way

By car (when leaving Palm Springs toward Desert Christ Park):

33.92024, -116.77287 Cabazon Dinosaurs - World's Biggest Dinosaurs, 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon

https://youtu.be/QtggYybjzuU

ROBOLIGHTS - PALM SPRINGS

33.83194, -116.53535 1077 E Granvia Valmonte

Robolights is without a doubt one of the craziest and most unforgettable experiences you can have in Palm Springs, California.

It’s a dive into the wild imagination of artist Kenny Irwin Jr., who created numerous intricate metal sculptures from recycled materials, including massive robots.

Around every corner, you’ll discover something new, weird, and utterly fascinating.

If you love quirky art, Robolights is a must-visit.

The site was closed during our visit, but we still got a great look at it. You can see for yourself in this video.

https://youtu.be/mf_PiUKqK94

ANDREAS CANYON TRAIL - INDIAN CANYONS - PALM SPRINGS

33.76077, -116.54949 Trailhead 33.76320, -116.55579 Bridge overlooking Andreas Creek (0.5 miles in) 33.76077, -116.55053 End of the trail

Indian Canyons, located near Palm Springs, California, is an exceptional natural site rich in cultural history and biodiversity, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the ancestral lands of the Cahuilla people.

Andreas Canyon Trail, situated in Andreas Canyon, is an easy 1-mile loop trail that’s home to the second-largest fan palm oasis in California and the world.

The first part of the hike follows Andreas Creek, while the second half gently climbs a hill, providing views of the majestic palms nestled in the rocky landscape.

https://youtube.com/shorts/LLv6DCwJiCs

PALM CANYON TRAIL - INDIAN CANYONS - PALM SPRINGS

33.73778, -116.53891 Trailhead 33.72926, -116.52964 End of trail

At 3.2 km round-trip, this trail is one of the best hikes in the area as it winds through majestic California fan palms.

You’ll also see the remains of ancient Cahuilla Indian villages that once lived in this canyon.

The trail follows a pretty stream, and there are some really interesting rock formations along the way.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Dq47crs6O5s

WEST FORK WATERFALL TRAIL - INDIAN CANYONS - PALM SPRINGS

33.73767, -116.53972 Trailhead 33.73741, -116.54069 Waterfall

Hike of about 200 m round trip.

This trail is located within Indian Canyons, near Palm Springs in California.

The hike to West Fork Waterfall is very short and easy. It's actually a round trip of about 200 meters from the Trading Post parking lot.

The trail leads to a small seasonal waterfall and a palm oasis.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Zf4zEQYxUVA

TAHQUITZ CANYON LOOP TRAIL - INDIAN CANYONS - PALM SPRINGS

33.80998, -116.55283 ($15 to pay at the Visitor Center)

33.80990, -116.55317 Start of the trail (counterclockwise) 33.80851, -116.55604 Crossing the creek 33.80358, -116.56192 Tahquitz Falls (midway) 33.80667, -116.55728 Crossing the creek again 33.80851, -116.55604 Crossing the first creek once more 33.80867, -116.55566 Turn right Back to the parking lot

Tahquitz Canyon, considered one of the most beautiful areas in the region, is sacred land for the Cahuilla Indians. This canyon is home to a spectacular 18-meter-high seasonal waterfall.

This trail is a moderate 3 km loop. It quickly descends into the canyon, is quite steep and rocky, and has numerous steps to climb. Additionally, there’s very little shade.

The scenery is gorgeous, and besides the lovely waterfall that flows into a pool where you can swim, there are several points of interest along the trail, including a clear viewpoint over the canyon, remnants of an irrigation canal, an ancient Cahuilla site, and interesting rock formations.

https://youtube.com/shorts/8zFcKKEk-RE

DESERT CHRIST PARK - YUCCA VALLEY

34.12944, -116.43923 Parking

Desert Christ Park overlooks the town of Yucca Valley, located in the high desert of Southern California. You’ll find numerous pristine white sculptures depicting scenes from the life and teachings of Christ.

This 3.5-acre sculpture garden was built between 1951 and 1961 by Frank Antone Martin.

https://youtube.com/shorts/vzZVZJElGY4

PIONEERTOWN

34.15445, -116.48806 Pioneertown Sign 34.15640, -116.49252 Pioneertown Wild West Theater & Pappy + Harriet's Old-school Setting 34.15637, -116.49408 Parking 34.15702, -116.49303 Start of Mane Street (500 m long) 34.15699, -116.49878 End of Mane Street (Post Office)

Pioneertown is a historic town located in the high desert of San Bernardino, California.

It was actor Dick Curtis who built this town in 1946, aiming to recreate a movie set inspired by the Old West of the 1880s.

Hundreds of Westerns and TV shows have been filmed in this town.

https://youtube.com/shorts/aCu7B8g5EvM

SALVATION MOUNTAIN - NILAND

Location: 33.25795, -115.46194

Salvation Mountain (known as "La Montagne du Salut" in French) is a unique attraction located in Niland, California.

It’s a vibrant work of art created over the years by Leonard Knight on a hill in the Colorado Desert. You’ll find colorful murals, Christian messages, and Bible verses throughout.

In 2000, the Folk Art Society of America declared it a folk art site worthy of preservation and protection.

Leonard Knight passed away in 2014 at the age of 82. Many were worried about the future of the site, but fortunately, volunteers have been working since then to protect and maintain it.

The site was also featured in the film *Into the Wild*, written and directed by Sean Penn in 2007, and has appeared in numerous music videos.

https://youtube.com/shorts/HjI56dr42FQ

SLAB CITY - NILAND

33.24257, -115.48100 1st Guardshack, 123 Beal Rd, Niland 33.24554, -115.47651 Slab City Hot Springs, 543 Beal Rd, Niland (100 m from the main road) 33.24966, -115.46828 The Think Tank (700 m from the main road - check road conditions) 33.25601, -115.47148 2nd Guardshack, Beal Rd, Niland 33.25631, -115.47094 Slab City Information Kiosk, 7120 Beal Rd, Niland 33.25670, -115.47057 Shoe Tree, Beal Rd, Calipatria 33.25882, -115.46619 Can Castle, Beal Road &, Low Rd, Calipatria 33.26067, -115.46384 The Range 33.26296, -115.46335 T’s Garden, 1000 16th Dog Ln, Niland 33.26467, -115.46335 Chateau Relaxo, 4220 Coachella Canal Rd 33.26374, -115.46560 House of Dots, 3 Sidewinder Rd, Niland 33.26304, -115.46601 East Jesus, E Jesus Rd, Niland 33.25849, -115.46350 Slab City Skate Park, 421 Low Rd, Niland

Slab City is a one-of-a-kind community located near Niland in the California desert. It attracts thousands of visitors every year who are curious to discover the lifestyle there.

Here, there are no public services: no electricity or running water.

Slab City, built on an abandoned military base, has become a refuge for artists and people looking to live outside mainstream society.

Residents live in RVs, vans, and even makeshift shelters. However, you can still find a few businesses like a grocery store, a bookstore, and a cybercafé.

It’s hard to track the population of this town since it’s constantly changing. The number of residents peaks in winter because summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C (122°F).

Art plays a major role in Slab City. East Jesus, an open-air art gallery in the northern part of town, features works created from recycled materials.

Many of these pieces highlight social issues faced by people living outside the system, such as isolation, poverty, ignorance, and drug use.

Part 1: https://youtube.com/shorts/ouEPIxQpx1I

Part 2:

https://youtube.com/shorts/-EEk3n7S6_o

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