I missed this year's poppies..what other nature is must see? (Santa Barbara: camping, live in)

[LAdodgerguy]

This my second year here...looking for any semi-day trips to find spectacular nature. I live in S. Monica Beach...is laguna beach a must see?

Aside from last year's poppies..I've also enjoyed a hike to a beautiful waterfall in malibu.

[BRinSM]

laguna is nice, but it's not really that different than any other small beach town in CA. I wouldn't go down to laguna for a day trip, but if you have other plans in the area or want to piggy back with some other areas in OC (dana point, newport, etc.) then you should definitely stop by.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Not to cop a line from Monty Python, but ... Lupines! Check out the Santa Barbara area for them. May still be some around.

[LAdodgerguy]

Haven't heard of lupines...will have to google.

[LAdodgerguy]

I like the looks of 'em...is there an area that is best to see them?

[bhcompy]

missed desert flower blooms as well.. can be quite spectacular in the early spring. saw some popping up when i went up the 15 into utah in march

[ToadB]

Have you done any drives up to to the mountains yet?

[MtnSurfer]

Let me suggest something which it a little outside your window. If you truly want to see spectacular nature commit to a little more driving with an overnight stay:
Big Sur -











Yosemite -





Dogwoods in Bloom Now


Sequoias and Kings Canyon -
Sequoia Dogwoods in bloom (http://florisvanbreugel.smugmug.com/gallery/6060702_zKbJd#379974941_ujzq4 - broken link)

I know it is further than you asked. But once you go to these places you will wonder why you haven't done it sooner. Dogwoods are in bloom now! And Yosemite's waterfalls are in Full Force now! My best advice is to really go for it if you want to truly see spectacular nature in CA. I am a native of LA and have traveled the state border to border. Don't miss spectacular for ok/so-so.

If you absolutely cannot do an overnight trip, I have done kamakazi day runs to Kings Canyon and Mammoth from LA. Although it is pretty crazy it beats anything within a couple of hours hands down.

My 2c,

Derek

[Bunjee]

I grew up doing the grunion runs. It's just...one of those things you do. Not so much spectacular but a real SoCal native event; fun, very social, a ritual kind of like camping out for the Rose Parade (ritual-wise, not as wild as that). There's also Joshua Tree, of course.

[MtnSurfer]

Another great resource if you want to see the latest wildflower blooms for the entire state check out: California Wildflower Hotsheet.

Another must see is the High Sierras in the Summer.

Derek