Our favorite historial shipwreck (not that they are good) is the SS Winfield Scott, which crashed into Anacapa Island in 1853. Today you can go scuba diving an hour off the coast of Ventura and still find gold, but you can't touch it as the wreck is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A little closer to L.A. are the rocky shores in the South Bay where over 10 shipwrecks have occurred and are featured in an interactive map by the Daily Breeze. Of note is the Dominator, which came too close to the Palos Verdes Peninsula shore and sank as 10,000 witnesses watched from land. You can see the map here. more ›

The Dominator ran aground on March 13, 1961 at the point between Lunada Bay and Malaga Cove, near Rocky Point. Carrying a load of wheat and beef from Vancouver, B.C, the vessel was trapped by the current after coming too close to the cliffs. Residents have watched over the years as the sea slowly destroyed the wreckage, until finally just a few bits of the hull and bow remain scattered on the shore. More of the boat is visible at low tide. There are two routes by which to access the wreckage today. Experienced hikers and climbers can make their way down the steep cliffs, but must be cautious of the rocky terrain. It is recommended you go at low tide, be prepared to get wet, and keep an eye out for interesting tide pools. more ›