The State of California is the third largest state in the U.S. Only Alaska and Texas are larger. The Golden State is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, the golden poppy (state flower) and the California gold rush. This state was the 31st to be admitted into the union back in 1850. Between 1769 and 1823 twenty-one missions were established. Some are open to the public today.
Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level is the lowest point in the nation. Mt. Whitney at 14,491 feet is the highest point in the U.S. The General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is estimated to be about 3500 years old; some pines in the White Mountains could be 4000 years old.
Some renowned spots that draw visitors are Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Golden Gate Park (in San Francisco), Hollywood and Disneyland. Cities among the largest fifty in the U.S. are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach, Sacramento (state capital), Fresno and Oakland. The state has 58 counties.
The Silicon Valley is noted for geniuses developing technology so that wireless products can be easy to use. It's the top spot in the On-Line universe for advancing new and innovative ideas.
The Golden State is well known for quality wines. About 80% of them come from the hot desert counties. The Napa Valley and Sonoma County produce many of the grapes.
When traveling the extensive coast of California some good places to stop are the Redwood National Park, Carmel and Monterey, Long Beach and Laguna Beach. From North to South the beaches are a beachcomber's and surfer's paradise.
San Diego is a gateway to Mexico. The Mojave desert encompasses California and Nevada. Death Valley is not far from Las Vegas, Crescent City near the Oregon border is fairly close to the Gold Beach.
Some more places that attract tourists are the Mount Shasta area in Northern California, Lake Tahoe more centrally located and not far from Reno, NV, Lak Arrowhead near San Bernardino and Salton Sea in Southeastern California.
Yosemite National Park, named for the Yosemite Indians, has within its boundaries stellar attractions like Half Dome, North Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Glacier Point. Several waterfalls-Yosemite, Bridalveil, Vernal and Nevada delight campers and hikers. Rivers and lakes add to the grandeur.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains contain not only Yosemite but also Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The mountain's name means snowy mountains. Trees in the parks are enormous because every effort has been made to keep logging out of the parks.
California is a state of contrasts--incredibly long coastline, high mountain peaks, low desert regions, heavily populated cities yet a multitude of small towns. A huge contrast exists between Northern and Southern California. So diversified is this state that there is truly many outstanding attractions for everyone to enjoy.
