California is an American state that stretches along the west coast. Access to the ocean and the border with Mexico give the territory additional tourist bonuses. Although without them, the state is full of amazing places for entertainment and travel. The region's main cities are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
The state is also home to American cinema. Local studios open their doors to guests and build theme parks based on their films. The best minds in the world of modern technology and software have settled in Silicon Valley. National Park "Sequoia" will allow you to take a break from the bustle of the city and admire the huge trees, which are more than a hundred years old. Even the bridges and roads between landmarks give a vivid impression and pleasure from the trip.
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What to see and where to go in California?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Crosses the strait of the same name. Since its construction in 1937 and for almost 30 years it has been the largest suspension bridge. Its length is 2,737 meters, and the height of the roadway above the water is 67 meters. Accessible for cars, cyclists and pedestrians. In total, it has 6 lanes and a width of 27.4 meters. For crossing the bridge to the south, car owners will have to pay $ 6.
Alcatraz
Small island in the San Francisco Bay. In the past, a lighthouse and a fort were built here, and then the famous prison. Especially dangerous prisoners and those who tried to escape from other places of detention were transferred to Alcatraz. In 1963, the prison was closed, and 10 years later it was turned into a tourist attraction. Visitors get to the island by ferry. The tour includes a tour of the cameras and a story about the famous "guests".
Hollywood
Many film studios are located here, as well as many celebrities from the world of cinema. The “Hollywood” inscription on the hills is a visiting card not only of the area, but also of the city. The local Walk of Fame has spawned a tradition of creating similar streets in other cities around the world. And in the local hotel "Roosevelt" the first Oscar ceremony took place in 1929. Now she has moved to the Dolby Theater.
Silicon Valley
She is Silicon Valley. It began to take shape in its current form and status from the middle of the last century. Known all over the world for the densely located offices of high-tech companies. Firms related to computers, mobile devices, software are based here. Corporations try to make buildings visible on the outside and modern on the inside. There are 4 universities in the valley.
Santa Monica Pier
It has been leading its history since 1909. Since then, the pier has changed a lot. Household assignment gave way to entertainment. Its visit is free of charge, the territory is always crowded. Each attraction is paid separately. Nearby there are many cafes, outdoor sports grounds, a large parking lot. In the summer, they show films in the open air, arrange concerts. Fishermen are standing with fishing rods right on the pier.
Fisherman's Wharf
The port area of San Francisco has long been the main calling card of the city. The Marine National Historical Park, a chocolate factory and a cannery are nearby. On Pier 39, shops, cafes and attractions are concentrated. People come here to see the Californian sea lions. They feel at ease, are not afraid of people and make real performances, begging for fish.
Lombard Street
Located in San Francisco. The serpentine road on one of the sections of the street has 8 curved bends. This somewhat smoothes the Rushen Hill slope of 27 percent. This segment is one-way and has additional speed limits. Its length is 180 meters. At the top there is a parking lot for a cable car, a special public transport of the city.
Getty Center
The museum complex was created in Los Angeles by the fund of oil tycoon Paul Getty. Has been working since 1997. Located on the top of a hill, you can go down by cable car. The basis of the museum collection is paintings by artists from Europe dating from the 20th century and earlier. But not only the exhibits of the museum are interesting in the center. The buildings of the complex and the central garden are full-fledged attractions.
Concert Hall. Walt disney
Opened in 2003 and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The name was given in honor of the eminent cartoonist, since his family allocated money for the construction. Architect - Frank Owen Gehry, who stood at the origins of the style of deconstructivism. The hall can accommodate over 2,200 spectators. In addition to classical concerts, the venue also hosts other events, including film premieres.
USS Midway Museum
Located off the San Diego Naval Pier. The basis of the museum is the very first heavy American aircraft carrier. The complex is named after him. The territory has been open to tourists since 2004. Several helicopters and aircraft for various purposes are exhibited at the USS Midway site. The ship has been used multiple times as a film set for TV shows and news broadcasts, as well as for broadcasting a basketball game.
Griffith Observatory
Built in 1935 in Los Angeles on the southern slope of the mountain. It was named after the philanthropist, with whose money it was built. From here you can see the city center. Foucault's pendulum became the first exhibit in the exhibition hall. The planetarium was renewed in 1964. The observatory has always been not only a scientific center, but also a tourist attraction. Its primary purpose is to popularize science.
Hearst Castle
It is located approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The first buildings appeared on this plot of land in the second half of the nineteenth century. Until the middle of the 20th century, the estate was rebuilt several times, and sometimes it was completely demolished in order to rebuild it. Hearst Castle is now a National Historic Landmark. The territory has a cinema, swimming pools, courts and an airfield.
Winchester House
Built in 1884 in San Jose. It was rebuilt many times until 1922. Sarah Winchester believed that the house was inhabited by spirits killed from rifles that her family produced. She invested all the money in this Victorian mansion. Sarah used her own designs for construction, without resorting to the services of architects. Currently, the house has four floors, before the earthquake there were seven.
San Francisco cable cars
An unusual form of public transport has been opened in the city since 1873. The tram / cable car hybrid is listed on the United States Register of National Historic Places. The system is unprofitable, since the construction of other transport lines and their maintenance costs half the price. However, cable cars are the face and symbol of San Francisco, so they are modernized, improved and left in action.
Palm Springs Cable Car
The world's largest rotating cable car. The journey lasts about 10 minutes and gives the tourist the opportunity to explore the valley from different angles. There is a station at the top of the route. A couple of restaurants, an observation deck, a museum, a gift shop and two theaters are always open to visitors. From here, 50 miles of hiking trails diverge in different directions.
17 mile road
The road is a gated community owned by Pebble Beach, and non-residents are required to pay about $ 11 to travel. A route has been laid along the coast. Around not only beaches and golf courses, but also mansions.These places attract not only ordinary tourists with their views, but also artists. Lonely cypress is a symbol of the road. Controversy continues around the rights to his image.
Pacific highway
It is laid mainly along the coast and stretches for more than 400 km. Most of the way, the road is two-lane. Fog descends in the morning. There are small settlements along the entire route. Local attraction is an extinct volcano 177 meters high. Tourists usually stop at roadside shops and beaches in hot weather. Convenient ramps have been made for this.
La Jolla bay
A small bay with a clean beach is surrounded by rocky ledges. It is part of a marine reserve. The underwater world in the vicinity is rich. For this reason, it is crowded here: divers and swimmers have occupied the coast. They are especially interested in the nearby caves. Services and infrastructure are located just above the bay itself. There are other beaches nearby, for example Children’s Pool Beach, which is suitable for children due to its breakwater.
National Monument Cabrillo
Located 10 km from San Diego. Installed in 1939 according to the design of the Portuguese Alvar de Brei. The monument is dedicated to the discoverer of these territories, Juan Cabrillo. He first sailed here in 1542. A small museum was built nearby. The complex stands on a hill, not far from the coast, so it offers breathtaking views. One of the features is the migration of gray whales.
Yosemite national park
It extends over 300 thousand hectares. It took shape in its current borders by 1890. The territory is rich in different reliefs and natural features. Waterfalls, rocky ledges, picturesque valleys, giant sequoias and even a glacier-carved Half Dome - all this can be found in the national park. On the mountain slopes there are trails for climbers. They are suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
National Park "Sequoia"
Founded in 1890. Occupies an area of 163 thousand hectares. Subsequently, it also became a bio reserve. The territory can only be navigated on foot, there are organized picnic areas. There is a hotel and a museum near the administrative building. Among the exhibits is a scale of heights, which shows what the huge sequoias are comparable to. For example, they are taller than the rocket and the Statue of Liberty. Tree sprouts are also sold in the gift shop.
Death Valley
The intermontane depression extends over 3.3 million acres. Here, in 1913, the highest temperature on the planet was recorded for the entire observation period - + 56.7 ° C. Desert territories got their names during the "gold rush". The settlers tried to take a shortcut through these endless expanses, and not all made it to the goal. The area is known for huge boulders that periodically move, leaving traces on the ground.
Point Lobos Nature Reserve
Located on the coast. These lands were considered not very comfortable for living and were sold to A. Alan for private ownership. In 1933, the territory of the reserve was transferred to the state. The main attraction is the cypress groves. Some trees are hundreds of years old. In the autumn and winter periods, views of the migratory routes of whales open from here. The reserve has had its current protected status since the 70s.
Monterey Bay Oceanarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world opened in Monterey in 1984. It contains representatives of more than 600 species. Temporary exhibitions tell about marine animals that can be found in other countries, they are also devoted to specific subgroups, such as sharks or inhabitants of the deep. The Oceanarium is also developing thanks to donations. The Institute of Marine Research works under him.
Disneyland (Anaheim)
The first of Disney's theme parks. It opened in 1955 and has changed many times. Additional thematic zones appeared with the release of new animated and fiction films. The area of the park is about 200 hectares. In total, there are more than 55 large attractions. The territory has its own transport systems. There are different types of tickets in the park, including VIP service.
"Universal Studios Hollywood"
The amusement park of the film studio of the same name. Guests were allowed to visit the production facilities almost immediately after the opening of Universal in 1915. Since 1964, a full-fledged excursion tour began to be carried out. In the same period, the first rides associated with the films of the studio took shape. Particularly popular are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a new format: the Jurassic World style ride.
Balboa Park (San Diego)
Named after the marine explorer Nunez de Balboa. The area is designated a National Historic Landmark. The area is approximately 1200 acres. The park has a mirrored fish pond, fountains, a zoo, an indoor greenhouse, several theaters and museums. Landscaping is combined with small buildings built in different styles. Places for picnic and walking are organized.
San Diego Zoo
Opened in 1916. It was preceded by a large Panama-California exhibition. The area is approximately 40 hectares. The number of inhabitants is more than 3700. They represent about 650 species. A distinctive feature is the presence of a collection of plants. Bamboo is grown to feed pandas, and eucalyptus is for koalas. You can explore the zoo from a sightseeing mini-bus or from a bird's eye view from suspended gondolas.
Napa Valley
The main zone of American wine tourism. It has existed in its present form since 1981, although winemaking has been practiced here since the 19th century. An excursion to the valley is accompanied by a visit to the vineyards, observation of production processes, and tasting. If you wish, you can buy several bottles of your favorite wine, order delivery, or even conclude a large contract for the delivery right on the spot.
Coronado beach
Ranked among the best beaches in the United States, located in San Diego. It is about 2.5 km long and up to 150 meters wide. The entire coastal strip is covered with clean, white and fine sand. Entrance to the territory costs $ 10. The services include the use of changing cabins, dry closets, sun loungers, a large parking lot. There is a lifeguard tower. There are many cafes, restaurants and clubs nearby.
