dazzling theme parks and breathtaking natural wonders, California is
one of those vacation spots where if you can't find something to see
or do, you're probably not looking very hard.
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMMISSION / BLAISE
Where else in one day can you—with a healthy dose of California-style
enthusiasm and a good strong cup of coffee—surf ocean breakers in the
morning and hit the ski slopes before sunset? Admittedly, you might
want to chill a bit more than that on vacation, so you can just stash
the list of things you didn't get to this time for the next time you
come. In fact, it's not unusual to bump into Californians who haven't
seen everything in their home state—it's that big and that diverse.
Tapping into the wild side, and a golden past
As the third-largest state in the U.S., California has a huge variety
of natural features in its 150,000 square miles/389,000 square
kilometers. The state's renowned coastline stretches roughly 840
miles/1,352 kilometers—even more ifyou add bays and inlets. Over 400
recreational lakes sparkle across the state. Nature has left her mark
here in beautiful ways, with glaciers creating enormous granite
monoliths trimmed by waterfalls in Yosemite National Park . Towering
volcanoes jut into the sky in the state's northeastern corner.
Dramatic deserts like Death Valley and Anza-Borrego stretch across the
state's southeastern corner, while the jagged Sierra Nevada range
forms a granite backbone near the Nevada border. This is a land of
extremes, with the continental U.S.'s tallest mountain, 14,492-foot
(4,417-meter)Mt. Whitney, and lowest point, Death Valley's Badwater,
282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, within about 100 miles (161
kilometers) of each other, as the vulture flies.
Californians treasure these natural riches: roughly one-fourth of the
state is protected against development, with well over 5 million acres
set aside as state or federal parkland. That's not to say folks
haven't historically taken advantage of some of these treasures—most
notably gold. The precious metal was found in the Sierra foothills in
1848, sparking an almost rabid wave of emigrants to descend on the
aptly named "Gold Country" in search of their fortune. While flecks of
gold and the occasional nugget still turn up in creeks andrivers
there, the best wayto mine the region's rich history is to visit its
excellent state parks, such as Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in
Coloma and Columbia State Historic Park in Sonora , which commemorate
this fascinating and raucous time in California's history.
Perhaps California's most distinctive natural feature—and one that
draws millions of visitors every year—is its remarkable coastline,
ranging from the romantic wildness of the Mendocino Coast in the
northwest to the spread-out-the-beach-towel perfection of San Diego's
flawless sandy crescents. In between are hundredsof miles showcasing
secret coves, soaring ocean bluffs, and broad beaches, as well as
unforgettable road trips, like the S-curve thrills of Big Sur .
Charming beach towns up and down the coast put out a sandy welcome
mat. Whether it's the kickback surf scene in towns like Santa Cruz or
Huntington Beach, the relaxed luxury of Spanish-tiled Santa Barbara,
or the movie-star sexiness of Malibu, there's a town that will suit
your style—and evenyour dog's (beach towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea are
paws-down some of the most pet-friendly places anywhere).
World-class cities & magical attractions
But California is a lot more than a pretty, suntanned face. With
cities as drop-dead gorgeous as San Francisco, as exciting as
star-studded Los Angeles, and as diverse and inviting as sun-and-surf
San Diego, California can serve up plenty of urban action. Top chefs
create meals so amazing you'll be posting photos on Facebook as soon
as you're served. In California, it's all about celebrating every
flavor and style of cooking, as long as it's fresh and local—and
paired with elegant California wines, of course. Museums drawcrowds
with exhibits ranging from classical and modern artworks to intriguing
science displays and even living rooftops. Shops beckon with
everything from designer outfits and sparkling Tiffany diamonds to
unusual handmade crafts for the perfect souvenir. Theater,music,
dance, and nightlife keep things lively once the sun goes down.
And of course there are the 100-percent California attractions,
likeSouthern California's Disneyland Resort , whereyou'll never forget
seeinga child's joy when she first hugs Mickey or Minnie. Also in the
southlands you can experience the excitement of SeaWorld San Diego,
home to leaping orcas and splashing dolphins and the charm of Legoland
California and its remarkable cityscapes made of millions of tiny
plastic blocks. At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park ,
you can take exotic adventures todiscover animals from far-away lands.
And in Los Angeles, you can get a glimpse of movie-making magic at
Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros, and Paramount Studios , and
even slip your hands into the tiny prints made my Marilyn Monroe in
thecement courtyard fronting Hollywood's Graumann's Chinese Theatre .
Along the Central Coast is the Monterey Bay Aquarium , with tanks as
tall as buildings swirling with sea life—don't be surprised if you
find yourself swaying with the soaring strands of underwater kelp as
they pulse to the natural ebb and flow of the nearby ocean. The
California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco also lets you explore
the natural world, including a four-story rainforest, an all-digital
planetarium, and an undulating roof carpeted with wildflowers.
Exploring the road less traveled
There's a whole other world to explore beyond California's gateway
cities and big attractions.Indulge in a romantic getaway at a
luxurious wine-country resort in the Napa or Sonoma Valleys , or a
find a cozy mountain hideaway overlooking lapis-blue Lake Tahoe .
Follow a country road in the Central Valley , the state's agricultural
heartland, to visit friendly farm stands overflowing with just-picked
fruits and vegetables, and other local products, like artisan olive
oils and sweet preserves (sometimes even a baked-that-morning
fruitpies). Float over vineyards and valleys in ahot-air balloon in
Temecula , east of San Diego. Lean back and look way, way up to
experience the staggering beauty of 1,000-year-old coastal redwood
trees, the world's tallest living things, in parklands dotting
California's lush northwest corner. Or head to Sequoia/Kings Canyon
National Park , onthe southwestern flanks of the Sierra east of
Visalia. Here you can wander among the world's largest living
trees—the giant sequoia,measuring 40 feet/12 meters wide and living
over 2,000 years.
Pick your time to visit
Choosing a best time to visit California is like picking a treat from
your favorite box of chocolates—each season has its own charms and
surprises. In spring, discover waterfalls tumbling into Yosemite
Valley and wildflowers painting the coastal hills. Come summer, watch
surfers along Southern California beaches and relax on a warm evening
at a rooftop restaurant indowntown L.A. Summer also fills those farm
stands with juicy peaches, plums, berries, and cherries. In autumn,
take part in harvest time at vineyards north to south (check for local
festivals and events). In winter, look for migrating whales along the
coast, or schuss downSierra ski slopes. Snow is virtually guaranteed
in the Sierra Nevada during the winter months. Mammoth Mountain has
one of the longest skiing seasons in North America,with really big
years stretching from October to July or even August. Or dodge the
snow and indulge in the poolside splendor and golf-greensluxury of
Palm Springs, the ultimate desert oasis.
Much of California enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with sunny, warm
summers and wet, fairly mild winters, although weather varies greatly
throughout the state. There are five main climate zones: coastal,
valley, foothill, mountain,and desert. Average summer highs on the
coast are 70º to 80ºF (about 21º to 27ºC), with temperatures rising as
you head south. San Francisco is famous for itschilly summer fog,
while Los Angeles typically basks in sunshine most ofthe year. Inland
areas and foothills tend to be hot and dry in summer; desert
temperatures soar well over 100ºF (37ºC). Travelers to mountain
regions can expect snowy winter conditions from November through April
or May.
While the blue Pacific canlook tempting, there's a reason surfers wear
wetsuits year-round: it's cold out there, particularly in the north,
with an annual average water temperature of only 48º to 55ºF (9º to
13ºC). Southern Californiawaters tend to be a bit warmer: 57º to 68ºF
(14º to 20ºC).
So stick your toes in the California sand, or carve fresh tracks in
the Sierra snow. Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge , or take
in the grandeur of Yosemite. Search for movie stars in Hollywood,or
buy mouse ears for your kids at Disneyland . And when you're done with
all that, don't be surprised if there are still another thousand
things on your California bucketlist that you'll already be scheming
to check off thenext time you visit.
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And Allah Knows the Best!
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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA
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