The state of California, on the eastern coast of the United States, offers much variety—from top beaches to areas of natural wilderness, to bustling cities. International tourists are common, with 13.4 million of them visiting in 2008, but California has much to offer its own residents too, with 86 per cent of domestic visitors to the state being Californian themselves, according to Californian Tourism Industry figures.
One of the most famous national parks in the United States, Yosemite is a vast area, covering some 1,200 square miles, with spectacular waterfalls and sweeping meadows. Highlights include the Mariposa Grove, the largest stand of giant sequoias—towering redwood trees—in the park. Though camping in the valley at peak times like summer may get crowded quickly, it’s worth considering other campsites nearby such as the White Wolf site a little north of the valley, to avoid the crowds.
Yosemite National Park
California
(209) 372-8416
nps.gov/yose
Those into outdoor pursuits can experience sports such as fly fishing and hiking through forests and onto peaks in the Shasta Cascade region, with its two mountains, Shasta itself and Lassen, providing outdoor experiences away from the crowds. Nearby, you can take a look around the Oroville Chinese Temple, once worshipped in by thousands of immigrants, or trek across the Lake Shasta Caverns, with the opportunity to ride the Lake's waters in a catamaran.
Shasta Cascade
20359 Shasta Caverns Road
Lakehead, CA 96051
(530) 238-2341
lakeshastacaverns.com
If it’s busy city life you’re after, it’s hard to beat Los Angeles. Its top tourist attractions include the Hollywood-themed Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Santa Monica Pier for a dose of good old-fashioned carnival fun and, of course, Hollywood itself with its Walk of Fame. If it’s sun you’re after, check out any one of L.A.s beaches. There are over 20 in the area, including Surfrider Beach—best for catching the waves—and, for families, the white sands of the Santa Monica State Beach.
Into computers? Why not head out to the San Francisco Bay area and have a look at some of the tech museums on offer in the famous Silicon Valley. In fact, the Bay Area has much to offer the scientifically minded, with the NASA-Ames visitor center also nearby, where tourists can view items such as a Moon Rock and find out about some of NASA’s space-based achievements. San Francisco itself is known for its great restaurants and historical attractions, like the trolley cars.
NASA Amesa Center
King Road & Severyns Ave
Mountain View, CA
(650) 604-5000?
nasa.gov
If you’re headed Orange Country way, you could enjoy a spot of whale and dolphin watching at Newport Beach. Here you can take a cruise, from Newport Landing, to see various species of the sea animals in their natural habit, including the huge blue whales which are some 80 feet long.
Newport Beach, CA
(949) 675-0551?
newportwhales.com
For a taste of the Old West, look to the ghost town of Calico, near to King Mountain. Though once a booming town mining silver, Calico is now a preserved historical relic, with original buildings still standing and others reconstructed to give visitors a flavour of the past. You can explore a mine or venture into the ominous Mystery Shack.
Calico Ghost Town
P.O. Box 638
Yermo, CA. 92398
760-254-2122
calicotown.com/
