Travel the USA (Visit California)

It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the fifth state to visit is none other than California, abbreviated as CA. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, CA is one of the most beautiful states to behold.

Visit state # 5 – California

California is the fifth of the U.S. States alphabetically, though it is the 31^st state to be admitted to the union in 1850. This coastal state is in the western (Pacific) region of the United States. It is bound by Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and by the Mexican state of Baja California to the south. The Pacific Ocean is on its west. Per World Atlas, California presents the most diverse series of landforms in the entire United States, with its topography ranging from the western Pacific Coast to the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The state features giant redwood and conifer trees to the northwest and an arid Mars-like landscape to the southeast.

California contains dramatic sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean coastline with an abundance of steep rocky cliffs, foothills, and coastal mountains. Much of California boasts a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Freezing temperatures are rare for most of the state, even in wintertime. It is a great place to observe wildlife and frolic outdoors. The state is rich in marine mammals, including harbor seals, elephant seals, sea lions, sea otters, killer whales, plus blue, fin, humpback, gray whales, and more. Popular water sports include surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, boating, and fishing. Beach volleyball is another fun activity to do in California’s pleasurable climate.

Highlights of the state include Mount Whitney. With an elevation of 14,505 feet, its peak is not only the highest point in California, but it is the highest point in the 48 contiguous U.S. states. The prominent mountain is situated in East-Central California along with Inyo and Tulare counties and is part of a massive granite wall that stretches fifteen miles long. The mountain’s west slope is in the Sequoia National Park, and the summit is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail, which runs from Happy Isles to Yosemite. The eastern slopes are in Inyo National Forest, and its parent range is the Sierra Nevada. While Mt. Whitney is extremely challenging for climbing in terms of total elevation, vacationers need not fret as there are numerous other trails to explore in the area that are suitable for novice hikers.

California is home to many notable cities, including Hollywood, the show business capital of the world, San Francisco, with its steep and historic streets and Golden Gate Bridge, and Palm Springs, the world’s golf capital and playground of wealthy Hollywood stars. Palm Springs became popular with movie stars in the 1930s, and today folks flock to the beloved desert oasis known for its sunny weather, natural hot springs, first-rate hotels, abundant restaurants, colorful museums, and mid-century modern vibe. It is the best desert destination for those desiring time by the pool in a tropical atmosphere. It’s also ideal for those seeking adventure. Let the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar,  transport you over two and a half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once on top, enjoy the spectacular views, nature exhibits, trails, and gift shops and restaurants overlooking the stunning region.

Up next: Colorado