California, U.S. state on the Pacific coast, United States
Description
The state stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada range, covering 423,970 square kilometers of beaches, forests, deserts and valleys. Topography ranges from Death Valley, North America's lowest point, to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
History
Spanish missionaries established a chain of 21 missions along the coast starting in 1769. Following the Mexican-American War, the territory was ceded to the United States in 1848, the same year gold was discovered, attracting more than 300,000 people and leading to statehood in 1850.
Culture
The state houses Hollywood, Silicon Valley and major agricultural regions that together shape its economy and global influence. Diverse immigrant communities from Asia, Latin America and Europe have shaped Californian society, cuisine and arts across generations.
Practical
Three international airports serve Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Amtrak trains connect major cities, while an extensive highway system enables car travel. Visitors need a vehicle for most regions as public transportation remains limited outside urban centers.
Did you know?
The San Andreas Fault runs through the state for 1,200 kilometers, marking the boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. This geological feature causes regular seismic activity and has shaped the landscape through tectonic movement over millions of years.
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California offers families many places where children learn through play and exploration. From major theme parks to museums and nature centers, there are opportunities for hands-on experiences throughout the state. Children can perform scientific experiments, watch animals up close, enjoy rides, and...
California's beaches stretch from the southern coast to the northern shores, each with its own character. Santa Monica features a historic pier and boardwalk, while Venice Beach buzzes with artists and street performers. Laguna Beach impresses with its cliffs and hidden coves, and Pfeiffer Beach...
Area 51
268.8 km
SoFi Stadium
308.6 km
Sphere
328.4 km
Golden Gate Bridge
352.5 km
Bohemian Grove
423.1 km
Disneyland
330.8 km
Winchester Mystery House
292.2 km
Alcatraz Island
348.1 km
Hoover Dam
368.2 km
Hollywood Walk of Fame
291.8 km
Allegiant Stadium
327.3 km
Yosemite National Park
135 km
Death Valley
171.2 km
Apple Park
297.6 km
Crypto.com Arena
299.2 km
RMS Queen Mary
332.2 km
Las Vegas Strip
327.6 km
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
302.2 km
Lucasfilm
349.4 km
El Capitan
139 km
Hearst Castle
244.4 km
Big Sur
265.5 km
Neverland Ranch
248.8 km
Playboy Mansion
293.7 km
Hollywood Sign
288.5 km
Rose Bowl
287.8 km
Mount Whitney
43.6 km
Levi's Stadium
296 km
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