Top 30 Attractions in California

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 main cities of the region are Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

The state is also the birthplace of American cinema. Local studios open their doors to guests and build theme parks based on their films. The best minds of the world of modern technologies and software have settled in Silicon Valley. Sequoia National Park will allow you to take a break from the bustle of the city and admire the huge trees that are more than a hundred years old. Even bridges and roads between sights give a vivid impression and pleasure from the trip.

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 was the largest suspension bridge. Its length is 2737 meters, and the height of the carriageway above the water is 67 meters. Accessible to 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 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 made a tourist attraction. Visitors get to the island by ferry. The tour includes a tour of the cells and a story about the famous "guests".

Hollywood

There are many film studios here, as well as many celebrities from the world of cinema. The inscription "Hollywood" on the hills is a visiting card not only of the district, 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 Roosevelt Hotel, the first Oscar ceremony took place in 1929. Now she has moved to the Dolby Theatre.

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 because of the densely located offices of high-tech companies. Companies associated with computers, mobile devices, and software are based here. Corporations are trying to make buildings visible on the outside and modern on the inside. There are 4 universities in the valley.

Santa Monica Pier

Leads its history since 1909. Since then, the pier has changed a lot. The economic purpose gave way to entertainment. Its visit is free, the territory is always crowded. Each attraction is paid separately. There are many cafes nearby, outdoor sports grounds, a large parking lot. In the summer, films are shown in the open air, and concerts are held. Fishermen stand 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 Maritime National Historic Park, chocolate factory and cannery are nearby. Shops, cafes and attractions are concentrated on Pier-39. People come here to see the California sea lions. They feel at ease, are not afraid of people and put on 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 turns. This somewhat smooths out the 27 percent Russian Hill slope. This segment is one-way, it 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. Works since 1997. Located at the top of the hill, you can go down the funicular. The basis of the museum collection is paintings by artists from Europe dated to the 20th century and earlier periods. But not only 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 received in honor of the eminent animator, since his family allocated money for the construction. The architect is Frank Owen Gehry, who stood at the origins of the deconstructivism style. The hall can accommodate more than 2200 spectators. In addition to classical concerts, the site also hosts other events, including film premieres.

USS Midway Museum

Located at 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 area 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 repeatedly used as a film set for TV shows and news releases, as well as for broadcasting a basketball game.

Griffith Observatory

Built in 1935 in Los Angeles on the southern slope of the mountain. It is named after the philanthropist, on whose money it was built. From here you have a view of the city center. The first exhibit of the exhibition hall was Foucault's pendulum. The planetarium was renovated in 1964. The observatory has always been not only a scientific center, but also a tourist attraction. Its primary purpose is to popularize science.

hurst castle

It is located approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The first buildings appeared on this piece of land in the second half of the century before last. Until the middle of the 20th century, the estate was repeatedly rebuilt, and sometimes it was completely demolished in order to rebuild it anew. Hearst Castle is now a National Historic Landmark. On the territory there is a cinema, swimming pools, courts and an airfield.

House of Winchesters

Built in 1884 in San Jose. It was rebuilt several times until 1922. Sarah Winchester believed that the house was inhabited by spirits killed with rifles that her family produced. She invested heavily 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 open in the city since 1873. The hybrid streetcar and cable car is listed on the US National Historic Places Register. The system is unprofitable, since the construction of other transport lines and maintaining their performance costs half as much. However, cable cars are the face and symbol of San Francisco, so they are modernized, improved and left in business.

Palm Springs Cable Car

The world's largest cable car with rotating cabins. The journey lasts about 10 minutes and gives tourists the opportunity to view the valley from different angles. The station is located 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, walking trails 50 miles long diverge in different directions.

17 mile road

The road belongs to a gated community, is owned by the Pebble Beach Company, and non-residents are required to pay a toll of about $11. A track has been laid along the coast. Around not only beaches and golf courses, but also mansions. These places attract with their views not only ordinary tourists, but also artists. The lone cypress is a symbol of the road. Around the rights to his image, controversy does not subside.

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 hours. There are small towns along the route. A local attraction is an extinct volcano 177 meters high. Usually tourists make stops at roadside shops and beaches in hot weather. For this, convenient congresses are made.

Bay of La Jolla

A small bay with a clean beach 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 nearby caves. Services and infrastructure are located just above the bay itself. There are other beaches nearby, such as Children’s Pool Beach, which is suitable for children due to its breakwater.

Cabrillo National Monument

Located 10 km from San Diego. Installed in 1939 according to the project of the Portuguese Alvar de Bree. 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 the current borders by 1890. The territory is rich in various reliefs and natural features. Waterfalls, rocky ledges, picturesque valleys, giant sequoias and even the half-dome carved by the glacier - 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.

Sequoia National Park

Founded in 1890. It occupies an area of ​​163 thousand hectares. Subsequently, it also became a bio reserve. You can only move around the territory on foot, there are organized places for picnics. Near the administrative building there is a hotel and a museum. Among the exhibits is a height scale that shows what huge redwoods are comparable to. For example, they are taller than the rocket and the Statue of Liberty. The gift shop also sells tree sprouts.

Death Valley

The Intermountain Basin extends over 3.3 million acres. Here in 1913, the highest temperature on the planet for the entire time of observation was recorded - 56.7 ° C. The desert territories got their names during the period of the "gold rush". The settlers tried to take shortcuts along these endless expanses, and not everyone reached the goal. The area is known for huge boulders that periodically move, leaving traces on the ground.

Point Lobos Reserve

Located on the coast. These lands were considered not very comfortable for life 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 autumn and winter, views of the migratory routes of whales open from here. The reserve has had its current conservation status since the 1970s.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world was 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, and they are dedicated to individual subgroups, such as sharks or inhabitants of the deep. The oceanarium is being developed, including through donations. It has an institute for marine research.

Disneyland (Anaheim)

The first of the Disney theme parks. It opened in 1955 and has changed many times. Additional thematic zones appeared with the release of new animated and feature films. The area of ​​the park is about 200 hectares. There are more than 55 large attractions in total. The territory has its own transport systems. The park has different types of tickets, including VIP service.

"Universal Studios Hollywood"

Amusement park of the film studio of the same name. Guests were allowed to visit the production areas almost immediately after the opening of Universal in 1915. Since 1964, a full-fledged excursion tour has been carried out. In the same period, the first attractions associated with the films of the studio took shape. Particularly popular are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new format: Jurassic World-style ride.

Balboa Park (San Diego)

Named after the marine explorer Nunez de Balboa. The area is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The area is approximately 1200 acres. The park has a mirror pond with fish, fountains, a zoo, an indoor greenhouse, several theaters and museums. Landscape design is combined with small buildings built in different styles. Places for picnics and walks 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 approximately 650 species. A distinctive feature is the presence of a collection of plants. Bamboo is grown to feed pandas and eucalyptus for koalas. You can see the zoo from a sightseeing mini-bus or from a bird's eye view from hanging gondolas.

Napa Valley

The main area of ​​American wine tourism. It has existed in its current form since 1981, although winemaking has been going on here since the 19th century. An excursion to the valley is accompanied by a visit to the vineyards, observation of production processes, tasting. If you wish, you can buy several bottles of the wine you like, order delivery, or even conclude a large supply contract right on the spot.

Coronado beach

One of the best beaches in the USA, located in San Diego. The length is about 2.5 km with a width of up to 150 meters. The entire coastal strip is covered with clean, snow-white and fine sand. Entrance to the territory costs 10 dollars. The services include the use of changing cabins, dry closets, sun loungers, a large parking lot. Works tower rescuers. There are many cafes, restaurants and clubs nearby.