It’s not for nothing that the famous Hollywood is located here – in fact, this U.S. state even got its name thanks to a character, the heroic Amazon Califia from a 15th century book.

Climatic zones of California

Geographically, California stretches along the Pacific Ocean for 1,200 kilometers.

California is an “unplowed field” for seismologists. Dozens of movies have been made about the San Andreas Fault alone! The California territory is one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world, including volcanic activity.

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the phenomenon of “watermelon snow” sometimes occurs. Reddish flakes, resembling ripe watermelon in odor, cover some of the highlands in the summer. For a long time, no one could explain this phenomenon, but later scientists found the answer – in the frozen drops found algae Chlamydomonasnivalis, which and color the snowflakes with their red pigment.

Since the state is surrounded by mountain ranges and the ocean, a special climate is formed here. In each of the corners of the vast territory – it is different.

The only lighthouse in the world with a green light is located in California – in Los Angeles.

The climate of the state is Mediterranean. Several climatic zones are distinguished:

Northwest – temperate climate

• Central California Valley – Mediterranean climate
• Mountains – mountain climate, with desert elements (east of the mountain range).
• Southern California – subtropical

The landscape of the state is unique – the highest and the lowest point of the USA are here: respectively Whitney (4421 meters) and Death Valley (-86 meters).

Rainy warm winters and dry hot summers are brief. But there are significant differences. For example, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean there are often fogs (due to cold currents), near Los Angeles – rain is a rare phenomenon, usually leading to catastrophic consequences (landslides and destruction of buildings), because they are strong.

As for popular tourist centers – Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, the change of seasons is almost not felt. Spring and fall – such concepts are almost not used in California, these are calendar (nominal) seasons. Summer and winter are distinguished by the length of daylight hours, the amount of precipitation and a temperature difference of 10-15 degrees.

The longest rain was recorded in California – more than a month in 1862 precipitation lasted, flooding a quarter of the territory of the state.

The weather is radically different only in the mountainous areas and the most low-lying areas – Death Valley, for example.

California tourist seasons

No change of seasons, eternal summer, greenery and bright sunshine – this is what California is like almost all year round and in almost all “inhabited” territory.

The world’s tallest sequoia Hyperion, 115 meters high, grows in California.

Despite the extremely comfortable weather and picturesque coastline, California has one significant disadvantage – the water in the Pacific Ocean is not warm enough for a full-fledged beach vacation. The water maxes out at +18°C, and you can get cold due to the constant wind. At the same time, it is a mecca for surfers – the waves here are great, but only for riders, swimming in such a constant storm is impossible. Therefore, either extreme sports and a beautiful tan, or – romance on the beach (dinner on the ocean, a walk).

The best time to travel is April-October, considered the “California summer”.

Why go to California? For the unusual beauty of beaches, high waves, selfies against the background of the inscription “Hollywood”, picturesque parks, geysers and volcanoes, ski vacations and a walk through the places of everyday glory of the “gold rush”.

What clothes to take with you

Maximum – leather jacket, minimum – bikini. California welcomes tourists with eternal summer, even in winter the temperature does not drop below +15°C. And in the rainy winter in the north of the state it is worth having an umbrella and waterproof shoes, raincoat. Going to the San Francisco area in winter time it is worth stocking up on a hat and gloves – it can be quite chilly, as well as frosty – at least 5 degrees below zero. In winter in the southern part of the state, a warm sweater will be enough. There is very little rain.

The largest number of sunny days is in Sacramento. The capital of California has left Los Angeles and San Francisco far behind.

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California is located in the western United States and is the third largest state after Alaska and Texas. It is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east and northeast, Arizona to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Mexico to the south.

The landscape of the state is quite varied. In the center is the California Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges. The Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers are the largest waterways in the region, providing drinking water for the population. The largest lake in California is Lake Tahoe. The state’s highest point is Mount Whitney (4,421 meters) in the Sierra Nevada system. California is also home to glaciers, and 45% of the territory is covered with forests with rare and oldest trees in the world. There is even a desert – the Mojave Desert and the hottest place in the world – Death Valley.

California cities

Los Angeles. The largest city in California, the center of the world media business. People come here to bask in the rays of Hollywood glory, get a bronze ocean tan and become a star of a famous label. In Los Angeles it is worth visiting the Griffith Observatory, where such movies as “Rebel Without a Cause” and “La La Land” were filmed. Also, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the sunset on the observation deck “Cathy’s Corner” in the park at the observatory. A separate day should be allocated to visit the theme park “Universal Studios Hollywood”, where you can immerse yourself in the world of “Harry Potter”, “Jurassic Park”, “The Simpsons”, etc.

San Francisco. The city of hills and streetcars, the birthplace of hippies. The first picture that comes to mind when talking about San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge in the sunlight. All lovers of delicious food and Navy SEALs are drawn to the most famous pier in the world, Pier 39. From this neighborhood you can get by ferry to the impregnable Alcatraz prison. San Francisco is a must-see for vintage cable cars, an amazing mix of cable car and streetcar that runs on three lines.

Sacramento. The capital of California, where the governor of the state sits. The spirit of gold prospectors and colonizers still lingers here. In the Railway Museum of the state you can look at ancient exhibits and learn the history of the appearance of rail transport in America. This is the gastronomic center of the United States, where everyone cooks with organic local products, brews original drinks and shops at farmers’ markets.

San Diego. A major resort town and military base 20 minutes from the Mexican border. Here you can spend a week visiting only museums – art, aviation and space, automobile and even the Museum of Man. Also worthy of attention is the city’s Balboa Park, which is larger than Central Park in New York City. But the most important attraction of San Diego is the zoo. It is here, in their opinion, that the heroes of the cartoon “Madagascar” got here.

San Jose. The center of Silicon Valley and the third largest city in the state. Here are the main offices of such companies as Google Inc, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Ebay, IBM and others. The Museum of Science and Technology traces the progress of mankind and the impact of the latest developments. The mysterious Rosenkreutzer Egyptian Museum was created by members of the mystical order. Here a copy of a real tomb is built, where you can go down, mummies, elements of everyday life and models of ancient Egyptian dwellings are presented.

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In 1846, there was a revolt under the Bear Flag against Mexican rule. As a result – the Republic of California was briefly formed and the Mexican-American War, which lasted two years, began that same year. On January 13, 1847, California came under American control after a treaty was signed. When the war ended, on February 2, 1848, the western part of Mexican Alta California became the U.S. state of California. The rest of the territory became Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, and parts of Mexico.

That same year, a precious metal was discovered in the state’s lands, which started a gold rush. There began a sharp influx of seekers of easy profit and the population of California increased several times at once. In 1849, a state constitutional convention was held. In 1854 Sacramento became the capital of California. In 1869 the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed. Agriculture and winemaking began to flourish in the state. The oppression of the indigenous population continued – reservations and isolated ranches were built for them.

In the twentieth century, migration to California accelerated due to the construction of the Lincoln Highway and Route 66. Aqueducts, dams, and bridges, including the Golden Gate, were built due to population growth. In the 1920s, a network of movie studios was established and the Golden Era of Hollywood began.

After World War II, the state’s economy boomed with the development of aerospace and defense industries. Thanks to Stanford University Dean Frederick Terman, his colleagues and alumni, Silicon Valley was founded.

California becomes the center of entertainment, music, technology, engineering, aerospace, and agriculture in the United States. These positions continue into the 21st century.

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