Home to the Hollywood, San Diego, Orange County and San Francisco, California is perhaps the most well-known and most talked about of all of the United States of America. The state is the largest by population, and it’s long and colourful history have also led to it being one of the most multicultural states. If you plan to go on a California holiday, then the state will not disappoint with the breadth and range of things that it has to offer.
Fun Facts
- California is the largest producer of fruit and vegetable in the whole of the United States of America, and produces over half of the fresh fruit within the
- country.
- California is also one of the wealthiest states. If it were an independent country, it would have the 9th largest economy in the entire world.
- The Chinese fortune cookie was not actually invented in China. They were invented by a Chinese immigrant in California.
- California is considered a “minority majority” state - in that more than 58% of its population are non-white groups. This predominantly includes Hispanics,
- Native Americans and Asian Americans. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge contains enough steel wire to circle the entire globe at the equator line 3 and a half times.
Things to See
When visiting the Golden State it is important to visit some of the major attractions, to make the most of your stay. This will involve a lot of moving around, given the breadth of what the state has to offer. The main question is “Where to start?”.
San Francisco is a vibrant city with a colourful history and culture. Famous for it’s liberal community and Victorian architecture, the city is clearly distinguishable and is one of the most visited cities in the world. California bed and breakfast rentals are easy to come by, given that tourism is one of the main sources of the economy. Whether staying in a San Francisco apartment rental or bed and breakfast, you should make the most of the diverse gastronomy on offer. The main landmarks that are a must-see include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio building.
The Sierra Nevada is the alpine region of California, and is home to the famous Yosemite Park. Well-known for the beauty of its breathtaking granite cliffs, crystal waterfalls and glistening streams - the park is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts, the romantic scenery also includes giant sequoia groves and the protected status means that it is able to maintain natural biological diversity. The lush meadows, impressive waterfalls and unique rock formations make the Yosemite Valley a must-see. For those who are not used to travelling in the wilderness, however, it would be wise to invest in a tour guide or travel with more experienced camping companions.
Home to Hollywood, the City of Angels - also known as Los Angeles - is undoubtedly California’s most internationally renowned landmark. The city has been a dominating presence within the worldwide film industry throughout the 20th-century, but has a lot more to offer. When looking for apartments to rent in Los Angeles, make sure that you select the right area.
The city is the most populous in the whole of California, and is the second most populous within the whole of the United States. While visiting the city, you should take a trip down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and read the stars outside Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
Other attractions include the world-famous Getty Center. Perhaps one of the wealthiest galleries in the world, the Center features works from many of the greatest European artists throughout history.
What to eat
Due to its exceptionally diverse culture, California boasts one of the largest ranges of global cuisines - many of which have been adapted and perfected for the western palate. Heavy influences come from Mexican and South American diets, although the state also boasts many fantastic Asian restaurants with food that ranges from generic to genuinely authentic in style.
The health-food craze and California’s optimal climate have driven the formation of a unique and delicious range of New Age cuisines. Raw Food and Vegan restaurants are common, especially in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and often the food is made using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Whether you are a dedicated vegan or a hardcore meat lover, you should definitely sample this type of food - you will feel surprised and pleased, rather than disappointed.