SACRAMENTO

 

California begins here...

Sacramento is the capital of California. It is located 90 miles northeast of San Francisco, 383 miles north of Los Angeles. One of the most historic cities in California, Sacramento boasts an impressive array of landmarks, parks, amenities and other must-see points of interest. Sacramento has some unique nicknames, including "The River City," "The Camellia Capital of the World," "City of Trees," and "The Big Tomato." Natives often refer to it as Sactown. Hailed as one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in America, Sacramento got its start as a supply center for prospectors from around the globe during the 1849 Gold Rush.

SUTTER'S FORT
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA  

Sutter’s Fort is located in the heart of Northern California and the Midtown Sacramento grid. John A. Sutter came to this site in 1839. He completed the fort in a few years. Sutter obtained the land he had from the Mexican Governor of California. The fort was an important trading post and was a goal for covered wagon pioneers. Many gold seekers came here on their way to the diggings. The fort was restored in 1892.

Visit California and Sacramento

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is one of California's major cities and one of the most beautiful in the world. It lies on over 40 small hills situated around San Francisco Bay. It is made up of 49 square miles of long boulevards, curvy streets, hidden alleyways and lots of hills. The city was founded in 1776 when the Spanish set up a Franciscan mission there. When gold was found in California during the late 1840s thousands of gold miners settled there and San Francisco turned into a bustling town.

The Heart of San Francisco documents a setting that is quintessentially "San Francisco". We can almost hear the clanging of bells as a cable car makes its way ponderously up the street while colorful vehicles dodge to and fro on the congested pavement

The cable car is San Francisco’s most famous symbol. It was designed to go up and down the city’s steep hills. Golden Gate Bridge was built in 1937 and is one of the largest bridges in the world. It spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay over a total of 2,700 metres. Towers stand on both sides of the bridge San Francisco has a very exciting skyline with old buildings on one side and modern skyscrapers on the other.

Received from Polish blogger Magda

PLACERVILLE

Placerville is a charming California "gold rush" town named after the placer gold deposits found in its river beds and hills in the late 1840’s. The City of Placerville is centrally located between Sacramento, the State capitol, and South Lake Tahoe, world-famous recreation center. Situated above the fog line and below the snow line, Placerville boasts an ideal climate with four distinct seasons.

Placerville, or Hangtown as it was called, was a crossroads in the Mother Lode. It is located at the junction of what is now Highway 49, then the Mother Lode Trail, and U.S. 50, then the main East-West road from Sacramento to the Comstock Lode in Nevada. 

Placerville's treasured heritage is reflected in the historical, nineteenth century architecture of its downtown core. The Gold Bug Mine is the major historical and geological attraction in the park. An excellent example of hard rock gold mining, the Gold Bug Mine has a solid wooden floor, lighting throughout, and an air shaft providing clean cool air at all times. The mine floor is often damp depending on the season. 

Received from Polish blogger Magda

CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL

The Crystal Cathedral is located in Garden Grove, just a few miles south of Disneyland. A striking modern glass and steel structure rises almost 13 stories. The Crystal Cathedral was the brainchild of famed Garden Grove Community Church founder Robert H. Schuller. He changed the church’s name to Crystal Cathedral Ministries when the cathedral was completed in the early 1980s. He went on to build the congregation into one of America’s first mega-churches’ with a huge worldwide following.

An aerial view shows the tremendous size of this beautiful church.  

From point to point, the Crystal Cathedral spans a full 415 feet with seating capacity of 2,889. The mirrored look of the exterior reflects the surroundings, a shining beacon to all of Orange County, California. The white steel trusses form a lace-like frame to hold 11,400 windows. 90 foot doors open to minister to drive-in worshipers.

The interior of  the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA. 

The cathedral’s most striking interior feature is one of the world’s largest pipe organs. The 185-foot (56-meter) wide marble chancel often holds hundreds of singers and musicians during large services and holiday concerts.

THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS - A LIVING NATIVITY

Postcards received from Diane, Fountain Valley, CA

KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

 Located in the heart of Southern California, the lively city of Buena Park is close to all major attractions, dining, shopping, beaches, sporting venues and entertainment.  The city is perfectly situated just 5 miles from Disneyland Parks®, 15 miles from white sandy beaches and 20 miles from Los Angeles. The city is not only known for its premier location, but for its world famous entertainment - including Knott's Berry Farm.

Some of the greatest rides, shows and attractions are found at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California 

Knott's Berry Farm located in Buena Park, California offers dozens of rides, shows and attractions. Experience world-class thrills on Silver Bullet, the park's first-ever suspended coaster, or Sierra Sidewinder the spinning coaster that offers a panoramic view. Hop on board the Pony Express - The Ride, delivering a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West. For something different, detour to the Park's Old West Ghost Town and have a cool sarsaparilla or visit Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS gang and filled with dozens of kid-sized adventures.  

An aerial view of exciting Knott's Berry Farm, one of Southern California's famous tourist attractions.

TIMBER MOUNTAIN LOG RIDE

Since its opening in 1969, the Log Ride has always been one of the most elaborate log flume rides in the US, taking guests through an 85-foot-high by 330-foot-long mountain range themed to a nineteenth-century lumber camp. The ride is one of the oldest log flumes in the United States and one of the few log flumes that is themed in the world.

A thrilling jorney in hollowed-out logs nears the end as you race down the log flume for a wave-splashing finale

Postcards received from Diane, California resident

VIPER

Since it was built Viper has been one of the tallest and fastest looping roller coasters in the world. The roller coaster is located in the Baja Ridge area of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. An enormous structure, made of red and white steel, this metal snake rises to 188 feet and slithers down the track at 70 miles per hour. It features a breathtaking 18-story drop, three vertical loops, a double barrel boomerang, a classic corkscrew, and speeds of 70 mph. Riders turn upside down seven times. 

VIPER - The most Frightening Roller Coaster on Earth

Coiling track, corkscrews and zig zags connect you to the incredible boomerang (or “batwing”) loop, and by this time you should probably be getting comfortable with flying through the sky, upside down, at top speeds, like a giant snake … or maybe not.

Length: 3,830 feet
Introduced: 1990
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics, Inc.
Capacity: 28 riders

Received from Diane - California resident

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Located in central California, Yosemite National Park was established in 1890. Almost 95 percent of the park’s 747,956 acres is classified as wilderness. The Valley is a 7 mile wide canyon with incredible rock formations, including El Capitan, the world's tallest granite monolith and one of the world's top rock climbing destinations. It attracts rockclimbers, who spend days on its sheer face to reach the top. Yosemite Falls is the largest waterfall in North America with breathtaking views. Peak visitation at the   is in the spring as it is comprised entirely of melting snow. The park is also known for its Giant Sequoia trees, which are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

On the left Elt Captain, the world's largest monolith of exposed granite, rises over 3,600 feet above the valley floor. To the right Bridalveil fall drops over 600 feet into Yosemite Valley's Merced River

Soaring cliffs, rugged canyons, valleys, gigantic trees, and waterfalls all combine to lend Yosemite its incomparable beauty. Each season offers a different experience, from the swelling waterfalls of spring to the russet colors of fall.

LOS ANGELES

Since its founding on September 4, 1781, Los Angeles has grown into a dynamic metropolis with its eye on the future, while preserving its extraordinary cultural heritage. LA is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, making it a truly global city. The city of Los Angeles covers a total area of 1,302 km2, comprising 1,214 km2 of land and 88 km2 of water. The city extends for 71 km longitudinally and for 47 km latitudinally.

 

Aerial view at night of the LA skyline and LA Live, Nokia Center and Staples Center in the foreground

The City of Los Angeles holds many distinctions. LA is the entertainment capital of the world, a cultural mecca boasting more than 100 museums, and a paradise of good weather. From tourist attractions like the Walk of Fame’s collection of stars (numbering 2,576, and growing by one or two a month) to career opportunities like those presented in the expanding tech industry, Los Angeles is the place to be. It is the only city in North America to have hosted the Summer Olympics twice. Downtown LA is the largest government center outside of Washington, D.C. 

City of Los Angeles

Received from Jennifer, LA resident

 

BERKELEY

Berkeley is a city with a small population and a big reputation. The town of Berkeley was incorporated in 1878, and Berkeley became an official city in 1909. And so Berkeley was, from the beginning, a college town, with all the amenities and spirit of innovation and exploration that influence a great place of learning. It was named for Bishop George Berkeley and inspired by poetry specifically his allusions to ancient Greece, the original model for the University of California as envisioned by its founders. 

University of California campus in foreground, City of Berkeley

The University of California was formally founded in 1869, in Oakland, and moved to its current Berkeley location in 1873. It has at least ten Nobel laureates among its professors. There are many museums, cultural amenities, and noteworthy buildings to visit. The University Art Museum includes works by Piccasso and Cézanne among its exhibits. The main campus landmark, the 307-ft (94-m) Sather Tower, and the splendid Lawrence Hall of Science are both outstanding.

Postcrossing Postcard US-1404774 received from Jillian

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe is located along the border of California and Nevada. About one-third of the basin is in Nevada and two-thirds is in California. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States and the tenth deepest in the world, with a maximum depth measured at 501 m. It is about 35 km long and 19 km wide and has 116 km of shoreline and a surface area of 495 km2. The deep, emerald waters of this beautiful lake are set within an alpine valley at the highest point of the High Sierras.

Emerald bay lit in muted colors of winter

Lake Tahoe is admired for its great depth and clarity and beautiful alpine surroundings. It is a true jewel. Lake Tahoe attractions go beyond just the water. The area’s rich environment influences the majority of Lake Tahoe’s attractions: hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, sunbathing, paddleboarding and more. The surrounding peaks are also famous for their ski resorts. The world-class Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are well-known because the Winter Olympics were held here in 1960.
 

SAN DIEGO

The city of San Diego lies in the southwest corner of California, 120 miles (193 km) south of the city of Los Angeles and 20 miles (32 km) north of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego is known worldwide as one of the best tourist destinations. San Diego is also a location for cutting-edge businesses for telecommunications, biotechnology, software, electronics, and other major industries.

San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and LEGOLAND California. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the U.S., is home to 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, the Tony Award-winning The Globe Theatres.

Received from my penpal Eileen in Philadelphia

PISMO BEACH

Pismo Beach is in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway 1 and U.S. Highway 101. Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with traditional seaside activities and 21st-century amenities. It offers small-town charm, Mediterranean weather, clean air, friendly residents and miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches. It’s a great place to get away from the crowds and relax at a leisurely pace.

Looking south toward Pismo Beach, you can also see the great dunes that march for miles to Pt. Sal

Pismo Beach in a Clamshell

• Walk on the historic Pismo Pier
• Lunch at a casual clam café
• Explore Pismo Beach on surrey bikes
• Relax on the beach while Matthew and Kaci ride the waves!
• Wine tasting at a downtown tasting room
• Dinner at a seafood restaurant with fantastic ocean views
• Watch live theater and vaudeville acts at the Melodrama (we can cheer the hero and hiss the villain!)

For more information visit Pismo Beach, CA Official Website  

SANTA MONICA

Santa Monica, California offers more than its beach and year round warm weather. Its proximity to the greater Los Angeles area makes Santa Monica the perfect base for vacationers and business travelers alike.
The palm tree-lined avenue and views overlooking the Pacific Ocean make the Santa Monica Pier area and Ocean Avenue one of the most iconic locations in Santa Monica. Ocean Avenue is famous for the gem located at its southern end. Just down from Ocean Avenue is perhaps Santa Monica’s most famous attraction, the Santa Monica Pier. This attraction dates back to 1909, and features a solar-paneled Ferris wheel, amusement park, aquarium, and live concerts and movies during the summer months. 

The large pier with many attractions and the wide, clean beach draw visitors from all parts of the world to Santa Monica 

For Santa Monica nightlife, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, nightlife and bars, and talented street performers. Santa Monica is also known as a walkable town, though many choose to strap on wheels or pedal their way around the 22 miles of bike path’s the area has to offer. 

SANTA MONICA TRAVEL & TOURISM

HUNTINGTON BEACH

The City of Huntington Beach is located along the Southern California coast in Orange County, 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, and has been long known for its long 8.5 miles of beautiful beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing, earning it the nickname of Surf City.  Surf, sand, sun and subtle sophistication encapsulate what the City of Huntington Beach is all about. Named for railroad magnate Henry Huntington who orchestrated its development, the city is now an epicenter of activity and entertainment with wide, sandy beaches.

Huntington Beach offers residents a charming community with ideal weather, a diversified economy overflowing with good jobs, a wide variety of housing, an excellent educational system, boat marinas, numerous parks, and exemplary health care. Boasting some of California’s widest, cleanest, and safest beaches, the unofficial dress code has become a mix of wetsuits, bikinis and sandals accessorized by volleyballs, surf boards and beach towels.  

Read more at: City of Huntington Beach

PASADENA

Pasadena is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The city is bordered by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and seven cities - La Canada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, San Marino, Glendale, Los Angeles and unincorporated Altadena. The latitude is N. 34 9' and longitude is W. 118 10'. The elevation is 864 feet above sea level. The word Pasadena literally means "valley" in the Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian language, but it has been interpreted to mean "Crown of the Valley" and "Key of the Valley", hence the adoption of both the crown and the key in the official city seal.

Elegant gardens and tree-filled courtyyards provide a lush landscape for Pasadena's City Hall and City College

Pasadena City Hall was built in 1927 to inspire a city with beauty, boldness and vision. It is an important part of this community's rich architectural heritage. Pasadena City Hall is one of the finest examples of the California Mediterranean style. It is the dominant building in the Pasadena Civic Center, a complex of government, institutional and cultural buildings that epitomizes the City Beautiful movement. 

Website: City of Pasadena

CALIFORNIA

Greetings from California! 

Nickname: The Golden State. 
Area in Square Miles: 158,297. 
Population: 25,000,000. 
Entered the Union:  September 9th, 1850
Endless sunshine, amazing cities, best-in-class theme parks, incredible natural treasures. From beaches and deserts to 14,000-foot mountains, from ultimate cities to its broad heartland, the Golden State invites you to play all year long.

The land of movie stars and make believe, California occupies the imagination of the entire world. Dreams of swaying palm trees lining manicured Beverly Hills boulevards with enormous mansions, sunny beach boardwalks with fun fairs and rollerbladers, scenic highways skirting dramatic coastal drop-offs, and secluded paths meandering through groves of giant redwood trees are all part of the magic of this wildly popular state.

But far from the bustling streets of the big cities, the stunning landscape of California offers scenic photo opportunities ranging from the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park, to the twisted branches of Joshua Tree. Travellers can ski or swim at Lake Tahoe, and cavort with dolphins on Catalina Island… leading many to wonder if there's anything you can't find in California!

Read more: visitcalifornia.com