California
Rarely has a region captured the imagination for as long or as strongly as California. Spanish explorers, gold rush pioneers, would-be film stars and millions of tourists have all arrived in anticipation of finding America’s promised land. Few of them have been disappointed, although California is never quite what people expect it to be.
California north and south are like two separate countries. In the north there are lush mountainous dormant volcanic landscapes, giant redwood trees and miles of wild Pacific coastline. The south is famous for its beaches, theme parks, deserts and plenty of sunshine.
Experience the sheer beauty of Yosemite National Park, the Sentinel Dome which provides a great view of Yosemite Falls, or a trip to the Sequoia National Park to see the largest trees on earth. Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain in the High Sierras are famed for their winter activities with some of the best snowfalls in America and one of the longest seasons, quite often running from October to May.
Southern California offers a wide variety of activities, a rich diverse heritage, sandy beaches, great shopping, fine dining and lots of attractions, which means there is something for everyone.
California Facts.
Land Area - 158,000 sq miles
Population - 32,500,000
State Capital - Sacramento
Largest City - Los Angeles
Local Time PST - 8 hrs behind the UK
Climate - Warm dry summers along the coast with hotter temperatures in the deserts and inland valleys. Cooler temperatures along the north coast and the mountains. Winter provides snowfall on the inland mountain ranges, whilst the south of the state remains warm and sunny.
Ntl Parks Yosemite, Sequoia, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Channel Islands.
What’s new in California.
LAX - Renovations at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) broke ground in February 2007. The $723.5-million project will involve major interior renovations, and a second boarding gate to accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus 380 and Boeing 747-800. Considered the largest individual project in Los Angeles’ history, the significant changes are expected to by March 2010. The terminal will remain fully operational during renovations.
San Francisco Fishermans Wharf - Major attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf are included in the new Wharf Pass. Buyers can select six options from a group of 12 attractions for a savings of 33 percent off admission fees. The pass allows users to visit each of the six attractions once over the course of three consecutive days. Options include a choice of a hop-on, hop-off CitySightseeing tour on a double decker bus or a San Francisco Gray Line Trolley Hop tour; Bay cruise aboard the Blue & Gold Fleet or Red & White Fleet; Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or Pier 39’s Turbo Ride; Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf or the USS Pampanito submarine tour; Aquarium of the Bay or tours of historic ships at Hyde Street Pier; Boudin Sourdough Bakery Museum tour or a ride on the Pier 39 carousel. The Wharf Pass is $61 for adults and $38 for children ages 5–11. For details click here
Podcasts for San Francisco - Discover San Francisco in a whole new way. The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site now features podcasts from more than a dozen of San Francisco’s top attractions. Learn about the latest research and exhibitions from prominent museums such as the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum. You can also take an audio walking tour of the City’s hottest spots from
StrollSanFrancisco.com
There is a podcast available in most subject interests for visitors. Podcasts are free and easy to upload on to any computer or MP3 Player. To learn more and download the podcasts
click here
To talk to a member of our experienced team regarding a trip to California call us today on 0115 9504555.
If you would prefer to email an enquiry click here
To view our best selling west coast fly drive package click here
To view our latest luxury southern California fly drive package click here
All travel arrangements with Complete North America are financially secured by membership of the ATOL scheme (Membership No. 5368) run by the CAA. For more details click here
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