About
California is a large state on the Pacific coast of the western United States, and it covers a remarkable range of landscapes. Within a single journey a visitor can move from sandy Pacific beaches to the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada, which makes it a destination that suits many different kinds of trip.
What a visit offers
- Coast and beaches: The Pacific shoreline gives the state much of its character, with long stretches of sand and open ocean views.
- Mountains: The Sierra Nevada range lies inland and offers a contrasting setting of high country and wide skies.
- Major cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco are the state's best-known urban centres, each with its own pace and neighbourhoods to explore.
Planning your trip
Because the state is so large, it helps to decide early which regions matter most to you. Coastal towns, mountain areas and the big cities are quite far apart, so choosing a few areas to focus on will make the journey more enjoyable. Travellers who want both sea and mountains often combine a stay on the coast with time in the Sierra Nevada.
California is a destination worth considering for anyone who wants variety: city life, open coastline and mountain scenery, all within one state.