Nature's most magnificent display

California is one of the richest and most diverse parts of the world and includes some of the most endangered ecological communities. From snow peaked mountains to sandy beaches, it extends over a number of terrestrial ecoregions.

• The climate varies from Mediterranean to Sub-Arctic. Summer fog and mild breeze from the ocean near the coast, mountain climate with heavy winter snowfall in the Sierra Nevada. The east side of California’s mountains produces a rain shadow, creating expansive deserts and hot desert climate. The highest temperature of 134 °F (57 °C) in the Western Hemisphere was recorded in Death Valley, on July 10, 1913.

• National Parks and California State Parks are intended to preserve the local ecosystem and the natural beauty of the landscape. Most famous displays are Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Redwood, Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Channel Islands National Parks, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Redwood State Parks. Nearby states also have natural wonders, like Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Petrified Forest National Parks, just to name a few.

• California is famous for its endless beaches, a great variety of scenic rocky and wide sandy beaches. Surfers paradise Santa Cruz and Huntington Beach are competing for the title “Surf City USA”. Pismo Beach and Zuma Beach attract tens of thousands of people on a single day. Venice Beach is one of a kind showcase of entertainers, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are home of beach volleyball, Newport Beach, Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente and La Jolla Shores are just beautiful and artistic places offering all kinds of water sports and fun activities.

• California boasts several superlatives in its collection of flora, the largest living creatures (Giant Sequoias), the tallest trees (Coastal Redwood), the oldest trees (Ancient Bristlecone Pine), ancient volcanoes, unique desert and marine ecosystem, as well as fertile agricultural grounds.

• The wildlife of California is equally magnificent. Some almost extinct, endangered species like the California Condor received a chance of survival. Whale watchers enjoy the migration of Gray Whales from Alaska to the Sea of Cortez. Another unique experience is the "grunion run", the unusual mating ritual of the California Grunions.

• The John Muir Trail in the high Sierras is the most famous 211 miles stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, runs along towering rocks, alpine meadows and cascading waterfalls. Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m) is omly 90 miles away from the deepest point at Badwater, -282 feet (-86 m) below the sea level in Death Valley.

• Nestled in the Sierra Nevada range is the southernmost glacier in North America. Palisades Glacier was created 700 years ago, during the Little Ice Age.

• Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, with crystal clear water at a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m). Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous destinations for all seasons and a great variety of outdoor activities.

• Stratovolcano Mount Shasta is the second most topographically prominent California mountain peak.

Connect with nature!