Kalifornien

Region · 🇺🇸 Vereinigte Staaten

Bevölkerung 39.538.223

Fläche 409.699 km²

Zeitzone America/Los_Angeles

Offizielle Website ca.gov

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Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0

California's Absolute Essentials

California’s landscape spans from the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley and the towering giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada to the arid salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Urban landmarks include San Francisco’s historic cable car system and the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island. Southern California features the cinematic history of the Hollywood Sign and Warner Brothers Studio, alongside the Roman-inspired architecture of the Getty Villa and the coastal scenery of McWay Falls in Big Sur.

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Bobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0

Editor's Choice Attractions

This collection highlights California's diverse cultural landmarks, ranging from the ancient Roman-inspired architecture of the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades to San Francisco’s collection of vintage arcade games at Musée Mécanique. Explore unique engineering like San Diego’s Spruce Street Suspension Bridge and the Rustic American Craftsman stone architecture of the Lummis Home. The list also includes specialized history at the Point Fermin Lighthouse, the macabre exhibits of the Museum of Death, and the preserved steam railroading workshop at Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn.

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Carol M. Highsmith / Public domain

Unique Hidden Gems

This collection highlights unconventional landmarks and specialized boutiques across California. It features large-scale mosaic installations like the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and the Venice Mosaic Tile House, alongside eccentric retail spaces such as Paxton Gate and Necromance. Visitors can discover niche art projects like the Peephole Cinema in San Francisco or the precarious Fallen Star at UC San Diego. The list also includes the stone labyrinth at Lands End and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, one of only two facilities in the United States dedicated to alpine wildlife.

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Blake Everett / CC0

Peaks and Viewpoints

This collection showcases California's diverse topography, from the granite cliffs of Yosemite's Tunnel View and the colorful mineral deposits of Death Valley's Artist's Palette to the coastal 80-foot drop of McWay Falls in Big Sur. It includes urban vantage points like the Hollywood Bowl Overlook and the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, alongside iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and Alcatraz Island. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain of Joshua Tree from Keys View or experience the Pacific coastline along the scenic 17-Mile Drive and the sea-lion-dotted Pier 39.

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Constantine Kulikovsky / CC BY 3.0

Major International Airports

This collection highlights California's aviation infrastructure, from major global hubs like San Francisco International (SFO) to regional municipal facilities. It includes high-traffic international gateways alongside specialized sites like the high-elevation Big Bear City Airport and the desert-based Twentynine Palms Airport. These locations serve as critical nodes for commercial travel, general aviation, and logistical operations, providing access to diverse regions including the Central Valley, the Inland Empire, and the state's coastal metropolitan centers.

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World Wide Gifts / CC BY-SA 2.0

California's Natural Wonders

This collection spans California’s varied ecosystems, from the towering giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada to the 4,800-year-old Methuselah bristlecone pine in the White Mountains. It features desert landmarks like Joshua Tree National Park and the limestone Mitchell Caverns, alongside coastal destinations such as Malibu’s El Matador State Beach and San Diego’s Mission Bay. Notable sites include the volcanic Mono Basin, the monarch butterfly sanctuary in Pacific Grove, and the sprawling Modoc National Forest, offering a comprehensive look at the state’s protected natural heritage.

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Ralf Baechle / CC BY-SA 4.0

California Museums and Galleries

California’s museum landscape spans maritime history, scientific innovation, and architectural heritage. Explore the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island, the Roman-inspired Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, and the interactive Exploratorium in San Francisco. The collection includes specialized sites like the Musée Mécanique’s vintage arcade games, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s marine exhibits, and historic naval vessels like the USS Iowa. Architectural highlights include the American Craftsman-style Gamble House and Lummis Home, while the NASA Ames Exploration Center showcases aerospace research and technology.

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TeamMachoJAPS / CC BY-SA 3.0

Beaches and Lighthouses

This collection spans the California coastline, featuring historic maritime landmarks and diverse shorelines. It includes the 1855 Point Pinos Lighthouse, the Victorian-style Point Fermin Lighthouse, and the Piedras Blancas Light Station. Coastal highlights range from the bustling boardwalks of Venice Beach and Santa Monica Bay to the rugged sea caves of El Matador State Beach. The list also features functional structures like the 1,000-foot Scripps Pier and the rebuilt Pier 7, alongside natural retreats such as the pebble-strewn Agate Beach and the secluded Sand Dollar Beach.

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Wes Blevins / CC BY-SA 2.5

Heritage and History

California’s heritage spans from maritime history at Fisherman’s Wharf and the iconic San Francisco Cable Cars to the golden age of cinema at Paramount and Warner Brothers Studios. This collection features architectural landmarks like the Art Deco Coit Tower and the Roman-inspired Getty Villa. It also preserves somber history at the Manzanar National Historic Site and engineering milestones such as the 19th-century Knight’s Ferry Bridge and the Old Mission Dam.

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HarshLight / CC BY 2.0

Wineries and Craft Delights

This collection highlights a selection of California wine producers, primarily concentrated in the Paso Robles and Creston regions, alongside the historic Korbel Champagne Cellars in Sonoma County. These establishments specialize in a broad range of varietals, including traditional Rhône and Bordeaux-style blends, Italian grapes like Sangiovese, and méthode champenoise sparkling wines. The list features diverse tasting environments, from modern lakeside facilities to historic 19th-century tasting rooms and working ranch estates.

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Raj & Neha / CC BY-SA 2.0

Notable Christian Sites

California’s Christian heritage is reflected in its diverse architecture, ranging from the 1879 wooden Yosemite Valley Chapel to the grand Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San Jose. This collection features historic Episcopal, Methodist, and Catholic churches that have served their communities since the mid-19th century. These sites highlight regional history and varied architectural styles, from the dual spires of the San Diego California Temple to gold-rush era parishes in Oroville.

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Theaters and Cinemas

California’s cinematic and performing arts heritage spans from the grand 1915 Beaux-Arts Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco to the iconic open-air Hollywood Bowl. This selection features historic landmarks like Grauman's Egyptian Theatre and the restored El Capitan, alongside unique installations like San Francisco's 24-hour Peephole Cinema. From Fresno’s Streamline Moderne Tower Theatre to local performing arts venues in Healdsburg and Oroville, these locations highlight diverse architectural styles and cultural history across the state.

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Brian Lopez / Public domain

California Waterfalls and Dams

This collection highlights California’s diverse water features, ranging from the world-renowned 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls to historic engineering projects like the 18th-century Old Mission Dam. It includes rare tidefalls like McWay Falls, which drops directly onto the Big Sur coast, and the multi-tiered cascades of the McCloud River. Significant infrastructure is also featured, such as the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which creates the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and various Sierra Nevada structures essential to the state's hydroelectric history.

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Ben Lunsford / CC BY-SA 3.0

Notable Universities and Colleges

California’s academic campuses serve as significant architectural and cultural hubs. This selection features the University of California, San Diego, showcasing the iconic brutalist Geisel Library and the "Fallen Star" cantilevered house installation. The list covers diverse institutions, from the historic Methodist-founded University of the Pacific in Stockton to the liberal arts environment of Pomona College. Beyond traditional classrooms, these sites include specialized research centers like Atkinson Hall and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy, offering a look into the state's scientific and artistic contributions.

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Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / cc-by-sa-2.0

Best Camping & Caravan Sites

This collection features diverse camping options across California, from the high desert of Joshua Tree to the coastal bluffs of Mendocino. It includes National Park sites like Furnace Creek in Death Valley, situated below sea level, and Jumbo Rocks, known for its iconic granite formations. Visitors can find full-service RV resorts with amenities like golf courses and pools, alongside primitive Forest Service campgrounds in the Los Padres and Shasta-Trinity National Forests that offer access to hiking and trout fishing.

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Premier Golf Destinations

This collection of California golf courses spans from the coastal bluffs of Little River to the arid landscapes of the Anza-Borrego Desert. It features championship layouts designed by Tom Fazio and Arnold Palmer, alongside historic venues like La Quinta Country Club, a frequent PGA Tour host. The list includes diverse terrains such as links-style courses in the Central Valley, oak-lined fairways in Galt, and scenic 36-hole resorts in Palm Springs, offering a mix of professional-grade challenges and executive par-3 tracks.

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