"The Regions of California" a California Travel Page by SteveOSF

BACKGROUND

California became a state in 1850 and now this highly populated state is the third largest in the Union in land area. California is larger than many European countries and is a vital part of the United States' economic engine. This vast state has many distinct regions, each with its own geography, weather, economy, and culture. With its long Pacific Coast, redwood forests, mountains containing places like Yosemite, wine country, famous attractions including Disneyland, and numerous cities, California welcomes its visitors with plenty of possibilities.

AN ABRIDGED HISTORY

Native Americans inhabited the region long before the Spanish settled in the late 1600s. Junipero Serra, a Franciscan, founded California's chain of missions. The intent was to have each within a day's travel of the adjacent ones in the chain. In the early 1800s, Russians from Alaska tried to establish settlements to help support their northern activities. However, their foothold did not last.

After the Mexican Revolution, California experienced its period of Mexican governance. This lasted from 1821 until 1846 when war broke out between Mexico and the United States. During the war, the United States captured the territory. The ensuing peace treaty transferred California to the United States. With discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848, the gold rush was on, and people flooded to California. The state was forever changed.

REGIONS

Often you will hear portions of the state characterized as Northern or Southern California. Some add a category for Central California. But to appreciate what the state offers, one should consider dissecting the state into additional localities like the Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the North Coast... So I'll highlight a few areas and use categories of my choosing, which will probably differ from anything that a tourist bureau might distribute. Categorizing locations anywhere is inherently subjective, and some regions may overlap. So please don't be offended if you feel I have placed your town into an adjacent category, as these descriptions are intended as an aid to visitors rather than being a defining list. It is not my intent to provide a full description of each area, just enough to provide the flavor of some of the state's regions.

The North Coast

Just above San Francisco Bay all the way to Eureka lies the North Coast. Just inland form the Pacific Ocean, it is the place to experience the giant redwood forests. It remains a great place to camp, fish, hike, or enjoy the wilderness.

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

Mendocino
Guerneville
Russian Gulch State Park
Jenner
Boonville

The Northeast

The northeastern potion of the state is a great spot for a variety of outdoor activities. Mount Shasta dominates the horizon in much of this region. Lake Shasta is popular with water sports enthusiasts.

Wine Country

The traditional wine regions of Napa and Sonoma Counties are about 50 miles north of San Francisco. Beautiful rolling hills draped with vineyards define the region. Near towns like Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg (and throughout many areas of the state) you can taste some excellent wines right at the winery. (Some other locations in California with wineries outside of the traditional wine country include Mendocino, Lake Country, Lodi, Monterey, Livermore, Santa Cruz, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Temecula, and the Gold Country.)

San Francisco Bay Area

Once an important manufacturing and industrial center, the area is shifting to a center of finance and commerce. Historically rich San Francisco hosts many popular attractions; such as, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian architecture, Golden Gate Park, and cable cars. Some excellent dining can be found there. The Bay Area also includes cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose, as well as numerous other communities along the San Francisco Peninsula, north over the Golden Gate Bridge, and east over the Bay Bridge to Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Three major Airports serve the area at San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), and San Jose (SJC).

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

San Francisco
Walnut Creek
Alameda
Martinez
Benicia
Pacheco
Mare Island

Silicon Valley

This is actually part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Located primarily on the southern portion of the bay, it includes cities like Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and San Jose. It is named after the computer industry that took off there. It is still home to some of the giants of technology.

The Central Coast

On the shores of the Pacific Ocean, in the center of the state, California's spectacular Central Coast can be enjoyed. Feel the cool coastal air, wind along coastal Highway One, surf, and watch seals. About three hours south of San Francisco lies Monterey Bay. This picturesque spot is home to cities like Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove. Monterey is a popular place for diving, but the water is cooler than Southern California. To the north of Monterey are places like Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. In the southern portion of the Central Coast lies San Simeon, the home of Hearst Castle.

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

Monterey
Hearst Castle
San Simeon
Carmel
Pacific Grove
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur
Natural Bridges State Beach
Cambria

Sierra Nevada Mountains

I think this is one of the most picturesque places on Earth. Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Stanislaus National Forest are simply awesome, and display the elegant beauty of the high county. The Sierra Nevada Mountains stretch along most of the eastern boarder of the state. National Parks and Forests covered with big trees, alpine lakes, wild creeks, and snow capped peaks, line this vast mountain range. This is a perfect place for camping, hiking, backpacking, and skiing.

So far I have only prepared pages for the following locations in this region:

Dardanelle
Lake Isabella

East of the Sierras

This out of the way portion of the state has much to offer. Mono Lake near Lee Vining is stunning. Ghost towns like Bodie call to be explored.

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

Lee Vining
Bodie

Gold Country

The Gold Country lies in the foothills east of the Central Valley, yet west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This was the site of the gold mines during and following the Gold Rush. Some mines are still active. The area is rich with small historic towns to visit.

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

Nevada City
Auburn
Smartville

Central Valley

The Central Valley is located inland in the center of the state. Agriculture dominates this vast region. Farmlands spread for miles in the Central Valley.

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

Davis
Lost Hills

Deserts

Stunning landscapes can be found in the eastern arid portions of the states. Places like Death Valley National Park and the Mojave Desert can be found in this region. There is a lot more than sand dunes in these deserts.

Sites that I have prepared pages for in this region include:

Death Valley
Ridgecrest

Los Angeles Area and the Inland Empire

This populous Southern California region is home to Disneyland, which is located at Anaheim. The region is also home to Los Angeles, a major U.S. city. The beaches are warm and you can lie in the sun. The area is the focal point of the entertainment industry. Universal Studios makes for an enjoyable outing there. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major airport.

San Diego Metropolitan Area

On the southern coast of the state, San Diego is right next to Mexico. Warm weather means typical beach weather. San Diego hosts a well-acclaimed zoo.

SUMMARY

California contains many different regions. Each has its distinct environment. Enjoy you visit to sunny, cloudy, foggy, breezy, calm, snowy, windy, and sometimes rainy California.

Updates

My intent is to keep this page a work in progress, so feel free to check back sometime as I plan to regularly add more information.