Explore
California
California is easily the most geographically diverse state in the U.S.! Home to the tallest trees on Earth (coastal redwoods), the largest trees in the world (giant sequoias), and the oldest living trees on the planet (bristlecone pines). From rugged mountains and active volcanoes to pristine beaches, vast deserts and the most beautiful alpine lakes, California truly has it all!
Lake Tahoe 2025
Mt Shasta 2025
California Fun Facts
Area – 163,696 square miles (3rd largest state)
State Capital – Sacramento
Population – 39.36 million (2026)
State High Point – Mount Whitney (14,505 feet)
State Low Point – Badwater Basin (-282 feet)
National Park Count: 9
State Park Count: 280
Largest Lake: Salton Sea
Deepest Lake: Lake Tahoe
Number of Ski resorts: 36
Unique Food: California Burrito
State Tree: Sequoias
Land Acknowledgment
The current state of California recognizes over 109 Native American tribes. Examples include: the Miwok, Chumash, Yurok, and the Pomo tribes
My pick
If I had to choose just one place to visit in California, it wouldn’t be an easy choice, but I would say: Lake Tahoe!
At a glance
My experience in California
I first visited the Golden State as a curious college student during spring break. While I’ll never forget seeing the ocean for the first time in 2015, what made me fall in love wasn’t the bustling cities or crowded beaches. Instead, a small beach near Malibu, far away from the crowds, showed me a better version of the state.
Later that year, I visited Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, and I was hooked! Since then, I’ve returned to California countless times, exploring everything from the Northern Redwoods, Mount Shasta, and Lassen Volcanic National Park to the Sierra Nevada, Big Sur, San Francisco, and San Diego.
California’s incredible scenic diversity is what keeps pulling me back. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Scroll down to discover what makes California such an amazing destination. Safe travels!
