California is one of the largest and most diverse states in the United States. It is a state of seemingly endless things to see and do and has something for everyone. Among other things, California is just made for scenic road trips. One can spend a whole summer on scenic road trips in California and not see everything.
California is home to everything from Disneyland to the towering sequoias and redwoods. California has four main geographic regions and these regions vary massively making the state remarkably diverse. The regions are – the Coast, the Central Valley, the Mountains, and the Desert.
What Are The National Parks In California?
California is home to some of the most stunning and most famous national parks in the United States. In fact, California is home to more national parks than any other state with nine national parks (followed by Alaska). In addition to the national parks, California has many stunning state parks as well - like around the impressive Mount Shasta in Northern California and others in the Sierra Nevadas. The national parks in the state are:
- Yosemite National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Red Woods National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Vassen Volcanic National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
Is California Expensive?
While no state is likely to be more expensive than the very expensive state of Hawaii and remote parts of Alaska, California is one of the most expensive states in the country.
- Is California Expensive?: Comparatively, Yes
As of the time of writing (January 30, 2022), California has the most expensive gasoline and diesel prices in the United States. According to AAA Gas Prices, the price of regular is $4.638 a gallon compared to $4.382 for Hawaii and a national average of $3.363 per gallon. The cheapest state in the country for regular gasoline was Mississippi at $3.005.
- Gasoline Prices: California Has The Highest Gasoline Prices (as of January 30, 2022)
According to the Sales Tax Institute, California has the highest sales tax in the country (excluding Puerto Rico) of 7.25%. While the true California state sales tax rate is 6%. There is a statewide county tax of 1.25% and therefore, the lowest rate anywhere in California is 7.25%.
- Sales Tax: California Has the Highest Sales Tax
Additionally, according to Numbeo.com California has 5 of the 10 most expensive cities in the USA (Santa Barbara, Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Clara. The most expensive city in the USA was Honolulu in Hawaii.
- Cost Of Living: California Has 5 of the Top 10 Highest Cost Of Living Cities In The United States
What are The Things To Do In California?
There are so many different things to see and do in this diverse state. Having the most national parks in America speaks to its beauty and diversity. California is famous for having some of the most sought-after cities and some of the best beaches in the nation. But the sheer breadth of things to see and do here is breathtaking.
California is a melting pot of cultures and its dishes reflect that. If one does go there, there are a number of restaurants in California that everyone should visit.
- Discover: Disneyland, National Parks, Wineries, And History
Nature-lovers should see Yosemite, Mount Shasta, and explore the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevadas. They should explore the Mojave Desert and the eye-watering Pacific Coast (especially in the north of the state).
In the Central Valley, there are scores of picturesque wineries and places to discover.
For those looking for something different - consider checking out the post-apocalyptic largely abandoned resort town of Salton City, the "Last Free Place In America" at Slab City, or the boom-town-turned-ghost-town of Bodie.
Tip: Visit Lake Tahoe, The Second Deepest Lake In the USA And The Largest Alpine Lake On the Continent
To just chill in the desert, stay at the golfing oasis resort of Palm Springs or even stay at Death Valley - the hottest and lowest place in the United States.
Other FAQs About California
Does California Have Earthquakes?: California Has The Very Active San Andreas Fault Zone Which Produces Major Earthquakes
Is California's Coast Good For Surfing?: Yes, The Pacific Ocean Coastline Has Great Locations For Surfing
What Is The Tallest Mountain?: Mount Witney At 4,421 meters or 14,505 feet
Is California The Biggest State?: California Has The Largest Population and The Third Largest Landmass Of US States
Does California Have UNESCO Sites?: Both Redwoods National Park And Yosemite National Park Are UNESCO Listed (Plus Hollyhock House)
When is The Best Time To Visit?: Spring and Summer (Unless Skiing or Seeking To Escape the Worst of the Heat In The Desert)
What California A Territory?: California Was Admitted Into The Union As A State Right After Annexation