CALIFORNIA
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ABOUT
CALIFORNIA: California is incredibly large. It is the third largest
in land-mass in the United States with 163,707 sq. miles and 32 million
people. It has a diverse landscape; from snow covered mountains of
the Cascades and High Sierras to the rich agricultural valleys of
San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Imperial, from the hot and Mojave desert,
with Death Valley, to the lush growth of coastal redwoods in Big Sur
and pristine beaches with cool ocean breezes in the south. It has
rich mixture of races and cultures; Asians, Latinos, African and Caucasian
Americans, all contributing to the dynamic, creative and artistic
character of the state. It is a place where fitness, wellness and
outdoor living is a prized and protected lifestyle. In the Pacific
Time Zone (GMT minus 8-hrs), it observes Daylight Savings Time.
GEOGRAPHY: The state has five mountain ranges, seven valleys, one
plateau and two deserts within its borders. The Modoc Plateau, in
the state's northeastern corner, was created by volcanic activity
centuries ago and is an extension of the Great Basin that stretches
westward through Nevada and Utah. The highest peak in California
is Mt. Whitney at 14,494-feet, with the lowest point only a few
miles away in Death Valley, 282-feet below sea level. The Coastal,
Transverse, Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges surround the great
Central Valley that extends from Shasta Lake in the north to below
Bakersfield in the south and encompasses both Sacramento and San
Joaquin valleys. Some of these ranges block off most of the westerly
moisture flow from the Pacific Ocean and help maintain the Mojave
and Colorado deserts that make-up most of the southeastern portion
of the state.
CLIMATE: California enjoys four distinct seasons with varying temperatures
depending on the area and proximity to the coast. Winters in the
north are cold, with snow in the mountains from late November to
early May. In the south, winters are mild, with temperatures ranging
between 45-65F/7-18C, except in the mountains where there is snow.
Summers in the north along the coast range between 52-60F/11-16C,
with cooler nights. In the mountains' higher elevations, it can
drop below freezing. In the deserts, temperatures between 82-109F/28-43C,
but nights are comfortable. Fall and spring temperatures are mild
and delightful all over the state.
TRAVELING
HINTS: The speed limit on most freeways in rural California is 65mph
(105km/h). On city freeways, it is 55 mph (90km/h). In cities, the
speed limits vary and are posted on the sides of the streets. Generally,
it is 35mph (57km/h) on most city streets. Seat belts are mandatory
for all persons riding in the vehicle. Chfldren under 4yrs or 40lbs
are required to be in a safety seat. Most rental car agencies have
them. Mountainous winter travel is hazardous, parficularly over
high passes. For road conditions, call Caltrans for 24- hour service
and information. The numbers are: Statewide: 800-427-7623; Northern
Califomia: 916-445-7623; Southern Califomia: 213-628-7623.
State
Welcome Centers are located in Kingsburg, between Fresno and Tulare
off 99 at 1776 Avenue Dr, 209-897-2925, Rohnert Park, Sonoma County,
off US 101 at 5000 Roberts Lake Rd, 707-586-3795 and San Francisco's
Pier 39, Beach and Embarcadero, in Citibank Cinemax T'heater, Stairway
1, Level 2.
For
more information and to request Visitor's Guide contact:
Division of Tourism
801 K St, Ste 1600
Sacramento, 95814, 800-862- 2543 (North America only),
(800)
862-2543
fax: (916) 322-3402
Or visit their web-site at : http://www.gocalif.ca.gov
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