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Temperature:

13°C - 14°C

Currency:

US Dollar (USD)

Time zone:

UTC -08:00

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When we visit:

Autumn

View cruises calling at California

California Cruises

California is an absolute dream destination for free spirits, celebrity worshippers and nature lovers alike. The state is a diverse pocket of America, located on the beautiful West Coast. Road trips here are legendary, as is the wine, skiing, surf and the healthy way of life. 

Of all the US states, California is the most populous at around 28 million and is also the third largest by area. In fact, one out of every eight Americans is Californian. 

The Gold Rush of 1848 really put the state on the map. Triggered by a foreman who found a lump of gold in a river, everyone else flocked to the area in search of the same. During those seven years the population of San Francisco grew from 200 to over 36,000. This gave the state its new nickname: The Golden State. 

Top 5 interesting facts

  • San Francisco Bay is considered the world's largest landlocked harbour.
  • California has a larger population than all of Canada.
  • The world’s first McDonalds opened in California in 1940. 
  • California produces 80% of the world’s almonds. 
  • If it were a country California would have the 8th or 9th largest economy.
 

Highlights

Famous sights

Think of California and many think of the bright lights of Los Angeles, the ‘City of Angels’. Hollywood is the centre of the worldwide entertainment business. It’s a fascinating place to experience and no doubt you’ll recognise many hotspots from your favourite films as you explore for yourself. Look to the hills and you’ll see that famous Hollywood sign. 

As the home to the most photographed bridge in the world, the Golden Gate, San Francisco is a popular spot for anyone on a California cruise. Pier 39, Union Square, Haight Street, Alcatraz – all the legendary top spots are to be found here. 

The San Francisco Bay area is known as the start-up capital of the world, with Silicon Valley being home to the likes of Apple, Uber, Google, eBay and Facebook.

San Diego

San Diego’s friendly and more relaxed vibe stems from the wealth of surf beaches and the stunning landscape here. The city is surrounded by mountains and situated over 200 canyons – making for a beautiful and unique view whichever way you look. 

 

Topography

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California is one of the few places in the world where world-class skiing and beaches can be found within just a few hours of each other. After all, it’s the only US state that’s hosted both the summer and winter Olympics. California also has the most national parks in the USA – nine out of the 59 countrywide. 

California could be described as having a ‘tough’ landscape – much of it is made up of desert. The tectonic plate movement here has caused earthquakes in the past and tremors are still felt now and then. 

Both America’s highest point of Mt. Whitney (14,494 ft), and its lowest point at Badwater Basin in Death Valley are in California, and they’re less than 100 miles apart. 

The California soil and weather makes it an excellent place for winemaking – in fact it’s the largest grape and wine-producing state in the USA, so make sure to sample some during your time ashore.

 

Ports in the country

Los AngelesSan Diego, USASan Francisco, USA
 

Cruises visiting California

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