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Vacationing In The Golden State: California Offers Breathtaking Scenery Above And Below The Waterline

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Overview

Introduction

Often referred to as “The Golden State,” California is the third largest of the United States, and offers approximately 1100 miles of coastline to explore, as well as several small islands surrounded by marine life. Gorgeous kelp gardens, exciting wrecks, magnificent inland lakes, and other features make California one of America’s best places to dive. If you’re considering a visit, don’t wait another minute; this state is one you may never want to leave. 

California is amazing all year round, with Southern areas including Los Angeles and San Diego offering warm, comfortable temperatures during winter, and northern areas offering more temperate weather depending on elevation. This state is massive, larger than many countries, and home to so many attractions you’ll be hard pressed to make decisions about what to do during your visit. Whether you want to stick to popular vacation spots or head off the beaten path, you will find that California fits the bill. 

Geography

California’s coastline runs from Mexico in the south to Oregon in the north, and the entire coast is washed by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. To the north, the water is chilly and can be turbulent; to the south, conditions are a bit warmer, particularly during the summer months. The most popular inland dive area by far is Lake Tahoe, which boasts a surface area of 191 square miles and forms part of California’s border with Nevada.   

History

The history of California is an interesting one; it can be divided into four specific periods: The Native American period, the European Exploration period, which lasted from 1542 to 1769, the Spanish Colonial period, which lasted from 1769 to 1821, the Mexican Period, which lasted from 1821 to 1848, and Statehood as part of the United States, which began with annexation in 1846 and culminated in statehood in 1850. Some highlights from these periods include:

  • The pre-contact period; Native Americans have lived in California for about 15,000 years, and during that time, it is believed that California was home to about a third of all Native Americans. Myths surrounding the state described it as a beautiful island populated by Amazon warriors; when the first explorers arrived, they found natives using stone and wood tools rather than the golden ones described in mythology. 

  • In 1542, Portuguese adventurer and explorer Joao Rodruiguis Cabrilho was commissioned by New Spain’s viceroy to explore California. He made landfall in the area that is now San Diego, and continued on to Point Reyes, which is a little north of San Francisco. Cabrilho died of accidental injuries in 1543, and was buried in California. His second in command decided it was time to head home; the group had found no treasure, no agricultural land, and no passage to the Northwest. 

  • Although the California coastline was used as a guide for the Spanish trade route between the Philippines and Mexico from 1565 forward, fog and rugged rocks kept exploration to a minimum. Amazingly, San Francisco Bay wasn’t discovered by the Spanish until overland explorers stumbled upon it in 1769. 

  • The California Gold Rush roughly coincided with statehood; between 1848 and 1855, well over 80,000 men came to California in search of life-changing wealth. Many made their fortunes; many others did not. But the gold rush expanded the state’s industries including agriculture and shipping, allowing it to grow. Sadly, the gold rush spelled disaster for many remaining Native Americans. 

  • As the state attracted more business, lighthouses, naval installations, and shipyards were built.  Almost all ships traveled to California by sailing around South America’s Cape Horn – a trip that took about 200 days. In 1857, the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage line started offering service to California from Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri.  By traveling day and night, people could get to California in about 28 days. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, and railroad expansion continued throughout the 1880s. Though a six or seven day train trip to California from Chicago might sound long to us today, it was lightning fast in comparison with other methods. 

  • Once travel to California was simplified, people were able to make the journey not just for business or new work opportunities, but for pleasure. Tourism is now one of the state’s most lucrative – and appreciated – industries. 

Economy

California’s manufacturing sector produces numerous items including automobiles, aerospace parts and products, electrical equipment, furniture, medical equipment, and much more. Agriculture is king – almonds, fruits and vegetables, and many other food products are grown in the state, and its viticulture sector is world-class. California produces more than 90 percent of all American wine; if it were a nation, the state would come in fourth for wine production, just behind France, Italy, and Spain.  

Location:
  • North America
  • United States
  • California
Keywords: diving guides, north america dive travel, united states dive travel, us dive travel, california dive travel, california diving Author:
Melissa Gwaldis
Related Tags: Diving Guides