When Did it Become a State?
September 9, 1850
What is the State Flag?
What is the State Capital?
Sacramento
Recommended Reads
Recommended for readers ages 8-1o years old.
California (A True Book: My United States)
Recommended for readers ages 6-10 years old.
National Parks of the USA (National Parks of the USA, 1)
This book showcases 21 national parks arranged by region (East, Central, Rocky Mountains, West, Tropics, and Alaska). Each section commences with a visual map highlighting the park locations. Each park unfolds through a remarkable, poster-worthy illustration capturing a pivotal scene. The presentation is enhanced by individual illustrations spotlighting the diverse array of animals and plants that thrive in these ecosystems. All the while, advocating for the preservation of these natural wonders, ensuring that they endure for the enjoyment of future generations.
Recommended for readers ages 5-9 years old.
The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!
Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming and the nation’s capital to discover more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature, and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. You’ll also get an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.
Printable Worksheets
The National Park Service website is the official online portal for the United States National Park Service. It serves as a comprehensive platform providing information about the diverse array of national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreational areas throughout the United States.
Key Features Include:
- Park Directory: An organized directory of all national parks, allowing users to explore individual parks and their unique features.
- Trip Planning Resources: Practical information for trip planning, including details about park facilities, entrance fees, operating hours, and any alerts or advisories.
- Educational Content: Resources for learning about the natural and cultural resources within the parks, including educational programs, virtual tours, and multimedia content.
- Visitor Centers and Programs: Details about visitor centers, interpretive programs, and ranger-led activities within the parks.
- Get Involved: Information on how individuals can get involved, support, and contribute to the mission of the National Park Service.
Escondido, CA
Fun Facts
- “Escondido” is a Spanish word that means “hidden” or “concealed.” The city was named after a water source, Escondido Creek, which runs through the area.
Places to Visit
The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species. Some notable exhibits include:
- Panda Canyon: Featuring giant pandas and other Asian wildlife.
- Africa Rocks: Showcasing animals from different African habitats.
- Elephant Odyssey: Showcasing elephants and other animals from the Americas during the Pleistocene era.
- Monkey Trails and Forest Tales: Featuring various primate species.
The Safari Park is known for its open-air exhibits that simulate natural habitats. The park covers a large area and features a variety of wildlife.
Joshua Tree, CA
Fun Facts
- The unique rock formations in and around Joshua Tree make it a popular destination for rock climbers. The park is known for its granite monoliths and challenging climbing routes, attracting climbers from around the world.
- Within the national park, the Cholla Cactus Garden is a unique attraction, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sunlight illuminates the spines of the cacti, creating a magical scene.
Places to Visit
The park is situated at the convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave Desert to the northwest and the Colorado Desert to the south. This convergence contributes to the park’s remarkable biodiversity. The Park is renowned for its striking rock formations, including granite monoliths and piles of giant boulders. Popular formations include Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Wonderland of Rocks.
Long Beach, CA
Fun Facts
- Long Beach is often referred to as the “Aquatic Capital of America” due to its numerous aquatic events and facilities. The city hosts a variety of water-related activities, including the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Catalina Ski Race, and the U.S. Sailing Center.
Places to Visit
The aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Some notable exhibits include:
- Southern California/Baja Gallery: Highlights the marine life found along the coast of Southern California and the Baja Peninsula.
- Northern Pacific Gallery: Focuses on the ecosystems of the northern Pacific, including the diverse habitats of the Bering Sea.
- Tropical Pacific Gallery: Showcases the vibrant and diverse marine life of the tropical Pacific, including coral reefs and exotic fish.
- Lorikeet Forest: An outdoor aviary where visitors can interact with colorful lorikeet birds.
- Seals and Sea Lions: The aquarium has outdoor exhibits featuring harbor seals and sea lions.
- Shark Lagoon: A popular exhibit that allows visitors to get up close to various species of sharks.
The history of Rancho Los Alamitos dates back to the indigenous Tongva people, who lived in the area for thousands of years. The land was later part of the Spanish and Mexican land grant system. The ranch played a significant role in the development of Southern California during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rancho Los Alamitos offers guided tours that provide insights into the history of the ranch, its architecture, and the people who lived and worked there over the centuries. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the adobe house, gardens, and barns.
Los Angeles, CA
Fun Facts
- The Hollywood Sign, originally created as a real estate advertisement in 1923, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It originally read “Hollywoodland” and was meant to last for only about a year and a half.
Places to Visit
The Getty Center is renowned for its art collections, which span European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, manuscripts, and photographs. The collection includes works from the Middle Ages to the present. Notable works in the collection include Vincent van Gogh’s “Irises,” Rembrandt’s “An Old Man in Military Costume,” and “The Abduction of Europa” by Peter Paul Rubens.
The Science Center features a wide range of exhibits covering various scientific disciplines. Some notable exhibits include the World of Life, Ecosystems, Creative World, World of Life, and the Ecosystems exhibits. The center also has a World of Life gallery that focuses on the processes of life, from birth to aging.One of the major attractions at the California Science Center is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The retired space shuttle is on display at the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this iconic spacecraft. The exhibit provides insights into the history of space exploration and the technology behind the space shuttle program.The center features an IMAX theater that screens educational films on a massive screen, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s extensive collection spans a wide range of art forms and historical periods. It houses more than 150,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, textiles, and photographs. The collections feature art from various cultures, including European, Asian, Latin American, and Islamic art. The museum has grown to become one of the premier art institutions in the country.
The Broad is home to a comprehensive collection of contemporary art from the 1950s to the present day. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and many others. Notably, the museum is known for its significant holdings of works by artists associated with the Pop Art and Neo-Pop movements.One of the most popular and iconic installations at The Broad is Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.” Visitors often experience this immersive and visually stunning artwork as part of their visit.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The museum features a diverse range of exhibits that cover various aspects of natural history, including paleontology, anthropology, mineralogy, and more. Some notable exhibits include:
- Dinosaur Hall: A major highlight, Dinosaur Hall showcases impressive dinosaur fossils, including the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series.
- Age of Mammals: This exhibit explores the evolution and diversity of mammals, featuring fossil specimens from different epochs.
- Gem and Mineral Hall: A collection of precious and rare gems, minerals, and meteorites.
- Becoming Los Angeles: An exhibit that traces the history of Los Angeles from the time of its geological formation to its development as a major city.
- Insect Zoo: An interactive exhibit featuring live insects, allowing visitors to get up close and learn about the fascinating world of bugs.
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
The California Science Center features a wide range of interactive and hands-on exhibits covering various scientific disciplines. Some notable exhibits include:
- Ecosystems: This exhibit explores different ecosystems on Earth, including a kelp forest, a desert, and a rot room.
- World of Life: This exhibit focuses on the processes of life, from birth to aging, and includes interactive displays about the human body and biology.
- Creative World: This area encourages creativity and innovation, allowing visitors to engage in design challenges and hands-on activities.
- Air and Space Exhibits: The Science Center is home to the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, which houses the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Visitors can explore the shuttle, learn about space exploration, and experience related exhibits.
- Ecosystems in Southern California: This exhibit highlights the unique ecosystems found in Southern California, showcasing the region’s biodiversity.
Monterey, CA
Fun Facts
- Monterey Bay is a prime location for whale watching. Visitors can often spot gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas, particularly during their migratory seasons.
Places to Visit
The Monterey Bay Aquarium features a variety of exhibits that highlight the marine ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean. Notable exhibits include:
- Kelp Forest: A towering exhibit replicating the underwater kelp forests found in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.
- Open Sea: This exhibit showcases the vastness of the open ocean and features large pelagic species such as tuna, sharks, and sea turtles.
- Rocky Shore: An exhibit that replicates the rocky intertidal zones along the California coast, where visitors can observe creatures like sea stars and anemones.
- Sea Otters: The aquarium has a popular exhibit dedicated to sea otters, providing opportunities for visitors to learn about and observe these playful marine mammals.
- Penguin Habitat: A habitat featuring African penguins, allowing visitors to observe these birds both above and below the water.
- Coral Reef: An exhibit showcasing the vibrant and delicate ecosystems of coral reefs, complete with colorful tropical fish.
Palm Springs, CA
Fun Facts
- The Palm Springs area is home to one of the largest wind farms in the United States. The iconic windmills, situated just outside the city, contribute to the region’s commitment to renewable energy.
- The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar and takes visitors from the desert floor to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains, providing breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley.
Places to Visit
The museum’s collections cover a diverse range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and decorative arts. The permanent collection includes works by modern and contemporary artists, with a focus on American and Native American art.The museum has a significant glass collection, including works by artists such as Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra. The glass collection emphasizes the artistry and craftsmanship of contemporary glassblowing.
Sacramento, CA
Fun Facts
- Sacramento played a significant role in the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855. Prospectors and settlers flocked to the area, and the city became a major distribution point and commercial center during this period.
Places to Visit
California State Capitol Museum
The California State Capitol Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of California. The museum is located inside the Capitol building and offers exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can tour the chambers of the California State Senate and Assembly to learn about the legislative process and the history of the state’s government.
San Diego, CA
Fun Facts
- San Diego is often referred to as having one of the best climates in the United States. With mild temperatures year-round, it’s known for its pleasant weather, earning it the nickname “America’s Finest City.”
Places to Visit
The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned zoo located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It is one of the most famous and diverse zoos in the world, known for its commitment to animal conservation, education, and research. The zoo offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, animal encounters, and educational presentations. These programs aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
The museum’s permanent collection spans a wide range of art from different cultures and historical periods. It includes European, Asian, American, and contemporary art, with notable works by artists such as El Greco, Rubens, Goya, and many others.
The museum features more than 60 exhibits and a collection of 29 restored aircraft on the flight deck. Visitors can explore the hangar deck, flight deck, and various compartments below deck, including the living quarters, engine room, and more.
San Francisco, CA
Fun Facts
- Bentonville, Arkansas, is a vibrant city known for being the headquarters of Walmart and as a cultural hub in the region.San Francisco is known for its characteristic fog, particularly during the summer months. The fog is a result of the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean meeting the warm air over the California coast.
Places to Visit
The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge has a main span of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters), making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The total length, including approaches, is approximately 8,980 feet (2,737 meters). At the time of its completion, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA
Visitors to Alcatraz can take an audio tour that provides a narrated history of the island and the prison. The tour includes recorded interviews with former inmates and guards. The main prison building, known as the cellhouse, is a four-story structure with cell blocks and administrative offices. Visitors can explore the cells, the dining hall, and the recreation yard. Alcatraz can be reached by ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco. The ferry ride offers panoramic views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Exploratorium was founded in 1969 by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer. It was originally located at the Palace of Fine Arts and later moved to its current location at Pier 15 in 2013.One of the defining features of the Exploratorium is its emphasis on hands-on, interactive exhibits. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of scientific phenomena, including physics, biology, perception, light, sound, and more. Visitors are encouraged to touch, manipulate, and experiment with the exhibits to better understand scientific principles. Another notable feature is the Tinkering Studio at the Exploratorium is a dedicated space where visitors can engage in open-ended, hands-on activities that involve building and tinkering. It encourages creativity and exploration of materials.
The museum explores Walt Disney’s contributions to the world of animation, including the creation of iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and the development of groundbreaking animation techniques. It also delves into Disney’s innovative approaches to storytelling and entertainment. The museum includes the Fantasia-themed special exhibition and screening space, known as the Fantasia Theater, which showcases elements related to Disney’s classic film “Fantasia.”
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Steinhart Aquarium: The aquarium features a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, penguins, and a living roof with a rainforest habitat. Notable exhibits include:
- Kimball Natural History Museum: This museum explores the natural world through exhibits on gems and minerals, fossils, and the evolution of life on Earth.
- Morrison Planetarium: The planetarium offers immersive astronomy shows and presentations on a state-of-the-art digital projection system.
- Osher Rainforest: An indoor rainforest exhibit that allows visitors to explore a multi-level tropical environment with free-flying birds, butterflies, and various plant species.
- Living Roof: The living roof is covered with native plants and serves as an environmentally friendly feature, providing insulation and reducing energy consumption.
San Jose, CA
Fun Facts
- San Jose is often referred to as the capital of Silicon Valley, a global center for technology and innovation. The city is home to numerous tech companies, startups, and research institutions.
Places to Visit
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that cover a wide range of technological and scientific topics. Some notable exhibits include:
- Social Robots: An exhibit exploring the field of robotics, with a focus on robots designed to interact with humans.
- BioDesign Studio: An exhibit that delves into the world of synthetic biology and genetic engineering, allowing visitors to explore the possibilities and ethical considerations of these technologies.
- Cyber Detectives: An interactive exhibit that introduces visitors to the world of cybersecurity and the role of digital forensics in solving cyber crimes.
- The museum is also home to The Tech Interactive, an innovation and creativity center offering hands-on workshops, labs, and programs for schools and community groups.
San Simeon, CA
Fun Facts
- San Simeon is located along the picturesque California coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The rugged coastline, sea cliffs, and nearby beaches make it a scenic destination.
Places to Visit
Hearst Castle is a testament to the grandeur and extravagance of the early 20th century and offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of America’s most influential figures during that era. The estate was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and served as his primary residence. Construction began in 1919 and continued until 1947.Hearst Castle boasts an extensive art collection, including European antiques, tapestries, and artworks dating from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The property is adorned with sculptures, paintings, and decorative art from Hearst’s vast collection.
Santa Ana, CA
Fun Facts
- The city is known for the Santa Ana winds, which are warm and dry winds that occasionally blow through Southern California. They are most common in the fall and can contribute to wildfire risk.
Places to Visit
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits covering a wide range of scientific topics. Some of the exhibits include:
- Planetary Research Station: A space-themed exhibit where visitors can explore the solar system and learn about planets.
- Inspector Training Course: An exhibit focused on forensic science and detective work.
- Helicopter Tour: A simulated helicopter tour over Orange County, providing information about the region’s geography and landmarks.
- Aquavator: An underwater-themed exhibit that explores oceanography and marine life.
- Quake Zone: A seismic simulator that allows visitors to experience simulated earthquakes and learn about earthquake preparedness.
Yosemite National, CA
Fun Facts
- Yosemite is home to giant sequoia trees, some of the largest living organisms on Earth. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of the park’s most famous groves, featuring over 500 mature giant sequoias.
- Yosemite’s landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. Evidence of glacial features, such as U-shaped valleys and moraines, can be observed in the park.
- Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most iconic granite formations. It’s a challenging rock climb, and hikers can reach its summit via the challenging Half Dome Trail. Cables are installed seasonally to assist hikers.
Places to Visit
The park features diverse landscapes, including granite cliffs, waterfalls, sequoia trees, meadows, and valleys. Yosemite Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, is one of the park’s most famous features. The park is home to several groves of giant sequoias, including the Mariposa Grove, which features over 500 mature giant sequoia trees, including the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
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