Western united-states

Western united-states Geographical information like tourism destination, attraction, etc.

1. West coast of America
The West coast of America—commonly referred to as the American West or simply The West—
traditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost states of the United States. Since the
United States has expanded westward since it is founding, the definition of the West has evolved over
time. The Mississippi River is often referenced as the easternmost possible boundary of the West.
The region encompasses some of the Louisiana Purchase, most of the land ceded by Britain in 1818,
some of the land acquired when the Republic of Texas joined the United States, all of the land ceded by
Britain in 1846, all of the land ceded by Mexico in 1848, and all of the Gadsden Purchase.

Geography
In its most expansive definition, the western United States is the largest region, covering more than half
the nation's land area. It is also the most geographically diverse, incorporating regions such as the Pacific
Coast, the temperate rainforests of the Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, most of the
tall-grass prairie eastward to Illinois, the western Ozark plateau, the western portions of the southern
forests, the Gulf Coast, and all of the desert areas located in the United States (the Mojave, Sonoran,
Great Basin, and Chihuahua deserts).

Variation and regionalism

As the largest region in the United States there is variation to such an extent that the West is often
broken down into regions. Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and
Utah or sections of those states are sometimes considered the Southwest, while all or part of Idaho,
Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming can be considered the Northwest; more narrowly, part or
all of those same states, with the exception of Wyoming and the eastern portions of Montana and Idaho
and the addition of the Canadian province of British Columbia, comprise the Pacific Northwest.

The term West Coast is usually restricted to California, Oregon, and Washington. The Mountain States
include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Alaska and
Hawaii, being detached from the other western states, have few similarities with them but are usually
also classified as part of the West.

Some western states are grouped into regions with eastern states. Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and
North Dakota are often included in the Midwest, which also includes states like Iowa, Illinois, and
Wisconsin. Texas and Oklahoma are often considered part of the Southwest, and Texas and Louisiana
are also considered part of the South.

2. Historically, the Northwest Territory was an important early territory of the United States, comprising
the modern states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as the northeastern part of
Minnesota.

Mountains

Along the Pacific coast lie the Coast Ranges, which, while not approaching the scale of the Rockies,
are formidable. They collect a large part of the airborne moisture moving in from the ocean. Even in
the relatively arid climate of central California, the Coast Ranges squeeze enough water out of the
clouds to support the growth of redwoods. East of the Coast Ranges lie several cultivated fertile
valleys, notably the San Joaquin Valley of California and the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Beyond the valleys lie the Sierra Nevada in the south and the Cascade Range in the north. These
mountains are some of the highest in the United States. Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet (4,421
meters) the tallest peak in the contiguous 48 states, is in the Sierra Nevada. The Cascades are also
volcanic. Mount Rainier, a volcano in Washington, is 14,410 feet (4,392 m). Mount Saint Helens, a
volcano in the Cascades, erupted explosively in 1980. A major volcanic eruption at Mount Mazama
around 4,860 B.C.E., formed Crater Lake. These mountain ranges see heavy precipitation, capturing
most of the moisture that remains after the Coast Ranges and creating a rain shadow to the east
that creates vast stretches of arid land. These dry areas encompass much of Nevada, Utah, and
Arizona. The Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert, along with other deserts, are found here.

Beyond the deserts lie the Rocky Mountains. In the north, they run immediately east of the Cascade
Range, so that the desert region does not reach all the way to the Canadian border. The Rockies are
hundreds of miles wide and run uninterrupted from New Mexico to Alaska. The tallest peaks of the
Rockies, some of which are over 14,000 feet (c. 4,250 meters), are found in central Colorado.

Rivers

The West has several long rivers that empty into the Pacific Ocean, while the eastern rivers run into
the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River forms the easternmost boundary for the West today. The
Missouri River, a tributary of the Mississippi, flows from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains
eastward across the Great Plains, a vast grassy plateau, before sloping gradually down to the forests
and then the Mississippi.

The Colorado River snakes through the Mountain states, forming the Grand Canyon. The Colorado is
a major source of water in the Southwest and many dams, such as the Hoover Dam, form reservoirs

3. along it. So much water is drawn for drinking water throughout the West and irrigation in California
that in some years, water from the Colorado no longer reaches the Gulf of California. The Columbia
River, the largest river in volume flowing into the Pacific Ocean from North America, and its
tributary, the Snake River, water the Pacific Northwest. The Platte runs through Nebraska and is a
mile (2 km) wide but only a half-inch (1 cm) deep. The Rio Grande River forms the border between
Texas and Mexico before turning north and splitting New Mexico in half.
Columbia River
Puget Sound & Mt. Rainier
Columbia Coast
Olympic National Park
Antelope Canyon
Yosemite
Delicate Arch
Bryce Canyon
The Tetons
Pacific Ocean
Monument Valley
Rogue River
Angels Landing in Zion NP
Grand Canyon
Geyser at Yellowstone
Alaska
El Capitan, Texas
Zion National Park
Mojave Desert
Colorado River

4. Climate and agriculture

The seasonal temperatures vary greatly throughout the West. Annual rainfall is greater in the
eastern portions, gradually tapering off until reaching the Pacific Coast, where it again increases. In
fact, the greatest annual rainfall in the United States falls in the coastal regions of the Pacific
Northwest. The heaviest snows in the nation fall in the Rockies. Drought is much more common in
the West than the rest of the United States; the driest place recorded is Death Valley, California.

Violent thunderstorms occur east of the Rockies. Tornadoes occur every spring on the southern
plains, with the most common and most destructive centered on Tornado Alley, which covers
eastern portions of the West (Texas to North Dakota) and all states in between and to the east.

Agriculture varies depending on rainfall, irrigation, soil, elevation, and temperature extremes. The
arid regions generally support only livestock grazing, chiefly beef cattle. The wheat belt extends
from Texas through the Dakotas, producing most of the wheat and soybeans in the U.S. and
exporting more to the rest of the world. Irrigation in the Southwest allows the growing of great
quantities of fruits, nuts, and vegetables as well as grain, hay, and flowers. Texas is a major cattle
and sheep raising area, as well as the nation's largest producer of cotton. Washington is famous for
its apples and Idaho for its potatoes. California and Arizona are major producers of citrus crops,
although growing metropolitan sprawl is absorbing much of this land.

Local state and government officials started to understand, after several surveys made during the
latter part of the nineteenth century, that only action by the federal government could provide
water resources needed to support the development of the West. Starting in 1902, Congress passed
a series of acts authorizing the establishment of the Bureau of Reclamation to oversee water
development projects in seventeen western states.

During the first half of the twentieth century, dams and irrigation projects provided water for rapid
agricultural growth throughout the West and brought prosperity for several states, where
agriculture had previously only been at the subsistence level. Following World War II, the West's
cities experienced an economic and population boom. The population growth, mostly in the
Southwest, has strained water and power resources, with water diverted from agricultural uses to
major population centers, such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

5. Culture
Facing both the Pacific Ocean and the Mexican border, the West has been shaped by a variety of
ethnic groups. Hawaii is the only state in the union in which Asian Americans outnumber European
Americans. Asians from many countries have settled in California and other coastal states in several
waves of immigration since the 1800s, contributing to the Gold Rush, the building of the
transcontinental railroad, agriculture, and more recently, high technology.
The southwestern border states — California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas—all have large
Mexican-American populations, and the many Spanish place names attest to their history as former
Mexican territories.
The West also contains much of the Native American population, particularly in the large
reservations in the mountain and desert states.
Having once been a slave state, Texas has a sizable, non-migrant and rural, African-American
population, particularly in the eastern half.
Alaska—the northernmost state—is a vast land with great stretches of wilderness, protected in
national parks and wildlife refuges. Hawaii's location makes it a major gateway between the U.S.
and Asia, as well as a center for tourism.
In the Pacific Coast states, the wide areas filled with small towns, farms, and forests are
supplemented by a few big port cities which have evolved into world centers for the media and
technology industries. Now the second largest city in the nation, Los Angeles is best known as the
home of the Hollywood film industry; the area around Los Angeles also was a major center for the
aerospace industry by World War II, though Boeing, located in Washington states, would come to
lead the aerospace industry. Fueled by the growth of Los Angeles—as well as the San Francisco Bay
Area, including Silicon Valley – California has become the most populous state. Oregon and
Washington have also seen rapid growth with the rise of Boeing and Microsoft along with
agriculture and resource-based industries.
The desert and mountain states have relatively low population densities and were developed as
ranching and mining areas that are only recently becoming urbanized. Most of them have highly
individualistic cultures and have worked to balance the interests of urban development, recreation,
and the environment.
Culturally distinctive points include the large Mormon population of southeastern Idaho, Utah,
northern Arizona, and Nevada; the extravagant casino resort towns of Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada;
and, of course, the many Native American tribal reservations.
The advent of the automobile enabled the average American to tour the West. Several
transcontinental interstate highways crossed the West, bringing more trade and tourists from the
East.

6. American Old West

Major settlement of the western territories by migrants from the states in the East developed rapidly in
the 1840s, largely through the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush of 1849; California experienced
such a rapid growth in a few months that it was admitted to statehood in 1850 without the normal
transitory phase of becoming an official territory. The 1850s were marked by political controversies
related to the national issues leading to the Civil War. California had been established as a non-slave
state and played little role in the war itself due to its geographical distance from the major campaigns. In
the aftermath of the Civil War, many former Confederate partisans migrated to the West during the
Reconstruction period.
The history of the American West in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries has acquired a
cultural mythos in the literature and cinema of the United States. The image of the cowboy, the
homesteader, and westward expansion took real events and transmuted them into a myth of the West
that has influenced American culture since at least the 1920s.
Writers as diverse as Mark Twain, Bret Harte, and Zane Grey celebrated or derided cowboy culture,
while artists such as Frederic Remington created western art as a method of recording the expansion
into the West. American cinema, in particular, created the genre of the western movie, which, in many
cases uses the West as a metaphor for the virtue of self-reliance. Cowboy culture has become
embedded in the American experience as a common cultural touchstone, and modern forms as diverse
as country and western music and the works of artist Georgia O'Keefe have celebrated the supposed
sense of isolation and independence of spirit inspired by the unpopulated and relatively harsh climate of
the region.
As a result of the various periods of rapid growth, many new residents were migrants who were seeking
to make a new start. Other migrants harbored commercial goals in the opening country. The area
developed a strong ethos of self-determinism and individual freedom, as communities were created
whose residents shared no prior connection or common set of ideals and allegiances. The open land of
the region allowed residents to live at a much greater distance from neighbors than had been possible in
eastern cities, and an ethic of tolerance for the different values and goals of other residents developed.
California's state constitutions (of both 1849 and 1879) were largely drafted by groups that placed a
strong emphasis on individual property rights and personal freedom, arguably at the expense of ideals
tending toward civic community.

7. Top Tourist Destinations in the Western U.S

The West is comprised of the Mountain States, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming; and Pacific states, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and
Washington. The land mass west of the Mississippi River covers more than double the land to the east of
the Mississippi. In fact, Alaska itself measures one-fifth the size of the continental United States.
Adrenaline lovers can get their kicks by heading to the Rockies to hit the famed slopes, while the
traveler looking for the perfect spot to relax can go to sunny California for wine tasting in Sonoma.

California

A mere mention of the phrase "West Coast" conjures up thoughts of California. From Los Angeles to San
Francisco and all the spaces in between, the laid-back style of the Golden State makes it appealing to a
wide range of travelers.
Families looking for the ultimate kid-friendly destination can head straight to Disneyland, while couples
needing a quiet weekend away can cruise up scenic Highway One towards the quieter beaches around
Carmel and Monterey.
California Cities and Attractions:
Hollywood
San Diego
Disneyland
Yosemite Park
Lake Tahoe
California Wine Tour

Hawaii

The islands of Hawaii are as far west as you can go and still vacation in the United States. Beautiful
beaches, bubbling volcanoes, and the unique Hawaiian culture lure millions of travelers to the eight
islands of the Aloha State year after year.
With 80-degree average temperatures throughout the year, Hawaii is always a tropical paradise. To
avoid the summer resort crowds, go during December or January. Most flights arrive at the Honolulu
Airport (HNL), so plan to stay and experience Hawaii’s main metropolis or hop on a connection from
there to another island.

8. Las Vegas

People go to Las Vegas to get lucky. From the buzz of the casinos to the glitz of the hotels and the
shows, Las Vegas provides ample opportunities to press your luck with money, love, or getting into a
blockbuster show, thereby making it a sure shot with tons of risk-taking travelers. If the excitement of
the city gets to be too much, the spectacular canyons of Red Rock are just 30 minutes away from the
city’s main strip and perfect for a day trip.

The Southwest

Incredible landscapes, Native American cultures, and some of the best U.S. National Parks, including the
Grand Canyon, can be found in the Southwest. Bustling cities—such as Santa Fe, New Mexico and
Austin, Texas—brimming with art and fine dining is just a few of the many options available to travelers
when visiting the Southwest.

The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is where the majesty of nature and technological innovation intersect. Cool cities
like Seattle and Portland fuel the economic engine of this region, while spots like Mount Rainier and
Mount Hood provide for natural recreation and inspiration. Foodies will also be happy with the region’s
emerging culinary scene and should be sure to make a stop in Portland for some of Oregon’s best. For
the die-hard wino, Washington wine country is quickly becoming a wine hot spot.

9. Major destination and cities:

1. New York City
More than 50 million people visit New York City every year. The five boroughs -- or regions -- of New
York have some of the most easily recognized attractions in the world. Visitors on a budget can take a
free boat from Manhattan to Staten Island for a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan
skyline.
2. Chicago, Illinois
America’s third-largest city offers world-class museums, great food, sporting events, and iconic
architecture -- including Willis Tower, America’s tallest building. The Midwest city is also known for
comedy. The Second City theater is where many famous comedians got their start, including Mike
Meyers and Tina Fey
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Many say Charleston is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the United States. The coastal
city has a very rich history. The Civil War began at its waterfront, at Fort Sumter, which visitors can
explore. But present-day Charleston has a lot to offer, too. Conde Nast Traveler voted it the number one
U.S. city, for its beautiful architecture, food, and friendly people.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
The desert city of Las Vegas is known around the world for its casinos and bright lights. Visitors stay at
world-class hotels, eat at top chefs’ restaurants, and usually see a spectacular show or concert.
5. Seattle, Washington
Visitors to the West Coast city of Seattle will find the iconic Space Needle, the world’s first Starbucks,
and Pike Place Market, one of the oldest and most famous farmers markets in the country. The Space
Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. Riding up to the top provides views of the nearby
mountains.
6. San Francisco, California
The most famous San Francisco site is the Golden Gate Bridge. Opened in 1937, it still ranks among the
top 10 longest bridge spans in the world. Beyond the bridge, San Francisco has beautiful ocean views
and one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Just a ferry ride away is Alcatraz Island, the former
federal prison.

10. 7. Washington, D.C.
No city in America packs as many monuments and museums into one area as Washington, DC. From the
Thomas Jefferson Memorial to the World War II Memorial, Washington has enough attractions to keep
you busy for several weeks. In the spring, the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin draw millions of
visitors from around the world.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is home to the annual Mardi Gras celebration, the always busy Bourbon street, the elegant
French Quarter, jazz and beignets -- the signature dessert of the city. After a fun night in the city, you
can head to Cafe Du Monde for a cup of coffee and a trio of beignets.
9. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a resort city in the Coachella Valley desert. Beginning in the 1920s, the city was a popular
place for movie stars to escape Hollywood and relax. With an average of 354 days of sunshine per year,
visitors can enjoy golfing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and tennis.
10. San Diego, California
Few places in America have better weather than San Diego. It’s a good thing, too, since there’s a lot to
explore outdoors in this southern California city. Try your hand at surfing in the Pacific Ocean on some of
America’s best beaches, or enjoy the ocean from a distance at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
11. St. Louis, Missouri
One of this Midwest city’s nicknames is “The Gateway to the West.” Indeed, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch is a
monument for westward expansion in the United States. It is the tallest freestanding monument in the
nation. Visitors can take an elevator to the top.
12. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a relaxed desert community in the U.S. southwest. Some of the oldest rocks on Earth surround
the area, called Red Rock Country. Each morning and every night, the rock formations change colors.
Sedona is also famous for its growing arts community and Native American history.
13. Honolulu, Hawaii
The capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including Waikiki Beach and
Diamond Head mountain. Honolulu is also home to the Pearl Harbor Historic Site, the Navy base
bombed by Japan during World War II, leading America to enter the war.
14. Miami Beach
Miami Beach offers beautiful white sands, gourmet restaurants and a very active nightlife. Beyond the
beach and bright lights, visitors should check out the surrounding ethnic neighborhoods, such as Little
Havana and Little Haiti.

11. 15. Branson, Missouri
Branson is the place to go for country music concerts, comedy shows, and magic shows. Most days, up
to 90 performances are taking place at nearly 40 theaters in the city. Set near the Ozark Mountains, the
surrounding nature offers great fishing, biking, and hiking.
16. Boston, Massachusetts
For first-time visitors to this historic East Coast city, walk the four-kilometer Freedom Trail. The trail
leads visitors to 16 major sites, including the Paul Revere House. Built in the 1680s, it is the oldest
structure in downtown Boston. The city is also home to world-class universities like Harvard and MIT.
17. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s beautiful and tree-filled historic district is the largest National Historic Landmark in the
United States. But the city is not only a feast for the eyes. Eat at one of Savannah’s family-style
restaurants to experience the best of U.S. southern hospitality.
18. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the “amusement parks capital” of the United States. The most famous amusement park, of
course, is Walt Disney World. After the roller coaster rides, you can visit the park’s EPCOT Center. EPCOT
(the Experimental Community of Tomorrow) includes places that represent cultures of countries around
the world.
19. Portland, Oregon
The friendly city of Portland, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, offers excellent dining and beautiful nature.
Be sure to visit the city’s Japanese Garden, one of the biggest of its kind outside of Japan. Portland also
claims to have more breweries than any other city on earth.
20. Lahaina, Hawaii
Lahaina is the former capital of Hawaii. In the 1800s, it was an important whaling village. The great
writer Herman Melville wrote about this era in his classic novel Moby Dick. Today, visitors have a chance
to see humpback whales in the waters here from December to May.
21. Saint Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the United States. The Spanish explorer Ponce de
Leon claimed the area in the name of Spain in 1513. Be sure to visit the Castillo de San Marcos
monument, a fort built by the Spanish in the late 1600s.

12. 22. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville calls itself the “Music City.” Visitors can learn about the music scene at the Country Music Hall
of Fame, and then enjoy some times at the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live
radio program. Some of the most famous musicians recorded their hit songs here, including Elvis Presley
and Jon Bon Jovi.
23. Los Angeles, California
From the palm-lined ocean avenues to Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles impresses visitors. Get a look at how
films are made at one of the movie studios, or high-five a famous person’s prints at the TCL Chinese
Theater. If you are in LA in late February or early March, you might even get to see all the movie stars in
one place on Oscar night.
24. San Antonio, Texas
During San Antonio’s Fiesta Week in April, more than 3 million visit the city. But the city’s attractions can
be enjoyed year-round. Don’t miss the tree-lined River Walk or the Alamo -- a former Roman Catholic
mission and the location of the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836.

25. Austin, Texas.
Many visitors come to this fun, bike-friendly city in the Texas Hill Country for great music. The outdoor
music festivals Austin City Limits and South by Southwest always feature some of the most popular
bands of the year.

Tourist Attractions

1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in Northern California is one of the United States' most scenic and famous
national parks. The mountains, valleys, rivers and huge waterfalls have drawn visitors and artists here
throughout the decades. Ansel Adams' photographs of the park have famously captured some of the
beauty and awe that has inspired visitors and photographers over the years.
Yosemite Valley, carved by glaciers during the last ice age, is located at the center of Yosemite National
Park. Granite domes and many powerful waterfalls, including Upper Yosemite Falls which drops 1,430
feet at one point, rise above the forest covered floor.
2 Disneyland
Disneyland, located in Anaheim, is California's premier family destination and has been for decades. This
massive amusement park is home to all kinds of rides, games, shows, and entertainment, complete with
restaurants and hotels.

13. The park is a combination of theme rides, recreated worlds and cultures, all mingled with eating and
shopping. Disneyland has everything from rides and roller coasters to fine dining (which will in some
cases definitely require advance reservations). There are shows and entertainment designed for both
children and adults. The long line ups and wait times of yesteryear have been reduced somewhat by the
invention of passes which give you a "return time" to various attractions. However, when kids are out of
school, either for the summer, Christmas, spring break, or any other holiday, you can be sure that the
park will be very busy.
3 Death Valley
Death Valley, which encompasses Death Valley National Park, contains some of California's most
inhospitable terrain, with extreme heat that has left this desert area strangely beautiful. Salt fields, dry
parched land, sand dunes, mountains, and a lake that lies below sea level create a unique landscape in
this remote valley. Visitors can drive through the park and stop at lookouts, hike short trails, see the
ruins of the valley's former industry, and even paddle in the shallow Badwater Lake, if there is any water
in the lake at that time.
4 Big Sur
This beautiful stretch of coastline and forest offers a chance for visitors to get back to nature. Camping
and hiking are two of the biggest activities in this area. Garrapata State Park offers a beautiful section of
beach, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a lovely place for hiking.
Big Sur begins about 4 miles south of Carmel in Yankee Point, and stretches along the Highway No. 1 as
far as Salmon Cove, some 17 miles north of San Simeon. From Highway 1 there are splendid views over
the picturesque coastline. To the east stretches a true wilderness; the Santa Lucia Mountains and
Ventana Forests, with more than 220 miles of trails.
5 Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe lies high in the mountains and is a beautiful spot year round. In summer the lake is a
playground for boaters and beach goers. During the winter months the surrounding mountains offer
some excellent terrain for skiing, with the Sugar Bowl Ski Area bringing in skiers from all over.
6 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Known for their giant redwoods, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks cover an area of mountains
with majestic granite peaks, deep gorges, mountain lakes, rivers and forests. The two parks are
administered as one. They stretch from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the west, on the edge of the
San Joaquín Valley, to the main ridge of the Sierra Nevada in the east. Here Mount Whitney (14,495 ft) is
the highest mountain in the U.S. (apart from Alaska), and many others peaks reach over 10,000 ft.
Giant Redwoods
One of the main highlights in the park are the giant redwoods, which can reach a height of 250-300 ft, a
diameter of 40 ft, and can live up to an astonishing 3,500 years. Within the park are whole forests of
these mighty redwood trees. In the northeast of the forest stands the General Sherman Tree; 276 ft tall,
with a maximum diameter of 36.5 ft and 103 ft in circumference at the base, it is the largest known
redwood, and at about 3,000 years old, it is one of the oldest living trees on earth.

14. 7 Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is one of those famous attractions that people tend to call to mind
when they think of the city, and even California. The orange frame against the blue water of San
Francisco Bay, or rising out of the fog that often covers the area, is an unforgettable sight.
8 SeaWorld
This theme park is a classic family destination, drawing people from all over the Western United States.
Orca and dolphin shows, opportunities for close up encounters with some favorite marine life, and thrill
rides are the main attractions. San Diego's SeaWorld is strategically located along the waterfront in
Mission Bay.
9 Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park, covering an area of 1,070,000 acres, begins in Crescent City and runs south for
46 miles, mainly along the Pacific Coast. As well as the beautiful redwood trees, the park offers
numerous walks and picnic sites. The headquarters of the park are in Crescent City.
Inside Redwood National Park, which was created in 1868, lie three State Parks, all on or near Highway
101. These include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Redwoods State Park, and Prairie
Creek Redwoods State Park. The latter possesses the tallest redwoods.
10 Santa Catalina Island
The island of Santa Catalina lies 26 miles southwest of Wilmington, the port of Los Angeles. The island is
a popular destination with boaters or day trippers. Avalon is the main population center and where all
the "action" can be found. Camping, swimming, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and diving are some of the
other main attractions of the island. Catalina is rocky, with a mountainous interior that reaches over
3,100 ft. The island measures 21 miles long and varies between 0.5 to 9 miles in width. The interior and
most of the coast are uninhabited.
11 Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park, made up of five individual islands, is a great place to see wildlife and a
little undisturbed nature. The islands are accessible only by private boat, or park concessionaire boats.
The mainland visitors centers are located in Ventura and Santa Barbara, from where transportation can
be arranged.
12 Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famed for its giant, ancient
sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El
Capitan and Half Dome. In Yosemite Village are shops, restaurants, lodging, the Yosemite Museum and
the Ansel Adams Gallery, with prints of the photographer’s renowned black-and-white landscapes of the
area.

15. 13 Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. It’s known for its namesake
Crater Lake, formed by the now-collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. Wizard Island is a cinder cone near
the western edge of the lake. The Rim Drive, a road surrounding the lake, offers views of the park’s
volcanic formations. The park’s numerous trails include Sun Notch, with views of the Phantom Ship, a
small island.
14 Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los
Angeles County, California. About 70% of the studio lies within the unincorporated county island known
as Universal City while the rest lies within the city limits of Los Angeles, California. It is one of the oldest
and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment
Capital of LA".[1] It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios sets and is the first of
many full-fledged Universal Studios Theme Parks located across the world.
15 Hawaiian Islands
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands, several atolls, numerous smaller islets,
and seamounts in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some 1,500 miles from the island of Hawaiʻi in the
south to northernmost Kure Atoll.
16 Space Needle
The Space Needle is an observation tower in Seattle, Washington, a landmark of the Pacific Northwest,
and an icon of Seattle. It was built in the Seattle Center for the 1962 World's Fair, which drew over 2.3
million visitors, when nearly 20,000 people a day used its elevators.
17 Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is a landmark and American cultural icon located in Los Angeles, California. It is
situated on Mount Lee, in the Hollywood Hills area of the Santa Monica Mountains.
18 Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a facility in Los Angeles, California, sitting on the south-facing slope of Mount
Hollywood in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, including
Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the
southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign
and an extensive array of space and science-related displays.

16.  16 days USA west coast tour itinerary:

Day 1 (arrive at LA)
18:00 arrive, get rest only supper, tired after long flight

Day 2 (LA)
10.00 - 11.00 Breakfast Late breakfast, long sleep after flight
11.00 - 11.30 Drive to California Science Center (30m)
11.30 - 14.00 California Science Center + Exposition Park
14.00 - 14.30 Lunch at California Science Center
14.30 - 15.00 Drive to Getty center
15.00 - 17.00 Getty Center
17.00 - 17.30 Drive to Venice Beach
17.30 - 18.30 Venice Beach
18.30 - 19.00 Drive to Santa Monica
19.00 - 21.00 Santa Monica + supper
21.00 - 22.00 Drive to Griffith observatiorium
22.00 - 23.00 Griffith observatiorium must be dark to have a good view
23.00 - 23.30 Drive to the hotel

Day 3 (LA)
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
10.00 - 10.30 Drive to Universal Studios
10.30 - 16.00 Universal Studios + lunch inside
16.00 - 18.00 Hollywood Blvd
18.00 - 19.00 Rodeo Drive
19.00 - 21.00 The Grove mall + supper
21.00 - 22.00 Beverly Hills

Day 4 (LA -> Monterey coastal drive)
8.00 - 9.00 Breakfast
9.00 - 13.00 Drive to Morro Bay (4h)
13.00 - 14.00 lunch at Morro Bay
14.00 - 15.00 Drive to Salmon Creek Falls (1h)
15.00 - 16.00 Salmon Creek Falls trail
16.00 - 17.00 Drive to McWay Waterfall (1h)
17.00 - 18.00 McWay Waterfall (get rest)
18.00 - 18.30 Drive to Nepenthe restaurant (30m)
18.30 - 19.30 supper at the Nepenthe restaurant
19:30 - 21.00 Drive to Monterey (1,5h) Pfeifer beach and Bixby bridge on the way

Day 5 (Monterey -> SF) via San Jose, Sillicon Valley
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
10.00 - 13.00 Visit at Monterey Bay Aquarium
13.00 - 14.00 Drive to Santa Cruz (1h)
14.00 - 17.00 lunch at Santa Cruz, beach boardwalk

17. 17:00 - 22:00 Drive to SF via San Jose (2h) visit Sillicon Valley on the way (just drive is only 2 hours),
supper on the way when hungry

Day 6 (SF first day)
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
10.00 - 11.00 Arrive to the bike rental company and rent a bike
Explore SF via bike and walk rest of the day

Day 7 (SF second day)
8.00 - 9.00 Breakfast
9.00 -9.30 Drive to USS Hornet museum (30m)
10.00 - 13.00 USS Hornet museum
13.00 - 13.30 Drive back to SF (30m)
13.30 - 14.00 Lunch
14.00 - 17.00 Alcatraz
Evening SF downtown (supper)

Day 8 (SF --> Yosemite NP)
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
10.00 - 14.00 Drive to Yosemite NP (4h)
14.00 - 15.00 Accommodation and lunch
15.00 - 19.00 Mariposa Grove (sequoias) foot trail (use bus to get in)
19.00 - 20.00 Supper

Day 9 (Yosemite NP)
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
Yosemite NP full day

Day 10 (Yosemite NP -> Las Vegas)
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
Drive to LV whole day
Day 11 (LV full day + Red Rocks Canyon)
Day 12 (Death Valley NP)
10.00 - 11.00 Breakfast later than usual because of LV clubbing day before
11.00 - 13.30 Drive to Death Valley NP (2,5h)
14.00 - 17.00 Death Valley
17.30 - 20.00 Drive back to LV (2,5h)
20.00 - 21.00 Supper at LV

Day 13 (LV -> Valley of Fire -> Zion NP)
10.00 - 11.00 Breakfast
12.00 - 13.00 Drive to Valley of Fire (1h)
13.00 - 16.00 Valley of Fire
16.00 - 17.00 Lunch (todo where)
17.00 - 19.30 Drive to Zion NP (2,5h)
20.00 - 21.00 Supper at Zion NP

18. Day 14 (Zion NP)
9.00 - 10.00 Breakfast
Zion full day

Day 15 (Zion NP -> Arches NP)
8.00 - 9.00 Breakfast
9.00 - 14.00 Drive to Arches National Park (5h)
14.00 - 15.00 Lunch at Arches National Park
15.00 - 20.00 Arches National Park walk and some scenic drive
20.00 - 21.00 Supper near Arches National Park go to bad early

Day 16 (Arches NP -> Four Corners Monument -> Monument Valley -> Page)
8.00 - 9.00 Breakfast
9.00 - 12.00 Drive to Four Corners Monument (3h)
12.00 - 13.00 Four Corners Monument
13.00 - 14.00 Lunch between (todo where)
14.00 - 16.00 Drive to Monument Valley (2h)
16.00 - 18.00 Monument Valley
18.00 - 19.00 Supper at Monument Valley (todo where)