• *** J. Paul Getty Museum The museum opened in 1954, in the sumptuous Malibu villa of the oil tycoon Paul Getty (1892-1976). Collections: Grecian and roman art, epoch furniture, 15th to 18th century art. Entrance is free. Reserve your parking in advance because of the limited space.
  
  
• *** Getty Center, an international cultural and philanthropic organization who's objective is education, the study and preservation of masterpieces. Sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs. The new museum opened in 1997 on a 40 hectare piece of land, 10 of which are constructed. The project cost one billion dollars, making the Getty Center the most important cultural center in the world. Magnificent views downtown skyscrapers, the Pacific Ocean and the San Bernardino Mountains Collections: sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, furniture, photographs. Length of the visit: 1 day.
  
  
• ** Hearst San Simeon SHM - Incredible castle of the press tycoon William Hearst (1863 -1951), built on the flanks of the Santa Lucia Mountains, it has become a national monument. It is one of the most visited places in California. Book the tours in advance.
  
  
  
  
  * Alcatraz Island The Island of Alcatraz lies in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. From the mid 1930's until the mid 1960's, Alcatraz was America's premier maximum-security prison, the final stop for the nation's most famous inmates such as Al Capone.
  

  California Top Amusement Parks

  
  *** Universal Studios was founded by Carl Laemmle in 1915 on the grounds of a chicken breeding farm. To start, he built two movie stages where the first silent movies were made. He organized guided tours for 25 cents to promote his newborn industry.
  
• Universal Studios Orlando, attractions to the themes of Hollywood super-productions (Terminator, King Kong, Men in Black, etc.)
  
  
• Disneyland in Anaheim - Walt Disney's first park, with a theme
  of a Magic Kingdom, the legendary city.
  
  
• Legoland in Carlsbad - Theme of the famous Lego.
  
  
• SeaWorld in San Diego - Adventure park with a marine life theme. Dolphin shows, aquariums, etc.
  
  

California Missions

The King of Spain, Carlos III (1716 -1788) sent Franciscan monks to Mexico in California with the order to create missions in the region and convert the Indians to Christianity. He also wanted to prevent the Russians and British (who had just annexed Canada) from invading this largely unexploited area.

Witnesses of this period are the 21 restored missions that were built along the pacific coast from San Diego right up to Sonoma Valley. Here is a list of the most interesting of them:

• * Santa Barbara Mission in Santa Barbara
  
  
• * Mission of the Purisma Concepcion in Lompoc
  
  
• * Mission of San Juan Capistrano 4 miles from Dana Point

Lake Tahoe

One of the most beautiful mountain lakes and in winter a favorite spot for skiers


Silicon Valley

Cannot be found on any map. It is a seventies invention by the press when they put the emphasis on the growing importance of the silicon chip in the high-tech industry of the Santa Clara Valley, south of San Francisco Bay.

Sonoma and Napa Valley

Regions of vineyards situated north of San Francisco.

California Climate

California has a Mediterranean-type climate that is characterized by general sun and warmth with rain mainly in the winter. Climate does vary greatly based on distance from the ocean and elevation. There are five main climatic zones which exist in the state.

Coastal climate: This area contains most of the state's population. It varies greatly up and down the coast.

Desert climate: Characterized by great daily and annual variations in temperature with very little rainfall.

Foothill climate: 1,000 to 3,000 ft. in elevation with climate similar to valley regions but with more rain and less fog.

Mountain climate: This is the sole region for heavy snow, accented with fairly cold winters and bright, sunny summers.

Valley climate: Characterized by high temperature and low humidity in the summer and low temperature and high humidity in the winter. Both the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys exhibit this type of climatology.

Rainfall varies from 80 inches in Del Norte County (North Coast) to as low as 3 inches in Imperial County (Desert).

Driving in California

Travel Insurance: There is no compulsory or government plan in the U.S. You're advised to purchase travel and health insurance in case of emergency.
Driving Regulations: You must carry a valid driver's license. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher. California law requires seat belts to be worn by all passengers

Scenic Highways in California

Route 1: This scenic shoreline route has rugged canyon vistas, steep cliffs, and many opportunities to view marine life.
Route 38: Part of the "Rim of the World" Scenic Byway, Route 38 crosses the San Bernardino Mountains.
Route 62: The "29 Palms Highway" reaches Joshua Tree National park and features wildlife viewing areas, hiking and camping. U.S.
Highway 66: A historic route that once carried pioneers to the great West. In California Route 66 runs its course between San Dimas and San Bernardino