We have visited California numerous times and have seen the northern portions and the southern portions.
We have family that was based in the San Francisco area for many years. San Francisco is the northern section of the state. We loved visiting them, seeing the city and visiting other nearby spots. Here are some pictures from some of our trips!
There are two famous bridges in the San Francisco area. One is the Golden Gate Bridge. It approximately three miles long. Construction began on January 5, 1933 and was opened on May 28, 1937. It is painted something called, "International Orange" and painting is a continuous job throughout the year. It is one of the most famous bridges in the world. You can drive across it, ride a bike or walk. Official Golden Gate Bridge website
The other bridge is called the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge. This new bridge opened on September 2, 2013. It replaced the old Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened to traffic on November 12, 1936. Both of these bridges were thought to be impossible to build at the time. Many people who live in the area also use a ferry system to travel across the water. Bay Bridge Official website
The City of San Francisco has very steep hills! For transportation for portions of the city, citizens and visitors take cable cars. These famous cars were invented by Andrew Hallidie in 1873. San Francisco Cable Car History
The Transamerica Tower stands proudly as part of the downtown skyline. Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1972. It's pyramid shape reflects earthquake preventative design. San Francisco is prone to earthquakes. The most destructive earthquake in San Francisco happened on April 18, 1906. Another earthquake happened during a World Series baseball game on October 17, 1989. Since the 1906 earthquake, architects have designed buildings with the latest earthquake preventions.
California has many other wonderful places to visit! One of my favorites is Muir Woods, which is located closer to a charming town called Sausalito. Muir Woods is named after a famous naturalist, John Muir and is home to some of the world's largest trees, the giant redwoods. Official Muir Woods website
Another stunning area in Northern California is the area of Monterey. This portion of Califonia hugs a dramatic coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
