The strange and beautiful state of California
California may be most famous for its movie stars and bright lights, but there are plenty of other interesting and unusual aspects of California worth learning about. Here are ten unique places worth visiting.
Where the Buffalo Roam – Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a charming little vacation paradise that boasts a herd of over 200 buffalo. The animals live freely in the center of the island, where they can be visited by taking a nature tour bus. Interestingly, the buffalo were imported to Catalina Island in the 1920s, when they were part of a movie called “The Vanishing American.”
Digging for Gold – Kennedy Mine – Jackson, California
At 5,912 feet deep, the Kennedy Mine was one of the deepest gold mines in the world. Its deposits were mined between 1860 and 1942 and produced more than $34 million in gold. Visitors are invited to join a 1.5 hour tour of the surface structures of the mine.
A children’s toy in magnificent proportions – Legoland – Carlsbad,
California We all have a little child lurking under the adult masks we present. Legoland is the perfect place to let that inner child out to explore. What could be more fun than enjoying 15,000 Lego builds, 50 wild rides and seeing your childhood toy in all its glory?
The World’s Largest Tree – The General Sherman Tree – Sequoia National Park
With a diameter of 36.5′, the General Sherman tree is the largest tree in the world (by volume). It is just one of several huge sequoia trees found in Sequoia National Park. These huge trees are believed to be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.
A National Monument on Wheels: San Francisco’s Cable Cars
Inspired to prevent further tragedies after seeing a horrific horse and cart accident on the steep streets of San Francisco, Andrew Smith Hallidie builds a series of cable cars to transport people and goods safely through the city. All three cable car routes are still in operation and visitors can learn more about them at the Cable Car Barn and Powerhouse.
Haunted Hotel – The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
This famous hotel is said to be haunted by several of Hollywood’s most interesting celebrities. Reports of bugle playing in room 928 are attributed to Montgomery Clift’s musical style. Marilyn Monroe, who once lived in the hotel, apparently appears in a mirror in the hotel lobby and has been seen dancing in the hotel’s ballroom.
A town made of bottles – Simi Valley, California
Built by Grandma Prisbrey, Bottle Village began as a single house, designed to display her extensive pencil collection. Having no money to buy traditional building materials, Grandma Prisbrey went to the dump and collected the bottles that now form the walls of the town’s structures. Although the town was severely damaged in the 1994 earthquake, visitors can still make appointments to tour the town.
The World’s Largest Fish – Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia
From the original Austrian invention of mint-flavored candies, to popular fruit-flavored candies in colorful dispensers, the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia showcases the history and development of Pez candies. In addition to exhibiting Pez of all shapes and sizes, the museum opened a Museum of Classic Toys in 2004.
A shoe store in a shoe? -Bakersfield, Calif.
Built in 1947, a 30′ long and 20′ tall shoe stands proud on Chester Avenue where it clearly advertises its business as a shoe repair shop. Complete with 50′ long cords, this unusual store is worth taking a moment to take a photo of.
Salvation Mountain – Niland, California
A brilliant combination of all colors and shapes rises up into a mountainous mound of creative folk art by Leonard Knight. Salvation Mountain started out as a simple tribute to God, but has grown rapidly. Now, 18 years into his creation, Knight lives on site in his small cabin, built out of the back of a vintage 1930s pickup truck. Visitors can climb the built-in stairs for a better view of the house. Knight’s creation.
There are many other unique and interesting things to see in California. Be sure to use the many Internet sites available to help you plan a trip around the state to discover California’s many wonders.