The 7 Wonders of California

California, bordered by Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona, is the most populous state in the US. The state has a diverse geographical landscape ranging from the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the Mojave Desert, the Pacific Coast, and the Redwood Forests. California is one of the world's most extensive and diverse regions with a wide array of ecological communities, some of which are endangered. Tourism in California plays a significant role in the economy of the state as tourists, both local and international flock in to witness the many stunning creations which can be found within the region. California has a lot of spectacular scenery to offer.

7. Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a massive double-jointed pier based at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. The Pier has an iconic entrance and is a familiar landmark among residents and visitors. It first opened on September 9, 1909. Pacific Park is one of the main attractions found along the Pier, and it is a family amusement park comprising of a unique ferris wheel powered by solar energy. Other attractions include a 1920s era Hippodrome carousel, a video arcade, pubs, shops, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a trapeze school, and entertainers. In popular culture, there have been scenes from numerous films and TV shows shot around the Pier.

6. The Hollywood Sign

Located in Los Angeles, California, the Hollywood sign was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument on February 7, 1973. The sign, formally known as the Hollywoodland Sign, is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains area of the Hollywood Hills atop Mount Lee. The Hollywood Sign overlooking the neighborhood in Los Angeles was initially mounted for purposes of real estate advertising in 1923. Nevertheless, the sign increasingly gained recognition and was therefore left up. The Hollywood Sign is promoted and protected by a nonprofit organization known as The Trust For Public Land while the surrounding land area and site belong to Griffith Park. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce owns the trademark over the image of the sign and license fees are paid its commercial use.

5. Balboa Park

Balboa Park, which is found in San Diego, California, United States, is an urban cultural park stretching over a 1,200 acre of land. Balboa comprises of walking paths, gardens, open space areas, greenbelts, natural vegetation zones, several theaters, and museums, as well as the world famous San Diego Zoo. The park also features numerous recreational facilities, restaurants, and some gift shops. It is among the oldest parks in the United States, placed and reserved in 1835. Balboa Park is managed and maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation in San Diego. On December 22nd, 1977, Balboa Park together with its historic buildings was declared a National Historic Landmark District and designated as a National Historic Landmark.

4. The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a 746 foot high, 90 feet wide and about 8,981 feet long suspension bridge. The bridge connects San Francisco to the northern counties of California. The bridge's construction started on January 5th, 1933, and officially opened for use on May 27th, 1937, becoming one of the most internationally famous symbols in San Francisco, California and even the United States. From the opening date of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 until 1964, it was the world's longest suspension bridge with a span of 4200 feet. The Golden Gate Bridge, which is among the 7 Wonders of California was affirmed as one of the wonders of the Modern World. On June 18th, 1987, the bridge was designated as a California Historical Landmark and a San Francisco Designated Landmark on May 21st, 1999.

3. Lake Tahoe

Located in the Sierra Nevada along the border between the states of California and Nevada is a large freshwater lake known as Lake Tahoe. In North America, Tahoe is not only the largest lake by volume but also the biggest alpine lake with 6,225 feet of surface elevation. With a depth of 1,645 feet, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon. The formation of the lake took place almost two million years ago as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin and has since been shaped as a result of the ice ages. The lake has relatively clear water and is popular for its unique scenery which consists of nearby mountains on all sides. The Lake which is one of the 7 Wonders of California is home to outdoor recreational activities in the summer and winter sports and a major tourist attraction which play a significant role in the reputation and economy of California.

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Located at the confluence of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in southeastern California is the Joshua Tree National Park. Initially, the park had been a US National Monument as of 1936, until the California Desert Protection Act was passed by Congress declaring it a national park in 1994. The park is popular for its tree sized yuccas commonly known as Joshua trees that are native to the park. The park which is managed by the National Park Service covers an area of 790,636 acres.

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is among America's most famous national parks located in the counties of Mariposa, Madera, and Tuolumne in California. The park is managed by the National Park Service and was established on October 1st, 1890 with an area of 747,956 acres. Each year approximately 4 million people visit the Yosemite National Park a majority of who spend most of their time in Yosemite Valley's seven square miles. The park is internationally recognized for having clear streams, huge groves, mountains, granite cliffs, glaciers, and waterfalls. Yosemite was listed by UNESCO as a natural world heritage Site in 1984.