The Coast Ranges receive heavy rainfall in the north, where the giant cathedral like redwood forests prevail, but the climate of these mountains is considerably driver in S California, and S of the Golden Gate no major rivers reach the ocean. Behind the coastal ranges in central California lies the great Central alley, a long alluvial alley drained by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. In the southeast lie vast wastelands, notably the Mojave Desert, site of Joshua Tree National Park.

Rising as an almost impenetrable granite barrier E of the Central alley is the Sierra Nevada range, which includes Mt. Whitney, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Yosemite National Park . The Cascade Range, the northern continuation of the Sierra Nevada, includes Lassen volcanic National Park.  

Lying E of the S Sierra Nevada is Death Valley National Park. The driver portions of the state especially are subject periodically to large, wind-driven fires; in certain hilly areas sometimes devastating mudslides occur, particularly in the rainy season after large fires.

Sacramento is the state capital. The largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach , Oakland, and Sacramento.

Los Angeles travel guide

Los Angeles
The City
Arriving
Information
City transport
Public transportation
Major bus routes
Cycling
Eating
Eating Downtown
West LA eating
Hollywood eating
Disneyland eating
San Gabriel, San Fernando eating
Nightlife
Bars, pubs
More at
Los Angeles travel guide

San Diego travel  guide

San Diego
Getting around and info
Cafes, restaurants
Nightlife

Anza-Borrego Desert
Balboa Park

Downtown and Coronado
Hillcrest, Ocean Beach, Point Loma
Mission bay, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla

More at
San Diego travel  guide

Catalina Island Guide