Page 710 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

708  C ALIFORNIA

Practical Information buses, trams, Metro trains,
ferries, taxis, and cable cars.
California is a vibrant and diverse vacation destination. The network of Amtrak rail­
The spirit of the state can be felt in the busy cities of road lines and connecting bus
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego as much as in services serves the state’s
the quiet wilderness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At the populous areas. Guided bus
tours are a convenient way of
center of the film industry, Los Angeles prides itself as the sightseeing. Express boat
entertainment capital of the world. All over the state visitors’ services provide a fast link from
needs are well tended. The state’s major tourist spots see a Los Angeles to Santa Catalina
rush of visitors from mid-April to September. But the winter Island, while others sail more
months are equally popular, either for the warm climate of leisurely across San Francisco
Bay. Most ferries carry foot
the south or the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe.
passengers and bicycles.
Tourist Information Natural Hazards Driving in California
Advance information can be In the event of an earthquake, it Driving is the best way to travel
obtained from the California is most important not to panic. around the state. It is best to
Division of Tourism or the near­ Most injuries occur from falling arrange a fly­drive package
est US Consulate. Local Visitors’ material. Stand in a doorway, or before leaving for California.
and Convention Bureaus supply crouch under a table. In a car, Find out exactly what is
maps, guides, event listings, and slow down and pull over. included and whether any extra
discount passes for public trans­ When hiking in the wilderness, payments may arise when the
portation and tourist destinations. be wary of occasionally danger­ car is returned. These additions –
ous wildlife. Also be careful of which may include collision
rapid climatic changes in deserts, damage waiver, drop­off
Personal Security
where temperatures can drop charges, and rental tax – can
San Francisco is one of the to below freezing points at high double the original fee. Litigation
safest large cities in the US. elevations. The Pacific Ocean is common in California, so it is
Problems are more visible in can often be rough, with a best to be fully insured.
Los Angeles, although the strong undertow. In the US, cars are driven
notorious gangs of the city on the right side of the road.
generally do not bother visitors. Getting Around Seat belts are compulsory. The
Still, as in every big city, visitors maximum highway speed limit
can be victims of petty thefts Although often more time­ is generally 65 mph (104 km/h)
or car crime. Although police consuming, traveling by train, In cities, the speed limits are
patrol regularly in the tourist bus, and ferry is an inexpensive restricted as marked and may
areas, it is good to be cautious. way of getting around the state. vary within a few miles. These
Safety rules for pedestrians are Within the major cities of San controls are rigorously enforced
strictly observed – jaywalking, Francisco, Los Angeles, and by the Highway Patrol. Drunk
or crossing the road anywhere San Diego, the public transport­ driving is a serious offense and
except at an intersection, can ation network serves parts of carries very heavy penalties. You
result in a fine. the city very well, with shuttle can turn right on red at traffic
lights if you first make a full stop,
and there is nothing coming
The Climate of California
the other way. The first vehicle
Apart from the extremes of the north and the deserts, the state’s to reach a stop­sign junction has
climate is neither oppressive in the right of way. It is against the
summer nor too cold in winter. LOS ANGELES law to use a cell phone while
The Northern Coastal Range is driving unless it is “hands­free.”
temperate, although wet in winter. 81/27 Parking in Californian cities is
To the east, rain turns to snow °F/C 76/24 strictly controlled and can be
on the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 70/21 somewhat expensive. In remote
Central California and the Central 60/16 65/18 areas, drivers should be wary
Valley have a Mediterranean 50/10 54/12 of wildlife that may stray onto
climate, charac terized by seasonal 32°F 46/8 the roads.
changes in rainfall – a dry summer 0°C 21 25 23 21
and a rainy winter – but only days days days days
moderate changes in temp er­ Outdoor Activities
ature. The weather becomes 1 0.01 0.3 2.9
drier and warmer toward the in in in in California is practically
south with soaring temperatures month Apr Jul Oct Jan synonymous with the great
in the desert in summer. outdoors. The deserts, redwood
forests, alpine meadows,

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm