18 Surprising Facts About California You Probably Didn’t Know
Ah, California—the land of Hollywood dreams and sun-kissed beaches. We’ve all heard about Los Angeles, the glitz, the glamour, and the movies filmed against its iconic backdrop. But let me tell you, there’s more to California than meets the eye. Nestled within its borders are some truly bizarre and surprising tidbits that might just blow your mind.
Get ready to learn about the surprising facts about California you probably never heard of!
1. Rare Albino Redwoods
Nestled in California, you’ll discover the fascinating albino redwood trees. These rare specimens lack chlorophyll, surviving by leeching nutrients from regular redwoods. They’re protected and guarded to avoid ill-intentioned people to harm them.
2. Quirky Laws
California’s reputation for oddities extends to its laws. From bathtub limits to no-bowling ordinances on sidewalks, the state keeps you guessing.
You may also like: 50 Weird American Laws You Won’t Believe
3. Bubblegum Alley
Step into San Luis Obispo and encounter Bubblegum Alley, a narrow passageway with colorful wads of chewed gum. It’s a bizarre yet strangely captivating sight, offering a unique glimpse into human creativity.
4. Death Valley
Venture into Eastern California and experience Death Valley’s scorching heat. This desert basin holds the world record for the highest temperature ever recorded, a blistering 134°F (56.7°C) on July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek Ranch.
5. Cable Cars
In San Francisco, iconic cable cars offer more than just transportation. As the last manually operated system globally, they weave through the city’s streets, blending practicality with nostalgia and serving as a beloved symbol of the Bay Area.
6. State Flag Grizzly
The grizzly bear on California’s flag traces its origins to a captured bear named Monarch. Media tycoon William Randolph Hearst bestowed this moniker, immortalizing the creature as a symbol of the Golden State’s strength and heritage.
7. The Eureka Moment
You know that famous “Eureka!” shout? Well, it’s not just Greek history. In 1848, a guy named James W. Marshall yelled it too, but in California. He found gold in the American River, kicking off the wild California Gold Rush.
8. Golden Gate Bridge Paint
Ever wonder why the Golden Gate Bridge is that striking orange-red? It’s called “International Orange,” picked because it stands out even in San Francisco’s foggiest days.
9. Lava Beds National Monument
Up in Northern California, there’s this cool place called Lava Beds National Monument. It’s got over 800 caves made by volcanoes. Imagine exploring all those dark, twisty tunnels!
10. Flat Golden Gate Bridge
Back in 1987, San Francisco threw a huge party for the Golden Gate Bridge’s 50th birthday. Officials only expected 50,000 people to show up; instead, between 750,000 to 1,000,000 arrived. Roughly 300,000 people crowded onto the suspension bridge. So many people that the bridge kinda flattened out, sinking 7 feet!
11. Early Earthquake Encounter
Before it was even finished, the Golden Gate Bridge had a rough day. In 1935, an earthquake shook it hard while it was still being built. Imagine working on top of that!
12. Quakes Galore
California’s always shaking! Southern California alone gets around 10,000 quakes every year. Most are tiny, though—like a gentle nudge. But sometimes, you get a big jolt, and that’s when things get interesting. Only several hundred are greater than magnitude 3.0, and only about 15-20 are greater than magnitude 4.0.
13. Ghost Towns Galore
Did you know California has over 75 ghost towns? It’s like stepping into the past, with abandoned buildings and echoes of old stories lingering in the air.
14. California’s Size
California isn’t just big—it’s huge! As the third largest state in the U.S., it sprawls over 163,696 square miles. That’s like fitting the UK inside it almost twice!
15. Route 66 and Disneyland
When Disneyland Park opened its gates in 1955, Route 66 saw a tourism boom. Families piled into cars, seeking adventure along this iconic highway to the magical world of Disney.
16. Highs and Lows
California is a land of extremes, boasting both the highest and lowest points in the continental U.S. From the towering heights of Mount Whitney to the sunken depths of Death Valley, it’s a study in contrasts.
17. Capital Shuffle
California’s state capital journey was a bit of a hopscotch. San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia each took a turn before Sacramento snagged the permanent title in 1879. Talk about a game of musical chairs!
18. General Sherman’s Realm
Meet General Sherman, the king of trees! Residing in Sequoia National Park, this giant is the world’s largest tree by volume. Imagine, 2,700 years old and still standing tall, measuring a whopping 102 feet around the base.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.