The third largest U.S. state, California is No. 1 when it comes to giant redwood and sequoia trees, the Pacific Ocean and national parks, with nine total. Let’s not forget its mountain ranges; agriculture; landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge; and unmatched sunsets.
No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a chance you can find it in California. Let these 15 photos from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest prove the point. Take a look.
The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Ryan Notch, 2010
About 240,000 sea lions live in California, making it one of the state’s most popular marine mammals.
Lacey Johnson, 2008
San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge appears through a late afternoon fog.
Jassen Todorov, 2020
California consistently ranks as the nation’s top strawberry-producing state, growing about 90 percent of the crop in the United States.
Lorraine Olson, 2009
In Point Reyes Station, a perfectly placed bench perched on a seaside cliff offers observers an amazing view of the Pacific.
Ryan Notch, 2010
Five horseback riders travel across the desert landscape at Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Doug Kessler, 2008
The sun beautifully illuminates a cloudy sky as it sets over the fields of Fresno.
Shaun Tucker, 2010
A cat enjoys a view of Los Angeles from the comfort of a windowsill.
Emily Hatcher, 2010
The San Francisco Bay Bridge can be seen from a hilltop in the Chinatown section of the city.
Kimo Koshi, 2010
President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A grove of giant redwoods or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great or beautiful cathedral.”
Todd Damiano, 2022
A surfer catches some waves in Santa Monica.
Jelieta Walinski, 2019
Farms in California produce more than 400 commodities and more than 75 percent of the country’s fruits and nuts.
Jassen Todorov, 2020
Trendy Nob Hill in San Francisco is known for its famed hotels, buzzy restaurants, landmark architecture, stunning views and, of course, its cable cars, considered a neighborhood highlight.
Daniel Kohanski, 2010
With almost 850 miles of coastline and 420 public beaches, California is the perfect state for burying your toes in the sand and admiring the beauty of the ocean.
Emily Hatcher, 2009
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