colekingsbergg-blog

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Disney Land

Source: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/09/southern-california- residents-disneyland-resort-southern-california-annual-passport-returns/

To end our eventful trip to California, my family decided to visit Disneyland. Although we have Disney in Florida, California’s version was very different. Disney is well known for its many children’s movies and characters. As Disneyland is often described as a fantasy land for people for all ages, that’s exactly what it seemed like. Disneyland in California was a completely different experience from the one we have in Florida.

Just as one would expect, characters such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck were walking around in their costumes taking pictures with excited children and their families, while other park-goers enjoy the thrill of the rides and simulations.

In addition to all of the rides and entertainment, as seen in the picture above, there is a large lake within the park that consists of numerous picnic areas, playgrounds, and other fun activities that can kept my family occupied for hours, which I would highly recommend!

There is a wide array of foods sold at the park, just about everything you can imagine. After a long day, my family and I especially enjoyed turkey legs and the refreshing Dippin’ Dots ice cream.

Disneyland isn’t far from Los Angeles and is close to other attractions and tourist hotspots in California, which made it easy for us to drive to the downtown area for our last night on vacation.

Disneyland is a theme park that was opened in 1955 sitting on eighty five acres of land. The park has since endured many changes including the addition of different lands such as Toon Town, Main Street, and Frontierland.

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California’s Beaches

Source: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/north-america/united-states-of- america/california/history-language-culture/

Another well-known aspect of California is their beaches. California is known for having citizens with long blonde hair, tan bodies, and enjoy surfing. This stigma is true, from what I witnessed on the beaches. It was interesting watching all of the surfing in the ocean and how many people did water activities on the beaches. It was definitely a different experience from South Florida.

Like the beaches in South Florida, the beaches of California are open to the public. Tourists can simply park on the street and then enjoy their day laying in the sand or in the ocean.

My family and I went to the Santa Monica State Beach. After enjoying a day on the beach, we decided to walk along the Santa Monica Pier. This is yet another touristy activity that we knew was a must.

On the pier, there were many activities available for tourists to do, as well as many restaurants to eat at. At the end of the pier, we had the opportunity to go fishing. If you enjoy fishing I highly recommend this! The Bait & Tackle shop offers all fishing gear that you and your family would need in order to catch some fish out of the Pacific Ocean. This yet another great experience in California!

Santa Monica State Beach is an iconic destination that draws visitors from around the globe. It is 3 miles long, covers 245 acres of sand and is managed by the City of Santa Monica in cooperation with California State Parks.

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The Californian Culture

Source: https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/north-america/united- states/california/history-and-culture

After visiting Las Vegas, I personally found the “Las Vegas” sign to be extremely disappointing. In contrary, the “Hollywood” sign of Los Angeles is not disappointing in the least. The sign stands tall on a mountain and can be viewed from miles away.

Although the Hollywood sign is known as a tourist attraction, I believe that it resembles much more. This sign is the reminder that California is the state where dreams come true. This is the state where aspiring actresses, actors, singers, and many other aspiring individuals come to carry out their life-long goals.

There are many different ways that tourists can visit the Hollywood sign. My family and I decided to view the sign from the Lake Hollywood Park. It is open to the public! My parents parked the car on the street of Canyon Lake Drive and we were able to get out and explore Lake Hollywood Park. You can even choose to hike up the trails to get closer to the sign. My family decided to view the sign from afar, but I definitely suggest getting closer for a better experience.

Another new way that was offered to us to view the sign was by taking the Wonder View Trail. Due to the fact that my family was not in proper attire, we decided that hiking would not be best. If I ever return to California, I will definitely be trying to take a hiking trail the view the Hollywood sign once again.

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The Golden Gate Bridge

As a kid, I grew up watching the show “Full House.” During the opening credits, this huge and long bridge is shown, the Golden Gate Bridge. I finally had the opportunity to see this bridge in person, and even drive a car on it. The views from the bridge were breathtaking.

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/golden-gate-bridge

As my family and I were driving along the bridge, we decided to stop the car at the end and take a walk across it. I would highly recommend this for first time visitors of the Golden Gate Bridge because what an experience it was! Specifically, try going at sunset because the sun falling under the water is a magnificent sight to see.

Due to the fact that it became such a tourist attract, the bridge has a welcome center for tourists and visitors to see. Of course, my family and I decided to go into the welcome center to learn a little more about the bridge’s history. At the welcome center, they told stories about the Golden Gate Bridge. They even mentioned the fact that it is was featured in “Full House.”

If you are really yearning for a learning experience, there are interactive exhibits throughout the welcome center. These exhibits teach about the science and engineering behind constructing the Golden Gate Bridge. Although I am not very into science, I found the information to be quite interesting!

If you get dehydrated or hungry, there are now even restaurants for visitors of the Golden Gate Bridge. My family decided to eat at the Round House Café, but there is also another restaurant called the Bridge Café. They both offer snacks and American classes, like hot dogs and even clam chowder.

Even if you do not have time during your travel to visit the welcome center or walk across the bridge, I highly recommend driving over it and peeking outside of your car window to quickly glance at the beautiful scenery!

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Food of California

Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/packages/best-food-in- america/photos/what-to-eat-in-california

Throughout my journey of the state of California, I had the opportunity to visit many different restaurants that are staples to the west coast. One of these restaurants, and particularly my favorite, was In-N-Out. In-N-Out was originated in California and offers a variety of fast food options, but most famously their burgers.

In the picture above is a double-stacked burger with a side of fries. In-N-Out also puts a special spread on their burgers that is similar to Thousand Island dressing. If visiting California, I would highly recommend stopping by an In-N-Out and grabbing a burger and fries. You will not regret it, I promise!

Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/packages/best-food-in- america/photos/what-to-eat-in-california

As a fan of seafood, I was particularly excited to taste the famous crab of San Francisco, the Dungeness crab. This crab is infamous throughout the west coast, so of course when visiting California trying one of these was a must. My family and I specifically visited the restaurant called the Farallon.

The Farallon creates the perfect environment to consume California’s famous seafood. The ceiling has jellyfish hanging from the top, with spiral staircases, making visitors feel as if they were under the sea. The Dungeness crab was served on a piece of toast. The crab was sweeter than the normal crab that I consume, so it was a unique change. This was one of my favorite dishes that I tried in San Francisco.

Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/packages/best-food-in- america/photos/what-to-eat-in-california

I have visited New York, Washington, and Boston many times, which are all known for their unique displays in restaurants and “trendy” food options. When coming to California, I knew I must try some of these types of restaurants. After dinner at Farallon, I would highly recommend visiting Mr. Holmes Bakehouse for dessert.

My family and I were shocked at how delicious everything was. My favorite pastry on the menu was the cruffin. The cruffin is a mix of a croissant and a muffin. The inside is stuffed with cream. In the picture I have even shown a wall that people can take pictures of their pastries in front of. This dessert shop was a great experience and a must see in San Francisco.

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Why Visit California ?

This summer I was given the opportunity to travel across the state of California. From visiting California, I have learned that the east coast lifestyle is extremely different from the west coast lifestyle. There are many reasons that tourists visit

California, but this blog will be able the reasons I think it is important to visit the Golden State.

Throughout the state of California, one could visit the world’s best amusement parks, hike throughout historic national parks, experience the best tasting food, and witness staples of American culture such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the “Hollywood” sign. The culture that California contributes to society is one of adventure and beauty. The state also has historic lessons to teach.

I have selected to blog about the state of California because of my amazing experience this past summer. After spending two weeks in California, I was able to taste new and unique foods from places like In n’ Out Burger. This fast food chain is known for their infamous burgers and fries throughout the west coast. I was also able to travel over the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the Hollywood sign, spend the day at the beaches, and even take a trip to Disneyland.

Visiting California for two whole weeks truly made me realize what it would be like to live in California. It is truly the state where dreams can come to life. With the vast population and diversity throughout the state, it is impossible for anyone to not feel at home. Being home to “Hollywood” and Silicon Valley, California has produced some of the most talented and intelligent individuals throughout the country. Visiting a state where talent and brilliance is so abundant is an experience everyone must have!

Visiting California would not only be an adventure, but also a learning experience. Walking down the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles, you would be able to hear a variety of languages being spoken. The state truly breaks that “barriers” or “bubbles” that the United States has formed for its citizens. Seeing the smiling faces walking the streets every day even proves that the citizens of California even love the state themselves!

If you are planning on visiting California anytime soon, I would highly suggest visiting the places I have and trying the delicious foods that I have tasted. I hope you enjoy my journey through California and get to experience your own some time soon!

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The California Dream

Bio: Hey, my name is Cole Kingsberg and I am a senior at the University of Florida. My major is Advertising. This blog is for my MMC2100 course, where I’ll be sharing insight on my journey throughout California. Hope you enjoy!