Indians of the northwest coast of north america. USA - photo USA, attractions, cities, map, climate, tourist reviews Nevada coast

Some strive here for work, money and freedom. Others curse the country, its people, and its culture. Few people remain indifferent to the United States of America.

General information

The United States is the third largest country in the world, located in North America. 48 continental states are located between Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, Alaska - on the peninsula of the same name, Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The state also owns several islands in the Caribbean. The capital of the United States is Washington, DC.

The country is washed by the Pacific Ocean from the west, and the Atlantic from the east. The state of Alaska has access to the North Arctic Ocean... The western part of the country is covered with mountain ranges from the coast to the Great Plains. Between the Cordillera and the Rocky Mountains, there is an endless Great Basin. The ancient Appalachian mountains separate the most populated Atlantic lowlands by east coast(Washington, Philadelphia, New York) from the Central Plains. The Mexican Lowland stretches along the Gulf of Mexico to the very mountains.

The largest freshwater system in the United States - the Great Lakes - is located on the border with Canada. The largest closed body of water is the Big Salt Lake. The most significant river, the Mississippi, flows into the Gulf of Mexico with the Missouri tributary. Major rivers: Colorado with the Grand Canyon and the Mead and Yukon Reservoir in Alaska.

The United States was formed after the signing of the Declaration of Independence by 13 British colonies on the east coast in 1776. The young state immediately entered the War of Independence, which ended in victory for the colonists.

In 1861, the southern slave states formed the Confederation, leading to the Civil War. After the victory of the northern states throughout the United States, slavery was abolished. The new states joined the existing ones by buying land from Great Britain, France and Russia, as well as during the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars.

According to 2013 data, 316 million people live in the United States, of which 78% are white, 13% are African Americans, 17% are Hispanics, 5% are Asians. Most populated state- California (37 million people), the most sparsely populated is Wyoming (560 thousand people). More than half of Americans are Protestants.

USA climate

On the west coast of the United States, winters are warm (up to 9 ºC in January in Los Angeles) with heavy rainfall, which falls mostly as rain even in the north in Seattle. Summers are cool (17 ºC in San Francisco) due to cold currents and dry. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn.

Within the territory of Great Basin and the deserts of Arizona are very dry (100 to 400 mm of precipitation per year). Summers are much hotter than on the coast, and winters are colder: already in Salt Lake City in winter temperatures are below zero.

In the southeastern United States (Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Charleston) in winter it is warm (about 10 ºC) and rather dry. But in summer (from May to September), most of the precipitation falls (up to 150 mm per month) and is very hot (29 ºC in August in Houston). In contrast to the dry heat of deserts, wet heat is very difficult to endure.

In the south of Florida (Miami, Palm Beach) there are only two seasons: dry season and rainy season. Even in winter it is hotter here than in Moscow in summer. During the rainy season (from May to November), about 200 mm falls per month, which, combined with the heat up to 35 ºС, makes this time not very favorable to visit.

On the Atlantic coast from New England to North Carolina and the Midwest is cold, damp, and windy in winter. The summer is not as hot as the rest of the east coast, but it is still quite humid.

The climate of Alaska is oceanic on the coast with rather mild and snowy winters and warm summers. In the interior, temperature fluctuations are possible from -50 ºC in winter to 35 ºC in summer.

In Hawaii, the dry season and the rainy season are weak. Temperatures from 24 ºC in winter to 27 ºC in summer.

Regions of the USA

Northeastern states

The Northeast United States - the area in the north of the east coast - is the most economically developed and populated part of the country, where about 20% of all US residents live in a small area. It was here that the Pilgrim Fathers founded the first Colony of Plymouth and the oldest cities in the United States. The main cities of the Northeast form an agglomeration merging with each other - the Northeastern metropolis, stretching from the northern suburbs of Boston to the southern suburbs of Washington.

• - the largest city in the United States and the world financial center. The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building rise here, the Brooklyn Bridge connects the banks of the East River, the famous Wall Street and Times Square are located.
• - the American capital with the White House, the Capitol, the Pentagon and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution.
• - the intellectual center of the United States, where Harvard and MIT are located, as well as monuments from the times of the War of Independence, which are united by the Freedom Trail.
• - the city where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were adopted.

Midwest

The Midwest combines opposites: endless fields in the vast Great Plains and giant factories in the cities of the Rust Belt - the Great Lakes region. This territory was ceded to the British colonies under the Treaty of Paris in 1763 after the French and Indian War, described in the novels of James Fenimore Cooper. Despite the decline in heavy industry, the region remains the second largest GDP after the Northeast.

• - a city of winds, skyscrapers, mafia and jazz.
• Detroit is a symbol of the decline of the American automotive industry.

Western states

The western United States includes an area from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The Pacific coast began to develop after the Oregon Route through the Rocky Mountains was laid in the 19th century. The forest industry is developed here, Agriculture and winemaking, as well as high technology production. The Rocky Mountain states are known for their numerous national parks and ski resorts.

• - a city of rains, museums and emerald parks. Boeing, Amazon.com and Microsoft are headquartered here.
• Denver is the capital of Colorado, built during the Colorado gold rush.

Southwestern states

The Southwestern states joined the United States in the Mexican-American War in the mid-19th century, but the influence of Spanish-Mexican culture remains. It is home to the Grand Canyon and numerous Indian reservations.

• - a city of casinos and entertainment in the heart of the desert.
• Phoenix is ​​based on the site of a lost Indian civilization. The rate of population growth is second only to Las Vegas. average temperature July 35ºC is one of the hottest cities in the USA.
• Salt Lake City is a Mormon city by the Great Salt Lake.

Southern states

Southern states of the United States during the period Civil War sided with the Confederation. Agriculture is of great importance in the economy of the region, and in life - traditional way... It is called the Bible Belt - it has the most religious population, the lowest average income and the least number of people with higher education.

• Dallas is the center of the oil industry. In 1963, President Kennedy was assassinated here.
• connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a canal built up with petrochemical plants. The Houston Mission Control Center oversees the operation of the ISS.
• Miami is a city of beaches, banks and financial corporations. Most of the population is Cubans. The main language of the city is Spanish.
• Atlanta was almost completely burned down during the Civil War. Now it houses the offices of Coca-Cola and CNN.

Other states

Alaska is the largest US state, a significant part of which is located in the Arctic Circle. Separated from the continental states by the territory of Canada. At the end of the 19th century, a gold rush broke out on the shores of the Yukon and Klondike, and oil and gas fields were discovered in the 20th century. In addition to mining, tourism occupies a significant place in the region's economy.

Hawaii was discovered by Cook in the 18th century and was actively used for the cultivation of sugar cane. Now the main source of income is tourist resorts... Here is Pearl Harbor, after the attack on which the United States entered World War II.

USA transport

Automobile

American cities were built for motorists: low-rise buildings and wide highways. In small towns public transport poorly developed and personal transport is the only means of transportation. Americans also prefer to travel long distances by car. The US highway system consists of major interstate highways and numerous local highways.

Airplane

You can only get to the United States from most countries by plane. You can fly directly from Moscow to New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Houston. The territory of the country is large, so it is more convenient and fastest to travel between remote cities by plane. There are many low cost airlines, so the cost of flights is not high.

Railway

The railroad links the United States with Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. Long-distance travel by rail is long and expensive, often with delays, but it allows you to explore the natural attractions of almost the entire country. For example, the California Zephyr (Emmerville - Chicago) travels through deserts, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains.

Most of the carriages are equipped with seats, even if the route lasts several days. Coupes are sold only as a whole, so unfamiliar passengers do not end up together. Passengers of cities where there is no railway (from major cities San Francisco and Las Vegas), special buses bring up to the station.

Air traffic competition Railway is only on the Northeast Corridor, where the only US high-speed train, the Acela Express, connects Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.

Large metropolitan areas have a developed suburban railway service, but such trains often carry passengers only during working hours on weekdays.

Bus

There are city bus routes in large and medium-sized cities. Sometimes buses can move along special dedicated lanes or even roads. Intercity bus service is the cheapest. The largest bus company is Greyhound.

Underground

The metro serves passengers in major cities (Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington).

The high-speed tram (trolleybus or light metro) complements the metro or works in its place. Tram routes can connect the city with the outskirts and suburbs. The movement is carried out on rails on dedicated lines or on overpasses.

USA nature

• The Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon) in Arizona exposes billions of years of history on the earth's surface. At a depth of 1.5 kilometers, the Colorado River flows, the bizarre outlines of the rocks stretch to the very horizon. Observation deck Skywalk allows you to look deep into the canyon right through the glass bottom.
• Niagara Falls is located on the border with Canada and retreats very slowly to the south. It consists of four waterfalls 53 meters high, the width of the largest - "Horseshoe" - 792 meters. A bridge was built across Niagara, allowing you to go to the territory of Canada, from where the best views of the falls.

National parks of the USA

• Denali - national park in the state of Alaska. Famous for grizzly bears, huge glaciers and most high mountain North America - McKinley (6193 m).
• Yellowstone Park became the world's first national park in 1872. It is located in the states of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Famous for geysers, hydrogen sulphide springs, mud volcanoes, caves and canyons.
• Yosemite National Park is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. El Capitan rock, popular among rock climbers, is located here. Ancient sequoiadendrons grow in the park's groves. Their age can reach 3500 years, the height is 100 meters, and the width is 10. There are many waterfalls, glaciers and lakes in the park.

USA beaches

• Florida's Canaveral Coast beaches form the longest uninhabited beach on the east coast. Access to the southernmost one, Playalinde, is sometimes closed during spacecraft launches at Cape Canaveral.
• Cape Cod beaches in Massachusetts border sand dunes, pine trees and glacial lakes.
• South Beach in Miami is the most expensive and famous resort in the United States. The peak season is in winter.
• Main Beach in the Hampton (suburb of New York) is known for its cleanliness and waves. Surfers gather here.
• Hanalei Beach in Hawaii looks like a crescent moon and is surrounded by rocks on three sides.
• Ocean Beach in San Francisco on the Pacific Ocean is not very suitable for swimming because of the cold water. But the surfing conditions are excellent here.
• Malibu is the most famous beach in Los Angeles.
• Big Sur beaches in central California are prized for their seclusion. The mountains approach the ocean itself, and on Pfeiffer Beach you can see the sunset through a stone arch.

sightseeings of USA

• The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco links the city to the mainland in the north. The bridge is 1970 m long. It is the most popular suicide site in the world.
• Times Square is the square in downtown New York, where 7th Avenue merges with Broadway. Named after the New York Times newspaper, whose office was formerly located here. The symbol of the city and the whole of America, a popular meeting place for the New Year.
• Mesa Verde is a park with ruins of rock palaces and other buildings. The Anasazi Indians created them here until the 12th century, after which, for unknown reasons, they left this territory forever.
• Mount Rushmore in South Dakota features a bas-relief with portraits of 4 presidents: George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. It was completed by the sculptor Borglum for 14 years and dedicated the work to the 150th anniversary of his country.
• Manhattan is the historic center of New York, located on an island between the Hudson and East Rivers. Here is Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building and other skyscrapers, among which were the towers of the World shopping center destroyed by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
• Fifth Avenue in New York is the street of the most expensive shops the world. There is a museum mile with ten museums.
• The Las Vegas casino hotels on Fremont Street and the Strip present miniature copies of Paris, New York, Venice, the Knight's Castle and other landmarks of the world.
• Hollywood, the center of the American film industry, is located west of Los Angeles. The famous commemorative sign in the form of white letters HOLLYWOOD. The Walk of Fame features over 2,500 stars on the sidewalk in honor of actors, directors and even fictional characters. Tourists are guided through the Paramount studio.
• The National Mall in Washington is a cross with the Washington Monument in the center, the White House in the north, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in the south, the Capitol in the east, and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial in the west. The Smithsonian museums are located along the alley, surrounded by parks.
• The White House is the residence of all US presidents with the most famous Oval Office. Guided tours were held in the halls of the White House, which were stopped after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
• Alcatraz is a former prison for high-risk criminals in the San Francisco Bay, where Al Capone was serving his sentence. Now there is a museum on the island, which can be reached by ferry from San Francisco.
• The Statue of Liberty in New York was donated to America by French citizens in honor of the centenary of the revolution. Located on Liberty Island south of Manhattan. The pedestal houses a museum of the history of the statue. A staircase of 356 steps leads to the observation deck in the crown.
• Highway 66 - The first major and most famous US highway was opened in 1926, but it was not until 10 years later that it was completely asphalted. Connects Los Angeles to Chicago. The discovery led to the development of the economy in the states through which the highway passed. Songs and even television series are dedicated to him.
• Willis Tower in Chicago is the most high building USA 443 meters high - built in 1974. For tourists there are glass balconies on the 104th floor. The tower is serviced by 104 lifts.
• Hoover Dam, built in 1936 on the Colorado River, forms the largest reservoir in the United States, Mead. Named after the 31st President Hoover.
• Fanel Hall in Boston remembers the performances of Samuel Adams and other fighters for US independence. Located on the Freedom Trail.
• Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco is famous for its restaurants, sea aquarium and resting sea lions. The venue for major holidays in the city.
• The Naval Pier in Chicago is a popular entertainment destination with museums, theaters, an amusement park, and a winter garden. Tourist cruises depart from here.
• The Lyndon Johnson Space Center in Houston has been training astronauts and spacecraft flight control since 1963.
• Carhenge in Nebraska parodies English Stonehenge. Old cars, painted gray, are displayed on poles arranged in a circle.

USA amusement parks

• Disney World Florida opened in 1971. The largest and most visited amusement park in the world, built by Walt Disney.
• Disneyland California contains several themed zones dedicated to different cities, eras and cartoons. There are railways and monorails laid across the territory, allowing you to inspect the entire park.

US museums

• The Art Museum in Philadelphia is one of the most significant museums visual arts in the USA. The museum displays world masterpieces by Renoir, Salvador Dali and the works of American artists.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is the largest art museum in the world. Here are collected works of ancient and modern art.
• The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago opened in 1993. Its exhibits include a submarine from Nazi Germany, a railway, an active coal mine and an Apollo 8 mission spacecraft.

US culture

National characteristics of the United States

• USA do not have official language... Most of the inhabitants speak English language, the second most popular language is Spanish.
• In the United States, the carrying of weapons is allowed - this is defined in the Second Amendment to the Constitution.
• Americans prefer to live in detached houses in the suburbs, although the popularity of apartments in large metropolitan areas is starting to rise again.
• The USA is the most religious state among all developed countries. More than half of the residents are Protestants, and about a quarter are Catholics.
• The most popular sports in the United States are baseball, American football, ice hockey, and basketball. Typically, each educational institution has its own teams of one or more types.

Traditions of the USA

• Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It began to be celebrated in 1621 by the colonists who survived the first winter on the new continent as a token of gratitude to God for their salvation. The symbols of the holiday are stuffed turkey and pumpkin pie.
• Black Friday after Thanksgiving opens the season of Christmas sales. Huge crowds of people are hunting for the biggest discounts before the holidays.
• Baby shower is a tradition of giving gifts to pregnant women before the baby is born.
• Teddy is a teddy bear, the most popular toy named after President Theodore Roosevelt.

USA cuisine

• The barbecue is reminiscent of Russian kebab: pieces of beef or pork are slowly smoked over the fire. The meat is served whole (ribs) or finely chopped. Most popular in the southern states, where it has been a traditional dish since the 18th century.
• Tex-mex is the cuisine of the Southwest of the United States, based on Mexican traditions. The main ingredients are beans, rice, cheese, abundantly peppered meats, and cornmeal tortillas. Everyone is dressed with salsa sauce or guacamole - mashed avocado.
• Italian pasta and pizza are served in specialty Italian restaurants and many cheap eateries.
• Greek cuisine is often found in supermarkets and food courts. Gyros, reminiscent of doner kebab or shawarma, and hummus, chickpea puree with olive oil and spices.
• Vegetarian cuisine is popular in large cities, where there are many specialized cafes and restaurants. Foods that contain fish, chicken, eggs, and even trace amounts of beef or pork are often considered vegetarian.
• Low-calorie food is found even in fast food establishments.
• Seafood on both coasts is a favorite delicacy. Lobsters are popular in the Northeast, shellfish and shrimp are popular in the Southeast, and salmon are popular in Alaska. Florida serves spicy Caribbean fish dishes.
• Beer is the most commonly consumed beverage. Most Americans prefer a pale lager.
• Wine is produced in every American state. The best is California (Napa Valley), wine from Oregon, Washington state, Northern Virginia and Texas is also known.
• Sparkling wines are usually served in bottles rather than in glasses.
• Whiskey and bourbon are Americans' preferred spirits.

Shopping in the USA

The most popular souvenirs from the USA:

• A cowboy hat and boots are the best gift from the southern states.
• Copies of the Statue of Liberty, magnets and calendars with photographs of presidents and various American symbols are sold in every gift shop.
• Indian products can be purchased from the craftsmen themselves on reservations and at fairs.
• iPhone, MacBook and other Apple products will cost significantly less here.
• Maple syrup and peanut butter are indeed made in the USA.
• Products of the American sports brand Nike.
• Silver products from Tiffany - America's most famous and expensive jewelry house.
• American jeans Levi's, WRANGLER, Lee.

USA is not only New York lights, Hollywood stars and Las Vegas casinos. Landscapes replace each other: from space landscapes lifeless deserts to the tundra of Alaska and the rainforests of Florida. Ancient monuments of Indians coexist with the history of modern civilization. There is everything here to discover your America.

. Alaska and Hawaii are indeed washed by the Pacific Ocean and are located in the west of the country, but cannot be included in the West Coast, since they have no borders with continental USA. Nevada and Arizona is considered part of the West Coast due to the great cultural influences from the West Coast of the United States, but is not, since they do not border the Pacific Ocean.

Population

Largest cities

Largest cities and urban areas on the West Coast (north to south):

• Agglomeration: Everett , Seattle , Bellevue , Tacoma , Spokane
• San Francisco Bay Area : San Francisco , Auckland , San Jose , Fresno
• Greater Los Angeles : Los Angeles , Long beach , San Bernardino , Riverside

History

The history of the west coast begins with the arrival of America's earliest people known to us, paleo-indians... They came from Eurasia v North America overcoming Bering Strait across the isthmus, Beringia which existed between 45000 and 12000 before AD BC NS. (47,000 - 14,000 years ago).

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Write a review on "US West Coast"

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Excerpt from the West Coast of the United States

- And mom and dad "completely" died? .. And we will not see them again ... Really?
Maya's plump lips twitched, and the first large tear appeared on her cheek ... I knew that if this was not stopped right now, there would be a lot of tears ... But in our current "general screwed-up" state, this was absolutely impossible to allow ...
“But you’re alive, aren’t you ?! Therefore, whether you like it or not, you have to live. I think that mom and dad would be very happy if they knew that everything is fine with you. They loved you very much ... - as I could have fun, I said.
- How do you know? - the baby stared at me in surprise.
“Well, they did a very difficult thing to save you. Therefore, I think, only by loving someone very much and cherishing it, you can do this ...
- Where are we going now? Will we go with you? .. - Maya asked, looking inquiringly at me with her huge gray eyes.
- Here Arno would like to take you with him. What do you think of it? He is also not sweet ... And he will have to get used to a lot in order to survive. So you will help each other ... So, I think, it will be very correct.
Stella finally came to her senses, and immediately "rushed to the attack":
“How did it happen that this monster got you, Arno?” Do you remember anything? ..
- No ... I only remember the light. And then a very bright meadow, bathed in the sun ... But it was no longer the Earth - it was something wonderful and completely transparent ... This does not happen on Earth. But then everything disappeared, and I "woke up" already here and now.
“What if I try to“ look ”through you? - suddenly came into my head a completely wild thought.
- How - through me? - Arno was surprised.
- Oh, but that's right! - Stella immediately exclaimed. - How I did not think ?!
- Well, sometimes, as you can see, something comes to my mind ... - I laughed. - It's not always just for you to invent!
I tried to "get involved" in his thoughts - nothing happened ... I tried with him to "remember" the moment when he "left" ...
- Oh, what a horror! - Stella squeaked. - Look, this is when they captured him !!!
My breathing stopped ... The picture we saw was really not a pleasant one! This was the moment when Arno had just died, and his essence began to rise up the blue channel. And right behind him ... to the same channel, three completely nightmarish creatures crept up! .. Two of them were probably lower astral terrestrial entities, but the third one clearly seemed to be some other, very scary and alien, clearly not terrestrial ... And all these creatures very purposefully chased the man, apparently trying to get him for some reason ... , unearthly peace, and, greedily absorbing this peace, rested in his soul, forgetting for a moment the wild earthly pain that destroyed his heart, "thanks" to which he found himself today in this transparent, unfamiliar world ...

It's time to talk about the American part of our travel around the world... And we will start with US West Coast where we flew from South-East Asia on a comfortable double-decker aircraft Airbus A-380. Let's be honest: all travelers dream of America - a good life or an unusual, fabulous nature. We all want to go there, but not everyone is doing well. It worked out for us, and we are very glad that we included a trip to the USA in our trip around the world. And although this is not my first visit to this country, every time I discover the States anew. And this is always pleasant - you can be surprised even by familiar things. So why not be surprised together?

Preparing for a trip to the United States in, we decided to draw up a very detailed and detailed one in order to make your visit to the States as convenient and interesting as possible. After all, as a result of a preliminary study of information about this country and planning a trip, our initial desire to "see the canyons of the southwest" grew into a plan to "go around the entire west coast and visit a lot of national parks, state parks and just interesting places! ". Moreover, the infrastructure of the United States allows both expensive and budgetary, giving the same opportunities to all travelers, regardless of the level of income.

Travel route

So we had to organize and organize all the information that we gleaned from guidebooks, maps and from the sites of national parks, as well as fished out of the Internet from various forums and blogs. For a month and a half, we diligently put together our own route, repeatedly revising its details. But by the beginning of the trip to the USA, we were theoretically prepared and had a detailed detailed travel plan for the USA!

We rented a car for a certain number of days, namely 42 (this is exactly 6 weeks), so we could change the details of the route, but the number of days was not. So the detailed plan allowed us to rationally approach the trip and fit literally everything into one visit. And what can I say? We managed to complete the entire plan with almost no overlaps, it was so well worked out and took into account all the details of an independent journey.

What we did not take into account when preparing

While traveling around the USA by car, we just gave up the idea of ​​going to the Indian reservation to look at the Havasu waterfalls. We had 2 full days planned for them, but at the last moment we refused to visit them. This turned out to be our only planning mistake. In practice, having rode through the national parks and spent the night here and there in tents, we realized that we simply would not have time to arrive on time.

Moreover, camping on the Indian reservation had to be booked in advance. And we will have to do everything in a hurry, and also pay a lot for our accommodation. The Indians, as the exclusive owners of rights on the territory of their reservation, made a lot of money for the right to stay and spend the night at their place. And so we decided to abandon Havasu. And the freed up days were distributed among other national parks, which in the end turned out to be terribly pleased. And we went to Joshua Three National Park twice! And by the end of the trip, we arrived at my beloved Venice Beach in Los Angeles and quite calmly went to LAX airport - time was running out, everything was comfortable.

But let's start our journey! Let's see how the American part of our trip around the world began.

Travel along the West Coast of the United States

We start our independent travel by car across the States in the city of Los Angeles, this is the main gateway to West Coast USA.

Travel region
What is	The coastal states of the western United States - California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and the Mojave Desert
Population	About 50 million people
Largest cities	Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle
Climate	In the north, the climate is oceanic, and in the southern part it is Mediterranean. On the coastline, temperature fluctuations throughout the year are much lower than in the continental part. In the coastal part, fog has a strong influence on the climate, making the summer cooler and the winter mild.
How to travel	Independently on a rented car or motorcycle
Where to sleep	Book hotels or motels in advance a few days in advance, or just before placing. You can stay at campsites
Transport infrastructure	The best in the world
Travel comfort level	High
Security	In the United States, people follow the rules and the authorities strictly enforce them, which ensures a high level of travel safety. Crime is found only in certain areas of large cities, but you should know about this in advance and, if possible, not be careless
Expenses	High, but if you choose the route wisely and take a responsible approach to business, then unnecessary expenses can be avoided
Our rating and review	We were very pleased with our trip and looked at everything we had planned. Traveling along the West Coast of the United States requires preliminary route planning and preparation. Knowledge of the factual material simplifies the solution of everyday issues

California Roads

Since we arrived in Los Angeles in early September, our rational plan considered that it would be wiser to devote time to the northern facilities of the United States first, as long as the weather permits and it is not so cold. And we will finish the trip in mid-October - on the road in warm California.

• So, we moved by car along the famous California highway number 1 along pacific coast USA, visiting small towns along the way -, (and visited the famous) and and drove to. We have about the beauties of the US West Coast, in which we give an overview of the main attractions on the coast.
• Then we turned to the cape, which suddenly turned out to be so wild and far from the usual routes of tourists. It was as if we had not been to America at all. And then we drove into the first one on our way, where we got acquainted with coastal sequoias - which fascinate and conquer forever. The roads of California showed us so many interesting things - not only on the First Route, but also on small paths.
• All this California beauty belongs to very specific people. You can stand by the ocean like that, look at a pretty landscape, and then notice the fence and the netting and the inscription - private property, as it used to be. And immediately think - and someone lives here! Quite different from the scales we are used to.
• But in Redwood we turned - and also to The Pacific Ocean! - where, apparently, tourists do not and often ride. And it was even pleasant to think - well, not everything is fine and it happens in America. There are also abandoned roads here, where it is better not to meddle, especially in city cars. But we are curious, we went and ended up on a deserted beach. Perhaps, in sunny weather, he would have looked wonderful, but in the morning autumn twilight everything was gray, the wind was blowing. But the adventure took place! And then we walked along the forest path between the giant redwoods!
• Quite unexpectedly, we stopped at and marveled at its crystal clear color.

A not so short, but intense journey through the state of California promised us that the second episode would be even more varied and long-awaited. Usually, when you say "California", people imagine either - the ocean, palm trees, surfers and Hollywood hills. But this state can hold the palm in diversity and richness in attractions. Californians don't have to leave the state at all, they already have so much to see. But we are not Californians. In the heart, there was a place for wonderful landscapes, both for the north and for the south, and we went on!

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To Malibu!

Big Sur. California coast

Big Sur at Bixby Bridge

Isn't that a fairytale house in Carmel?

No wonder the 17-mile road in Monterey has been an inspiration for painters and poets

At the Golden Gate in San Francisco

Deer family in Redwood National Park

Coastal sequoias in California

These are the roads of California!

The state of Oregon - the historical past of the planet

We immediately fell in love with the state of Oregon. This is love at first sight. It was from Oregon that the re-routing of the original plan began. When I was looking at the map of the United States in Pai, I thought: we’ll come to Redwood National Park, but we literally cross the state border, and there’s some beautiful lake! Or maybe drop in there too? And this is not just a lake, but the deepest in the United States! It was formed in the crater of the Mazama volcano, and the water in it is blue as the sky! And then I said: here we are already in Oregon, what if there is more? Oh yes, there are so many things to do in Oregon!

You can study the life of volcanoes in, where you can walk among obsidian fragments and along a lava field, or climb a cone to observe the whole area from above. You can ride on scenic roads among . And in the state of Oregon there is simply a vast, but not so popular. This place is amazing and unusual. Time stops here and rapidly rolls back millions of years. And now you are no longer in Oregon, before you are pictures of prehistoric land. If you want to ride a time machine, then you are here, in John Day Fossil Beads!

Sometimes we just drove and realized that we had to slow down and walk along. And if you drive along the Pacific coast and admire beautiful capes(and or), then certainly Oregon will seem the most beautiful place in the world! Although here the ocean is already more formidable than in the southern part of California. But harsh beauty has its own charm.

And it was in Oregon that we began to come across some unthinkable number of campers. We overtook them on the roads or vice versa, they met us, met with their owners in parking lots, finally, campers just stood at the houses waiting for their owners. The state of Oregon is simply the champion in the number of campers! Everyone has a private car, camper and boat! And all weekend is sure to be busy exploring beautiful nature native and neighboring states.

We started our camping life in Oregon too. When you live in a tent, it seems that childhood has not gone anywhere. You can fry bread over a fire, have leisurely conversations about what you have seen, listen to the neighbors' birds chirping and think - what if a raccoon is going to eat now? To live in rhythm with nature - and we lack such simple things so much! Rich in forests and such a simple and understandable beauty to us, Oregon more than endows its residents and guests.

Crater Lake and Wizard Island

Devil's Lake on the Cascade Lakes Highway

Mount Bachelor above Lake Sparks

Lake by the vast sea of ​​obsidian at Newberry volcano

The John Day Fossil Time Machine

Controlling the ancient machine is not so easy! At a historic farm at John Day Park Fossil Beaches

Pacific Coast in Oregon

Evergreen Washington State!

But the state of Washington - evergreen, as its residents say, we liked it even more. Although it would seem, where is it even more? We spent two days in: we looked at how wonderful it is, walked around, met there beautiful and sincere marmot animals, who looked at the strangers with some suspicion, but favorably allowed themselves to be photographed (track on). Such beauty was all around!

Walking along the forest is also often remembered now. A ! We met a ranger there, who proudly informed us about the uniqueness of this place, white trees lying on the shore and the entire state of Washington. He even laughed at his compatriots, who do not even know where this place is. Near Alaska or what? The ranger also said that the most popular question from tourists is: can you see Russia from here? No, the ranger replies menacingly, only Canada! And we went to where Canada is best seen - on the westernmost promontory of the continental states.

Flutteri Point is on the Poppy Reservation, and while we were walking the trail to get to the very edge of the promontory, someone squeezed a grease on the handle of a car. That's it! The Indians show white people with impunity that they are offended and are trying to take revenge so stupidly. At first we were a little upset, because we planned to spend the night here, visiting the poppy. However, this was the end of the indignant people's disappointment, and no other problems arose. True, it was cold here - the proximity of the ocean affects. But we woke up early in the morning and went on to explore the beautiful Olympic Park!

We also went on a trek around Mount Rainier. This place is called paradise, and we happily agreed with this promising definition! Although from the very morning, when after spending the night in the next camping we woke up from the cold already at four in the morning, it did not seem so at all. We ended up in one of the campsites where people live for a long time. They pay rent to the owner of the territory (who often lives in the same camper or in a small house) and put their caravan to rest. Renting a place is usually around $ 300 per month. Tourists are also sometimes allowed there, but this is by no means a place prepared for such events. We just found a place on the grass and put on a handkerchief. We arrived already in the dark, and although we did not like this campsite at all, there was no longer to go to look for another strength. And how to look - there is no lighting at the foot of Rainier. So we provided ourselves with an overnight stay, cooked supper, and went to bed.

And in the morning, as I said, we woke up even after dark at 4 in the morning and decided not to endure the cold, but to go to Rainier by dawn. So, quite by chance, we saw an unplanned sunrise next to a beautiful ice-covered volcano. which we went through is not very difficult, but also not easy. And the beauty around is really heavenly. And we did not walk yet during the flowering of local alpine meadows. And what else could Washington state surprise us with?

And there is still. And then you really understand why the state is called evergreen. The roads are not only surrounded by thickets of forests, but also the water in the lakes is emerald green. I will not tire of repeating that when I saw the photographs, I thought it was Photoshop. And I insisted on including the Cascade Mountains in the route precisely in order to see with my own eyes what color the lake is! And you know it really is so devilish green or colors sea ​​wave! Unreal - in one word! And that's not all! Further on is the famous pass, and this beauty can also be admired forever.

Completely stunned by what we saw, we looked and then drove to past the autumn landscapes. Suddenly, green Washington turned yellow! The landscape really changed, we had already passed the canyons and beats, and then our navigator decided to play a joke with us, deciding that we, who were still crumpled on the Washington beauty, would not notice. And we obediently turned where he told us to.

And we got into a completely wild story. After that you will think a hundred times whether you should trust the navigator. It seemed that we would not get out of such a scrape, because the road was rapidly deteriorating and became completely unsuitable for our faithful Cruise. And there was no way to turn around - there was an abyss to the right. But nevertheless, we passed this test, as if higher forces helped us! But after that, can you trust the navigator, who sent us with the most serious intentions to where there are no roads? He's so witchy, Washington State!

Rain forest in Olympic Park

Tatush Island off Cape Flatteri - the most northwestern in America

Dima sets up a tent on the Poppy Indians' reservation

A curious and hungry marmot en route to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Park

It is forbidden to feed wild animals in national parks, but to get acquainted - no!

One of the ridges on Hurricane Ridge is overgrown with forest

We have reached Rainier!

Firefighters Lookout at Mount Rainier

Mountain peaks around Lake Diablo

And here they are, the peaks of Washington Pass

And that's not all of our American adventures! Read the sequel - a trip around! We also wrote about other practical issues of travel in the USA.

Stay tuned, we still have a lot of interesting things!

© Marina Gritsenko

Most people who are planning their first trip are wondering if which coast of America to choose? After all, the United States is a huge country and a huge number of sights and such desirable objects that you want to see are located on both sides of the country!

To immediately answer main question, and which coast to choose, I will say this. If you love cities - choose the east, if you love nature - turn your attention to the west!

US East Coast

1. New York

To begin with, the east coast of the United States has a big advantage - this is New York. A huge and insanely interesting city, with which any other city in the United States and on the entire planet can hardly be compared. It is very difficult to tell about New York in a few words. But, if you want to get into the most sleepy metropolis, if you dreamed of walking along such familiar streets where you filmed "Sex and the City", "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Autumn in New York" and hundreds or even thousands of your favorite films, meet people of different nationalities and religions, you are in New York! This city charges with energy, positive emotions and the belief that you really will succeed and you will achieve success!

1. Niagara Falls

© Marina Gritsenko

If you find yourself in New York, then organize a trip to Niagara Falls. From New York to Niagara about 5-7 hours by car or 9 hours by bus. Talk about beauty Niagara Falls I will not, the waterfall is just a must see! Instead, I will give some practical advice. Many argue that there is no point in looking at Niagara from the US side, since the waterfall is on the US side and is best seen from the coast of Canada. It's right! The waterfall is indeed best seen from the coast of Canada. But, the magic steamer Maid of Mist travels to the waterfall, which collects passengers, both from Canada and the United States. Taking a ticket for such a steamer, you swim right up to the waterfall and you see everything perfectly!

1. Washington

© Marina Gritsenko

Since you're on the east coast, don't miss a trip to the capital! However, check the information on museums in the city before you travel. If you are not a big fan of museums, then one day is enough for you - you will visit the Capitol, walk along the national alley to George Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, look The White house and that, in principle, may be enough. If, while preparing for the trip, you realized that you are interested in several museums in the capital, then do not hesitate and take 2 days for Washington - one for attractions, the second for museums.

1. Miami

© Marina Gritsenko

Sunbathe on one of the beaches Miami Beach lovers dream beach holiday worldwide! And those who love hot and cool parties dream of getting to one of them in Miami - a city where the fun never ends. Even in Miami there is no winter, the ocean is always warm here, unlike the west coast, where you can swim "without pain" only in southern California. And also, in Miami, many cruises to exotic islands begin their journey.

1. Orlando

Orlando - a beautiful city in the state of Florida, which is Disney World and Universal Studio Park... Shouldn't be regarded Disney world like a park for children. In this magical place everyone becomes children, including adult uncles and aunts. Both parks have a huge number of attractions and entertainment. The difference is that Disney rides are based on popular Disney cartoons and films, and Universal Studio rides are based on popular films from Universal. Choose what you like best and go on an adventure.

1. Florida Keys

© Marina Gritsenko

The Florida Keys are a chain of small islands in the southern United States connected by one large bridge. The color of the water here is "from the bounty advertisement", the atmosphere of complete relaxation and bliss - very quiet, calm and peaceful. Spend time on one of the Florida Keys beaches, take a glass-bottomed boat tour, get to know the most beautiful underwater world Atlantic Ocean. And of course, rent a convertible and drive in Key West, the southernmost city in the United States, and watch the sun go down!

US West Coast

1. Los Ageles

© Marina Gritsenko

If you are planning your trip to Los Angeles, I highly recommend that you rent a car. Because despite the fact that Los Angeles is a city, it is very difficult to get around by public transport on it.

In Los Angeles, you can organize a very interesting and eventful program. Go to the famous beach Santa monica... If you're lucky, you can even swim in the ocean - if the water is warm or if you're not afraid of cold temperatures. You can also go to DisneyLand or park Universal... Universal is located in the city itself, DisneyLand, 30 minutes south of Los Angeles.

Of course, you should take a walk along Hollywood Boulevard along the avenue of stars, go to the inscription Hollywood, drive through the Beverly Hills area, take a tour of celebrity homes, or visit the theater that hosts the Academy Awards.

1. San Francisco

© Marina Gritsenko

San Francisco is a special, cozy and very sunny city. Be sure to take a walk on Pier 39, eat fish soup Clam chowder and watch lazy fur seals sunbathe in the sun right by the pier. Be sure to take a ride on the famous tram along the steep slopes of the city, and walk down the steepest street in the world - Lombard street... And of course, take a walk to the Golden Gate Bridge and take pictures with the real symbol of the city.

© Marina Gritsenko

1. Las Vegas

Everything is very simple. Do you want to get rich dramatically? Go to Las Vegas! If you don't like gambling, just walk around the casino and get to know this huge industry. Be sure to wander around Las Vegas at night, it shines like a Christmas tree. Attend several shows, including the Singing Fountains. Well, if you want extreme, then go to the cool attraction on the roof of the Stratosphere tower.

1. Grand Canyon

The beauty and uniqueness of this place is hard to forget! Even those who have never been here admire him! There are many ways to spend your time in the Grand Canyon. You can take a walking tour or book a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon and enjoy all the beauty of this place from a bird's eye view (by the way, I highly recommend it)

1. Redwood park

© Marina Gritsenko

This is where the bigger and thicker sequoia trees grow! Some trees are so big that a car can easily pass through them, and to hug such a tree, you need a company of 10-15 people. This is an incredibly beautiful and green place where you can truly understand the greatness, strength and beauty of nature.