California Map highlights the coastline along the Pacific Ocean, as well as major rivers and mountains within the state. It serves as an essential tool for navigation and exploration, allowing individuals to plan their trips, locate cities and attractions, and understand the overall layout of the state. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or just interested in geography, the California map is a valuable resource for gaining a better understanding of this beautiful and diverse state.

About California

California is the 31st state of the United States, which was admitted to the union on September 9, 1850. Sacramento is California’s capital city. While Los Angeles is the largest city in California, Greater Los Angeles is the most extensive metro/urban area. English and Spanish are the major spoken languages. In the US, California is the most populous state. While Golden State is its nickname, “Eureka” is the State Motto. Learn more about this US state from Key Facts of California.

California Flag 

California’s state flag has a white background with a red stripe spanning the fly’s length. At the flag’s center, it features a brown grizzly bear walking on a green grass patch. “California Republic” is inscribed below the bear. You’ll find a five-pointed red star at the flag’s upper left corner. 

The flag originated in 1846 with the Bear Flag Revolt against Mexico. Peter Storm and William L. Todd designed the bear flags at that time. However, in 1906, the Bear Flag of Todd was destroyed during an earthquake. That’s when a new version was created. On February 3, 1911, California officially adopted this state map. Based on a watercolor painting of a bear by painter Charles Christian Nahl, the California flag was standardized in 1953. 

California State Symbols

In 1849, the California state Constitutional Convention adopted the “Great Seal of the State of California.” Though minor changes were made over time, the design was finally standardized in 1937. 

The Great Seal of the State of California consists of Athena (of Greek mythology) or Roman Goddess Minerva overseeing the works of a miner. A bear (the state animal of California) stands at the feet of the Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva. The seal also shows Nevada mountains in the background and ships plying in the river below the mountain. 

“Eureka” is written at the top of the image, in the portion that shows the sky over the mountains. This is a Greek word that means “I have found it.” It refers to the gold discovery in the state, which led to the flourishing economy of California. The seal also shows a pan and a rocker near the gold miner. The gold miners used the pan to find gold from the dirt. The rocker is a larger-sized pan that helps miners to find more gold from dirt faster. 

“The Great Seal of the State of California” and “California” are written over a yellow-colored ring surrounding the image (described above in the seal).

California History

The early history of California dates back to 10,000 years back. This Native American history continued till 1542. The latter part can be divided into four parts:

1. European exploration history (1542 to 1769)
2. Spanish colonial history (1769 to 1821)
3. Mexican history (1821 to 1848)
4. United States statehood history (September 9, 1850, to present time)

During the American Civil War, California has seen multiple wars. Some of the major ones are:

• Snake War
• Bald Hills War
• Owens Valley Indian War
• Battle of Cedar Creek
• Chiricahua Wars 
• Third Battle of Winchester
• Carson’s campaign against the Navajo

California became the 31st state to be admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850.

California Location

California Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of California on the US map. It also shows the boundaries of states in the US, neighboring countries, and oceans. 

The state of California is situated in the western region of the US. It shares its border with Oregon (to the north), Arizona and Nevada (to the east), Baja California of the Mexican state (to the south), and the Pacific Ocean (to the west). 

Its precise location is 32°32′ N to 42° N Latitude and 114°8′ W to 124°26′ W Longitude. To know more about the location, check California Longitude and Latitude Map.

California Geography

This state is spread across a total area of 163,696 sq mi (423,970 sq km), out of which 155,959 sq mi (403,932 sq km) is land area and 7,737 sq mi (20,047 sq km) is water area. In terms of area, it is the 3rd largest state in the United States. 

California has a diverse geographical landscape. It can be predominantly divided into two regions:

• Northern California: It comprises 48 northernmost counties of California.
• Southern California: It comprises 10 southernmost counties of California.

California Central Valley is the productive agricultural heartland of California. It is situated in the middle of California. It is bounded by:

• Sierra Nevada (to the east)
• Coastal mountain ranges (to the west)
• Cascade Range (to the north)
• Tehachapi Mountains (to the south)

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is very important for California because it supplies adequate water to the state. This delta divides the valley into two portions:

• Sacramento Valley in the northern half is the Sacramento River’s watershed.
• San Joaquin Valley in the southern half is the San Joaquin River’s watershed.

Off the Southern coast, you’ll find the Channel Islands. To San Francisco’s west, the Farallon Islands is located. Mount Whitney has a height of 4,421 m (14,505 feet). This mountain in the Sierra Nevada is the highest peak in the 48 contiguous US states. 

Forests cover 45% of California’s total surface area. This state boasts of having the most diverse pine species in the United States. A large inland salt lake known as the Salton Sea is located in the southern part. Mojave desert is situated in the south-central region. The Death Valley is situated in Mojave’s northeast.  Check this Topographic Map of California to learn more.

Know about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states on this Physical Map of California.

California Counties

California has 58 counties. In terms of area, San Bernardino County is the largest, and San Francisco is the smallest county. While San Bernardino County has a total area of 20,062 sq mi (51,960 sq km), San Francisco’s total area is 47 sq mi (122 sq km). Check out the location and boundaries of different counties in the California County Map.

California Area Codes

The US State of California has 36 area codes. Some of the most critical area codes associated with major cities are 650 (Silicon Valley’s South San Francisco Bay area), 310 (Los Angeles), 818 (Hollywood), 626 (Pasadena), 415 (San Francisco), and many more. The California Area Code Map helps you locate a particular area code and shows the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

California Zip Codes

There are 1,741 active zip codes in California. Some of the best zip codes to live in are 94301, 90401, 94306, 90403, 95134, 90405, 94111, 91030, 94304, and many more. The California Zip Code Map helps you locate a particular zip code’s location and shows the zip code boundary, state boundary, and state capital. 

California Major Cities

Check out this California Map with Cities. This map helps you learn about the state’s major cities and their locations. It also showcases the state capital, state boundary, other cities, neighboring oceans, and many more. 

Some of California’s most significant and major cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Oakland, Fresno, Anaheim, Bakersfield, and many more.

California Airports

The busiest airports in California are Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, San Diego International Airport, Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and many more. Check the location of different airports (both public use and military) in the state in the California Airports Map. This map also shows California’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

California National Park and Trails

California has 28 national parks. Around 28,645,841 visitors visit these national parks annually. Major national parks in the state are Yosemite national park, Death Valley national park, Joshua Tree national park, Point Reyes national seashore, Lassen Volcanic national park, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks, Pinnacles national park, Devils Postpile national monument, King Range national conservation area, Redwood national and state parks, and others.

In California, you can enjoy 349 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). They cover around 2,199 miles of trails in California. Some of the most popular ones are Yosemite Falls Trail, Mount Shasta Trail, McWay Waterfall Trail, Sea Lion Point Trail in Point Lobos, etc. Check out the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, and more details in the National Parks in California Map.

California Climate 

You’ll find a Mediterranean-like climate in California. While the summers are warm and dry, the winters remain wet. The daily high temperature in a day remains around 70 °F (21.1 °C). On the hottest summer days, the temperature can go up to 80 °F (26.7 °C). Even in the winter season, you’ll hardly experience freezing temperatures. The best time to visit California is from June to August. The most beautiful time to visit California is from March to May. Wildflowers and lush green grass cover the hillsides during this time. If you are a ski adventurer, visit the mountainous regions of California from November to March.

California Education

The education system in the state of California is based on a public education model supported by the state’s taxes. The California Department of Education oversees public education in the state. Check out University of California, University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of California-Berkeley for more details.

California Time Zones

The time zone of most of California is UTC−08:00 (PST). California’s Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−07:00 (PDT).

FAQs on California

FAQ #1: How Big is California?

Ans: California is the third-largest US state in terms of total area. Its total area is 163,696 sq mi (423,970 sq km), out of which 155,959 sq mi (403,932 sq km) is land area and 7,737 sq mi (20,047 sq km) is water area.

FAQ #2: What is the Capital of California?

Ans: Sacramento is the capital of California. 

FAQ #3: How Many People Live in California?

Ans: According to the estimates of the California Department of Finance, the population of California (as of Jan 1, 2022) is 39,185,605 people. 

FAQ #4: When Did California become a State?

Ans: California became a state on September 9, 1850. It is the 31st state admitted to the union.

FAQ #5: Is California Pacific Time?

Ans: Yes, California comes in the Pacific Time Zone. During standard time, it comes within Pacific Standard Time (PST). During Daylight Saving Time (DST), California comes within Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). 

FAQ #6: Does it Snow in California?

Ans: In some regions, especially in the mountainous regions (such as Big Bear Lake and Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges) of California, you can experience snow in winter. 

FAQ #7: How Far is Hawaii From California?

Ans: California to Hawaii distance is 2,467 miles (3970.3 km). 

FAQ #8: How Much is Tax In California?

Ans: The statewide tax rate in California is 7.25%. District tax rates are also there. Depending on the region, the tax rate varies from 0.10% to 1.00%.

FAQ #9: What is California Known For?

Ans: California is known for Hollywood, Disneyland, Golden Gate Bridge, Silicon Valley, beaches, and many more. 

FAQ #10: Who is The Governor Of California?

Ans: Democratic party Gavin Newsom is the incumbent governor of California. He assumed office on January 7, 2019.