Tourist Attractions & Monuments California
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Practical information : Sightseeing California
Timetable
Generally, museums, monuments and religious buildings close early, around 5 pm. It is also not uncommon for them to be open only a few days a week. Parks and natural sites are usually open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset - if not 24 hours a day. In any case, check the schedule online before planning your day.
To be booked
The Great West is ideal for travelers who like to plan ahead: most museums and art galleries offer reservations months in advance. While this is not always necessary, it is essential for specific excursions such as the ferry to Alcatraz Island, just north of San Francisco, or the guided tour of Antelope Canyon in northern Arizona. The reason for this is a growing international reputation and a limited number of daily visitors.
Budget & Tips
Although they generally provide access to the site for several days, both national and state park entrance tickets are relatively expensive when added together: expect to pay an average of US$20 per vehicle. It is also rare to find free museums. So, we recommend that you select your activities carefully and, above all, check the websites of the establishments for their pricing conditions: some open their doors for free on the first Tuesday or Thursday of the month, for example.
Main events
From eclectic and grandiose film and music festivals, to running races along mythical courses, to poker tournaments with the world's best players, to rodeos, the American West has a number of cultural highlights to suit every taste.
In January, movie and television fans flock to the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles to see stars on their way to the Golden Globe Awards. That same month, independent film buffs head to the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Between February and March , the region is alive with events ranging from Black History Month to the massive Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco. This is also the time of year for the Oscars, the most prestigious awards in the film world and one of the most anticipated days in the City of Angels.
In April, the most select partygoers meet at Coachella, in Indio, California. Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Flume, Doja Cat, Ye, Stromae, Disclosure, Beyoncé, and Radiohead are just some of the big names that make up this music festival.
May is marked by Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla de los Ángeles in 1862. Today, it is primarily a celebration of Mexican-American culture, especially in California and Arizona, where it is very present. On the third Sunday of the month, a legendary and unmissable race - Bay to Breakers - enlivens the streets of San Francisco.
In June , the World Series of Poker is in full swing in Las Vegas. And between the International LGBTQ Film Festival and Pride, San Francisco embraces Pride month
July is dear to the hearts of the United States: on the 4th, they celebrate Independence Day. Concerts, fireworks, parades... Every year, the country comes alive on the occasion of this holiday which remains a strong symbol of patriotism.
Rather quiet, August is first punctuated by the Long Beach Jazz Festival, south of Los Angeles. It's not until the end of the month that the party is in full swing, at the crazy music festival Burning Man - in Nevada's Black Rock Desert - a mecca for artistic celebration and free expression.
September is marked by the West's most famous camel and ostrich race - the International Camel and Ostrich Races - held annually in Virginia City, Nevada. Another big event: Life is Beautiful Festival, in Las Vegas. The Weekend, Green Day, and Florence and the Machine are among those already invited.
Onthe first Sunday of October , San Francisco hosts the Castro Street Fair, an artistic and cultural event that celebrates the dynamism and diversity of its LGBTQ+ community. At the end of the month, costumes take over the country for Halloween, which is huge in the United States.
Accordingly, November begins with Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition of celebrating and welcoming the deceased with meals and parties spread over two days.
Finally, December features a notable event in Las Vegas: the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, considered the most prestigious rodeo in the world. In addition to the 15 top-ranked competitors, there is plenty of entertainment.
Guided tours
Apart from sites that are only accessible with a guide - such as part of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, for example - parks and preserves can be explored very well on their own. However, many museums and cultural institutions offer free guided tours or, alternatively, provide self-guided tours.
Smokers
As in France, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, on transportation and in the workplace. Generally speaking, it is not very common to see Americans with a cigarette in their hand.
What's very local
Whether state or national, each park has a Visitor Center. There is always a gift shop and an exhibition - the size of which varies according to the size of the site - in addition to all the information necessary to explore the area.