Tourist Attractions & Monuments California

In 1950, a dam on the Colorado River exploded and hundreds of tons of water poured into a nearby valley. This inland sea, above sea level, is nothing but the result of human error. At the time, local farmers rushed around the so-called giant lake to develop their crops, while tourists, bailed by this unhoped-for freshness in the wilderness, only a few kilometers away from the very fashionable Palm Springs, practiced water skiing and faring on the banks of the Salton Sea. Hotels, restaurants and cafes grow like mushrooms. The water of the inland sea is twice as salty as that of the Pacific. Fish are introduced, fishing competitions organized. The seaside resort is expanding, more heavily frequented than Yosemite National Park, until the 1970 s, which saw Salton Sea water evaporating suddenly. The idyllic landscape is transformed into a true ecological nightmare, streaked with dead fish and trees that are spotted by salt. Tourists flee, buildings are abandoned. Today, Salton Sea is a dystopic curiosity worthy of a science fiction film. Some too poor people to escape from this salty hell still live on the shores of Salton Sea, in rusty caravans and ghosts.

Dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln in 1909, Lincoln Park's site was the San Francisco cemetery until the late 1860 s. In 1902, golf fans dug three holes on part of the land. The golf course was expanded in 14 holes in 1914 and 18 holes in 1917. It was during this period that several road projects were transferred to the federal government. Lincoln Highway, along with its terminus west of Lincoln Park, was designed and mapped in 1913 as the first coastal route crossing fourteen states.

Rather general tour of 3 hours, rather advised at the beginning of the stay, because it gives a global vision of San Francisco. Helen, a charming little woman full of good recommendations, will talk about the evolution of the city with passion. You become San-Franciscan at the end of the day.

A few hundred metres walk around Lake Tuendae, facing the California State University Desert Studies Center. Has little interest.

Cross the beautiful gorges and explore the ruins of Fort Piute, built in the 1880 s to welcome travellers on Mojave Road. A nearby permanent water course provides the necessary water for plants and animals.

Learn how to identify desert plants on this short trail.

The Giant Forest Museum is an interesting introduction to the peculiarities of these fascinating giants and the history of this forest. The museum is the starting point for self-guided interpretive trails to Round Meadow and Hazelwood, where you can enjoy a life-size visit. They have been rebuilt with boardwalks and bridges in difficult areas to enable visitors to enjoy the meadow and sequoias without damaging the ecosystem and natural drainage systems.

The first amusement park designed by artists has come back to life. Created in 1987 by André Heller, Luna Luna was only in operation for one summer, in Hamburg, Germany; it was not until 2024 that the attractions were brought out of oblivion. The latest addition to the Arts District, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy enchants with rides and illusion rooms paying homage to the greats, from Dalí and Philip Glass to Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein - among others. Sublime creativity.

This impressive contemporary art center is spread over three hangars. Founded by collectors Deborah and Andy Rappaport, the project seeks philanthropic support for the arts from Silicon Valley to counter the real estate boom that is driving artists out of San Francisco. This arts hub offers affordable space to Bay Area art galleries and 30 artists' studios. On Minnesota Street, you'll find 12 galleries and a Lebanese restaurant, Besharam. A second address around the corner (1150 25th Street) is home to 3 other galleries.

Opened in 2023, the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza was named in tribute to the Agua Caliente people, the first inhabitants of the area. The facility houses a museum divided into five areas dedicated to the tribe's history and the flora and fauna native to the Indian Canyons. The other part houses a spa, built on the natural mineral hot spring that occupied the area before Palm Springs was built. Information and reservations here: www.thespaatseche.com.

Whale-watching tours led by marine biologists in Monterey Bay. For over 30 years, this company has filmed documentaries for Nat Geo and the BBC, among others. During orca and humpback whale season, easy online booking is recommended. The minimum tour is 3 to 4 hours to see the whales in high season, but you'll need to take the 8-hour tour to see the whales and orcas in April-May when they're in the bay. A tour we recommend if you're here in spring.

Our favorite is the Saturday market. Every week, a long succession of stalls takes over Date Street, as rich in color as in smell. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, there's a wide variety of specialities to eat: empanadas, crepes, raclette cheese sandwiches, oysters, lobster rolls... Nothing Italian! Once you've enjoyed your shopping on the steps of Amici Park, withlive music playing in the background, you can lose yourself among the stalls selling jewelry, plants, flowers and clothes.