California, often dubbed the “Golden State,” is a land of sun, surf, and stars. Known for its stunning coastline, diverse culture, and thriving entertainment industry, California is a state that captures the imagination of people worldwide. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a treasure trove of weird and intriguing facts that may surprise even the most seasoned Californians. In this article, we delve into 25 strange and fascinating tidbits about California that you probably didn’t know.
1. A Colorful Origin
The name “California” was first popularized by a 16th-century Spanish novel, “Las Sergas de Esplandián,” by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. In the book, California was depicted as an island inhabited by fierce Amazonian women ruled by Queen Calafia, inspiring the state’s name.
2. The Lost Lake
In Northern California, there is a mysterious lake that disappears every year. Known as the “Lost Lake,” it drains through a hole in the bottom, only to fill up again with the winter rains.
3. The World’s Tallest Trees
California is home to the tallest trees on Earth, the coast redwoods. These towering giants can reach heights of over 350 feet, making them taller than the Statue of Liberty.
4. The Celestial Orange
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a unique hue known as “International Orange,” chosen for its visibility in San Francisco’s frequent fog.
5. Earthquake Capital
California is earthquake country, with more than 500,000 detectable tremors each year. Fortunately, most of them go unnoticed by residents.
6. Death Valley’s Record Temperatures
Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth, reaching a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) on July 10, 1913.
7. The World’s First McDonald’s
The first-ever McDonald’s restaurant was opened by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, in 1940. It was a drive-in restaurant known for its speedy service.
8. The Largest County
San Bernardino County in California is the largest county in the United States by area, covering more land than nine entire states.
9. California’s State Nut
The official state nut of California is the almond, which accounts for nearly 100% of the U.S. commercial almond supply.
Photo: 123rf.com/melastmohican
10. A Living Fossil
The bristlecone pine tree, found in California’s White Mountains, is one of the world’s oldest living organisms, with some trees estimated to be over 4,800 years old.
11. The Largest Solar Power Plant
The Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in California’s Mojave Desert is the world’s largest solar thermal power plant, covering over 3,500 acres.
12. Hollywood’s Secret Sign
The Hollywood Sign was originally erected in 1923 as a real estate advertisement for “Hollywoodland.” The last four letters were dropped in 1949.
13. The State’s Official Insect
The California dogface butterfly (Zerene eurydice) is the state’s official insect and is named for the dog-like silhouette on its wings.
14. The Land of Grapes
California produces more wine than any other U.S. state and is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world.
15. Yosemite’s Firefall
For nearly a century, Yosemite National Park’s Glacier Point was the site of the famous “Firefall,” where burning embers were pushed off the cliff, creating a stunning waterfall-like effect of fire.
16. Land of Extremes
California boasts both the lowest point in North America, Death Valley, and the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, located just 85 miles apart.
17. The World’s Smallest Postal Office
The smallest operating post office in the United States is located in Ochopee, Florida, but it was originally a storage facility in California before being transported to Florida.
18. Avocado Capital
Fallbrook, California, is known as the “Avocado Capital of the World” and hosts an annual Avocado Festival.
19. World’s Most Expensive Home
The most expensive home in the world, known as “The One,” is located in Bel Air, California. This massive mansion boasts a price tag of $340 million.
20. The Amargosa Opera House
In Death Valley Junction, you can find the Amargosa Opera House, a unique venue in the middle of the desert that features performances in a restored Borax company building.
21. Surfing’s Birthplace
Santa Cruz is often credited as the place where surfing was introduced to the U.S. mainland by Hawaiian royalty in the late 1800s.
22. The Largest Ice Cream Sundae
In 1985, residents of Anaheim, California, created the world’s largest ice cream sundae, which stretched over 4 miles long.
23. San Francisco’s Crooked Street
Lombard Street in San Francisco is famous for its eight hairpin turns, making it one of the world’s crookedest streets.
24. Death Valley’s Moving Stones
The Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park is known for its “sailing stones” that mysteriously move across the dry lakebed, leaving behind long trails.
25. Unclaimed Territory
A tiny, uninhabited island named Palmyra Atoll located south of Hawaii is owned by the United States but is not part of any state. It remains one of the most remote places in California’s vicinity.