If you are a non-US resident, you could dream of going to the country to explore its breathtaking scenery. The challenging part is, where should you go first? There are 50 US states, 48 of them are conterminous states occupying the continent's middle latitudes, and two of them include the states of Alaska and Hawaii. To help you, we'll give you enough reasons to consider California first. In this article, learn more about the state, including the current time in California, the top-rated tourist destinations, and other interesting facts about the state.

A Glimpse to California State

California is one of the most popular US states. On September 9, 1850, it was hailed as the 31st state of the union. It became one of the most populous US states in the early 1960s. If you are wondering where did the name California originate, the answer is not that clear. According to Britannica, California was derived from the early 16th-century Spanish novel Las sergas de Esplandián (The Adventures of Esplandián). This literary piece described the place as an island full of gold and precious stones called California. 

If you visit California, you'll find evidence of Spanish influence, from the incomparable architectures to the cities' names and places here. California's capital is Sacramento, which is a Spanish name. Oregon borders California to the north, while Nevada and Arizona bound it to the east. Baja California borders California to the South while the Pacific Ocean bounds it to the west. The exciting part about California is its land with physical contrasts, creating astounding landscapes and picturesque scenes.

Current Time in California, Time Zone, and Daylight Saving Time

If you are traveling to California, it would be better to know what time zone it follows and if this state also observes Daylight Saving Time. Knowing the current time in California and the time changes can help you when planning for your trip. 

In terms of time zones, California follows the Pacific Time with an offset of UTC -8:00/-7:00. The time in California right now uses the Pacific Standard Time with an offset of UTC -8:00. On March 14, 2021, the Daylight Saving Time will start in the state. Meaning, 02:00:00 clocks will be turned forward one hour to 03:00:00. If you visit California in March, you might be confused with the time, primarily if you are not used to DST. Make sure to be updated with the time changes to create better plans for your California trip.

Places to Visit in California

Did you know that California is dubbed the Golden State? But aside from this, California is also one of the most admired places in the United States. This is because of the state's diverse culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes. Visiting the state can provide you with unforgettable memories, from meeting friendly locals to witnessing the state's natural aesthetics. Not only that, but California also offers mouth watering dishes. For sure, you are excited to tour in California, so take a look at the following must-visit places:

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of California's top-rated destinations. You can visit it anytime since there are many exciting activities to do here. For instance, you may enjoy ski adventures in the winter while you may try boating in the summer season. You may also go hiking in the Emerald Bay State Park or D.L. Bliss State Park to see the lake's best views.

Monterey

Monterey takes pride in its stunning natural beauty. Despite it being a small town, it is admired by tourists for the tranquillity it offers. Being a small-town soul is what keeps travelers from coming back again and again. Monterey is situated in central California. This town is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, considered one of the country's best aquariums. But before you tour this place, make sure to visit Carmel to discover boutiques and art galleries.

San Diego

San Diego also offers many attractions like Balboa Park, where you can find many of the city's museums. You may also consider the USS Midway Museum and the San Diego Zoo, which is considered one of the country's best zoos.

San Francisco

If you like thrilling adventures, San Francisco has a lot of recreation to offer. You may try to ride a cable car to explore the city, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. You may also visit the world-renowned food scenes in the city. San Francisco will never disappoint you when it comes to tourist attractions. To end your adventure, you may relax at Golden Gate Park.

Yosemite

Yosemite is considered one of California's most famous national parks. It is located 165 miles east of San Francisco. The place has exciting activities, including bird watching, fishing, rafting, and rock climbing.

California is indeed a famous US state because of its welcoming locals, rich culture, and breathtaking scenery. No wonder many tourists want to visit this state to make memorable trips, from relaxing road trips to thrilling adventures. If you want to visit California, it would be best to know about the places you will be visiting. Be updated with the time in California to create great plans that will make your trips more unforgettable.