Historic Places of Interest California

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California Historic Places California is rich in historic sites and points of interest. Traveling across the state you will encounter missions, gold mining ghost towns, historic forts, building, train depots, ruins and old wagon trails. The state of California has 35 state historic parks scattered across the golden state including everything from mansions to gold mines. California also lists hundreds of historic landmarks which are buildings, structures, sites, or places that have been determined to have statewide historical significance. California is not all museum parks and movie stars, the state has numerous historic places of interest. All of these destinations are waiting to be discovered as you journey across California.

		Calico Ghost Town - Calico is one of the few remaining original mining towns of the western United States. It remains alive and well as a 480-acre County Regional Park. Train ride and gold mine tour.
		Bodie State Park - An original ghost town from the late 1800's. Bodie stands today in a state of "arrested decay". There are about 200 structures still standing in Bodie. Wonderful place to visit.
		Old Sacramento - Experience Sacramento at a time of the Gold Rush. Enjoy museums, entertainment, restaurants and lots of interesting shops.
	California State Historic Parks - The State of California has set aside 35 historic parks most of which are staffed by rangers. For a sawmill fee see and learn about the Golden State's history.	Alcatraz: San Francisco Bay Alcatraz was the most powerful fortress west of the Mississippi. The fortress became an official military prison and in 1934 a Federal penitentiary.
	Lone Pine - Historic town located in the Owens Valley. The unique scenery of the Alabama Hills has been the backdrop of more than 250 films. Take time to explore this town on your next tip along Highway 395.	Hearst Castle: San Simeon Hearst Castle was like a small self-contained city, with 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 127 acres of gardens, one indoor and one outdoor swimming pool.
	Los Angeles Plaza Historic District The plaza area was the center of Los Angeles' community throughout the 19th century. Many significant buildings surround the historic Plaza.	Santa Catalina Island - Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens, Completely restored Catalina ballroom and Avalon is El Rancho Escondido, “the hidden ranch.” Old time So Cal.
	Rancho La Brea Tar Pits -One of the world’s most famous fossil localities. Discover and explore how these "tar pits" formed, what types of plants and animals became trapped. Free admission.	Death Valley -Scotty's Castle Visitor Center and Museum,. the Borax Museum, the Shoshone Museum and Rhyolite ghost town "the Queen City of Death Valley". Summer days are extremely hot here.
	Old Town San Diego Historic District Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California	Julian -Julian was the biggest gold mining camp in California. It has been restored and offers visitors a stroll back into the past. Home of world famous apple pies. Mine tours and U-Pick apples.
	Columbia State Historic Park Columbia, California seems to be frozen in the 1800's. Today, Columbia State Historic Park is the best preserved of California gold rush towns.	Marshall Gold Discovery Park The original gold discovery site and several historic buildings. At the park you can learn how to pan for gold or view a replica of the original Sutter's Mill.
	California State Capital Building - The California State Capitol is a "working museum". At any time during the day, visitors are exposed to the history of California. Maybe you will see the governor.	The Presidio:San Francisco - As a U.S. Army post, the Presidio protected commerce and trade. Within its boundaries are more than 500 historic buildings and defense fortifications. San Francisco area.