Hotel Search
Hotels in popular destinations
Los Angeles
The City of Angels, home of the world-famous Hollywood, is characterized by splendid architecture and impressive skyscrapers. L.A. is known for having more stage theaters and museums than any other US city, including for having some of the finest hotels in the world. Book Now!
San Diego
Also known as “America’s Finest City”, San Diego is a vibrant, exciting destination, boasting a wealth of appealing attractions for the entire family to enjoy, ranging from its world-famous zoo and aquarium to its gorgeous golf courses and white sand beaches. Book Now!
San Francisco
Surrounded on three sides by water, San Francisco is “heaven” for water-sports enthusiasts. “The City by the Bay” offers its visitors a wealth of recreational opportunities, being considered one of the most popular destinations in the US, more than 17 million visitors from around the world making it their vacation or business destination, each year.Book Now!
Sacramento
Sacramento, the capital of the State of California is a historical city with a rich heritage, abundant entertainment, and nice weather. Due to its rich Gold Rush history, when visiting the city, it is said that you’ll “Discover Gold!” Book Now!
California Hotel Service
California Hotel Service - An Introduction to State of California
California is not nicknamed “The Golden State” for nothing!
As you will travel around the state, its natural beauty, astonishing cultural diversity and friendliness will struck you. Its area includes everything from beautiful beaches to towering forests, suiting all vacation ideas. Plus, the entire state is packed with appealing attractions, for every preference and age!
State of California Informations:
Time
California is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT-8, or 3 hours behind Eastern). For example, when Singapore is in the morning, California is at night.
Taxes
California has a statewide sales tax of 8.25%. Municipalities are allowed to assess a local sales tax up to 9.25%. Local taxes may be as much as an additional 1.5%.
Directory Assistance
For local numbers, dial 411. For long-distance calls, it’s 1 plus area code plus 555-1212. Toll –free is (800) 555-1212. For emergency assistance, you can call 911 toll-free from any public phone.
Area Codes
Call directory assistance to find out the area code you’re looking for.
Toll-free Calls
You should know that not all 800, 877 or 888 numbers work outside the US. If that happens, you should try a direct toll number or a fax.
Useful California Laws:
Liquor
The legal drinking age in California is 21.
Smoking
The legal age in California to purchase tobacco products is 18. Smoking is not allowed in public transportation or public buildings.
Most restaurants and bars have non-smoking policies, so ask before you light up.
Marriage License
In California, no blood test is required and there is no waiting period. There is, however, a $40-$60 fee. Visit any county courthouse and show valid identification. The license is valid for 90 days. To get married in California, you have to be at least 18 or to have consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Driving
By law, seatbelt is to be worn at all times, by everyone in the car.
Motorcyclists have to, at least, wear a helmet.
The speed limit on city streets is usually 35mph (miles per hour). In residential areas, near schools and in areas with heavy foot traffic, the speed limit is almost always 25mph. Generally, the speed limit on multi-lane freeways is 65mph. On two-lane highways it is usually 55mph.
Getting Around
There are some attractions in California, which are not reachable by car, but most of them are. If you want to see an attraction that is not reachable by public transportation, you can rent a car.
Amtrak provides service to all major cities, and Greyhound is the major bus carrier. Plus, there is also local transportation available, in, perhaps, all of the California state regions.
Interesting California Facts:
✓ Motto: Eureka (“I have found it”)
✓ Capitol City: Sacramento
✓ State Animal: California Grizzly Bear
✓ State Flower: Golden Poppy
✓ State Bird: California Valley Quail
✓ State Song: “I love you California”
✓ State Folk Dance: Square Dancing
✓ State Gem: Benitoite
✓ State Ghost Town: Bodie
✓ State Fish: Golden Trout
✓ State Tree: Coast Redwood
✓ State Rock: Serpentine
✓ State Mineral: Gold
✓ State Insect: Dog Face Butterfly
✓ Highest Mountain: Mt. Whitney
✓ Tallest Waterfall: Ribbon Falls
Did you know that…
- Fortune cookies, Apple computers, theme parks (Disneyland), blue jeans and the Barbie doll were all invented in California?
- California is home to the world’s largest tree – the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park?
- California is bigger than 85 of the smallest nations in the world?
- The California redwood is a prehistoric tree?
- California holds within it the most diverse environment in the world?