West Coast of the United States facts for kids
The West Coast of the United States is a special part of the country. It usually means the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Sometimes, people also include Alaska and Hawaii, even though Hawaii is far out in the Pacific Ocean. About 50 million people call this region home!
Many famous cities are on the West Coast. These include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego in California. In Oregon, there's Portland, and in Washington, you'll find Seattle. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska.
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Geography and Landscape
The West Coast has many different types of land. You can find tall mountains, dry deserts, and long coastlines.
Mountains and Volcanoes
The Pacific Coast Ranges run along the entire West Coast. These mountains are close to the ocean. Further inland, you'll find the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and the Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington. The Cascades are known for their volcanoes, like Mount St. Helens. This volcano famously erupted in 1980.
Coastline and Beaches
The West Coast has thousands of miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. You can find sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and beautiful bays. Many people enjoy surfing, swimming, and exploring tide pools here.
Deserts and Forests
Away from the coast, especially in California, there are large deserts like the Mojave Desert. But the West Coast also has huge forests, especially in Oregon and Washington. These forests are home to some of the world's tallest trees, like the Redwood and Sequoia trees.
Climate and Weather
The weather on the West Coast changes a lot depending on where you are.
Coastal Climate
Near the ocean, the climate is often mild. Summers are cool, and winters are wet but not too cold. This is because the Pacific Ocean helps keep temperatures steady. Cities like San Francisco have famous fogs that roll in during the summer.
Inland Climate
Away from the coast, especially in the deserts, summers can be very hot and dry. Winters are colder, and sometimes there's snow. In the mountains, you'll find lots of snow in winter, which is great for skiing and snowboarding.
History of the West Coast
The West Coast has a rich history, from ancient times to modern days.
Native American History
Before Europeans arrived, many different Native American tribes lived on the West Coast. They had diverse cultures and languages. Tribes like the Chumash in California, the Chinook in Oregon, and the Puyallup in Washington lived off the land and sea.
European Exploration and Settlement
European explorers first reached the West Coast in the 1500s. Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explored the coast of California for Spain in 1542. Later, in the 1700s, Spain set up missions in California. In the 1800s, the United States gained control of these lands.
The Gold Rush and Growth
The California Gold Rush in 1848 brought many people to California. This led to a huge population boom and the rapid growth of cities. The building of railroads also connected the West Coast to the rest of the country, helping it grow even more.
Economy and Industries
The West Coast has a strong and diverse economy.
Technology and Innovation
California, especially Silicon Valley, is a global center for technology and innovation. Many of the world's largest tech companies, like Apple, Google, and Meta, are based here. This area creates new software, computers, and internet services.
Agriculture and Farming
California is also a leading state for agriculture. It grows a huge amount of fruits, vegetables, and nuts for the entire country. Oregon and Washington are known for their berries, apples, and wine.
Trade and Ports
The West Coast has major ports that handle a lot of trade with Asia. The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, and Tacoma are very busy. They bring in goods from other countries and send out American products.
Entertainment and Tourism
Los Angeles is the center of the entertainment industry, home to Hollywood and many movie studios. Tourism is also a big industry, with people visiting national parks, beaches, and cities.
Culture and Lifestyle
The West Coast is known for its unique culture and lifestyle.
Outdoor Activities
Because of its beautiful natural areas, outdoor activities are very popular. People enjoy hiking, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and camping. National parks like Yosemite National Park and Olympic National Park attract millions of visitors.
Arts and Music
The West Coast has a vibrant arts and music scene. Cities like San Francisco and Seattle are famous for their music history and live performances. Many museums, theaters, and art galleries can be found throughout the region.
Diversity and Innovation
The West Coast is very diverse, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. This mix of people helps create new ideas and trends in fashion, food, and technology.
Images for kids
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Los Angeles is the largest city on the West Coast and second-largest in the United States
See also
In Spanish: Costa Oeste de los Estados Unidos para niños
