Why go to California? The 10 good reasons to go California

Generally, museums, monuments and religious buildings close early, around 5 pm. It is also not uncommon for them to be open only a few days a week. Parks and natural sites are usually open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset - if not 24 hours a day. In any case, check the schedule online before planning your day.

The Great West is ideal for travelers who like to plan ahead: most museums and art galleries offer reservations months in advance. While this is not always necessary, it is essential for specific excursions such as the ferry to Alcatraz Island, just north of San Francisco, or the guided tour of Antelope Canyon in northern Arizona. The reason for this is a growing international reputation and a limited number of daily visitors.

Although they generally provide access to the site for several days, both national and state park entrance tickets are relatively expensive when added together: expect to pay an average of US$20 per vehicle. It is also rare to find free museums. So, we recommend that you select your activities carefully and, above all, check the websites of the establishments for their pricing conditions: some open their doors for free on the first Tuesday or Thursday of the month, for example.

Film and music festivals as eclectic as they are grandiose, foot races along mythical routes, poker tournaments bringing together the world's best players, rodeos... The American West has a number of cultural highlights to suit all tastes.

In January, film and TV fans flock to the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles to see stars on their way to the Golden Globe Awards ceremony. In the same month, independent film buffs flock to the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Between February and March, the region is bustling with events, from Black History Month to the gigantic Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco. This is also the period when the Oscars are held, the most prestigious awards in the world of cinema and one of the most eagerly awaited days in the City of Angels.

In April, the most select party-goers gather at Coachella, in Indio - California. Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Flume, Doja Cat, Ye, Stromae, Disclosure, Beyoncé and Radiohead are just some of the big names who grace this not-to-be-missed music festival.

May is marked by Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla de los Ángeles in 1862. Today, it is above all a celebration of Mexican-American culture, particularly in California and Arizona, where it has a strong presence. On the third Sunday of the month, the legendary Bay to Breakers race livens up the streets of San Francisco.

In June , the World Series of Poker is in full swing in Las Vegas. And between its International LGBTQ Film Festival and Pride, San Francisco fully embraces Pride Month.

July is dear to the hearts of Americans: on the 4th, they celebrate Independence Day. Concerts, fireworks, parades... Every year, the country comes alive for this holiday, which remains a strong symbol of patriotism.

August is a rather quiet month, punctuated by the Long Beach Jazz Festival, south of Los Angeles. It's not until the end of the month that the party gets into full swing, at Burning Man - a crazy music festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert - a mecca for artistic celebration and free expression.

September is marked by the West's most famous camel and ostrich race - the International Camel and Ostrich Races - held annually in Virginia City, Nevada. Another major event: Life is Beautiful Festival, in Las Vegas. Previous guests include The Weekend, Green Day and Florence and the Machine.

Onthe first Sunday in October, San Francisco hosts the Castro Street Fair, an artistic and cultural event celebrating the dynamism and diversity of its LGBTQ+ community. At the end of the month, costumes take over the country for Halloween, which is a major event in the United States.

As a result, November kicks off with Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition of celebrating and welcoming the dead with meals and parties spread over two days.

Finally, December sees a notable event in Las Vegas: the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, considered the most prestigious rodeo in the world. In addition to the clashes between the 15 highest-ranked competitors, there's plenty of entertainment on offer.

Apart from sites that can only be visited with a guide - such as part of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, for example - parks and reserves can be explored on their own. On the other hand, a large number of museums and cultural establishments offer free guided tours or, failing that, provide self-guided tours.

As in France, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, on transportation and in the workplace. Generally speaking, it is not very common to see Americans with a cigarette in their hand.

Whether state or national, each park has a Visitor Center. There is always a gift shop and an exhibition - the size of which varies according to the size of the site - in addition to all the information necessary to explore the area.