So, How Big is Los Angeles County Exactly? Asking for a Friend (with a Really Big Dog)
Ever looked at a map of Los Angeles and thought, "Dang, that's a lot of sprawl!"? Yeah, you're not wrong. Los Angeles County is like the Mary Poppins' bag of locations – it holds multitudes (and by multitudes, we mean a whole lot of square miles). But just how much "a whole lot" are we talking about? Let's unpack this question bigger than a Kardashian's walk-in closet.
The Great Square Mileage Debate: Land vs. Sea (Who Wins?)
According to reliable sources (a.k.a. those fancy folks at the U.S. Census Bureau), Los Angeles County clocks in at a whopping 4,751 square miles. That's bigger than the state of New Jersey! Hold on, though, because there's a twist – just like that surprise third layer in your grandma's lasagna, there's more to the story. This number includes both land and water.
Landlubbers rejoice! Over 85% (or 4,058 square miles) is good ol' fashioned terra firma, perfect for building your Hollywood dreamscape mansion (or at least a decent-sized apartment).
But wait, there's more! The remaining 15% (around 693 square miles) is all about the H2O. That's a heck of a lot of Pacific Ocean coastline (think surfing lessons and celebrity yacht sightings) and don't forget the Channel Islands, Santa Catalina and San Clemente, chilling out just offshore. So, if you're looking for a place to perfect your mermaid impression, Los Angeles County has you covered.
The Key Takeaway? Los Angeles County is a land and water smorgasbord, offering something for everyone, whether you're a beach bum or a landlocked lizard.
So Big, It Needs Its Own Measuring System
Here's a fun fact: If you tried to walk across Los Angeles County at a brisk 3 miles per hour (let's be honest, it'll probably be slower because of all the cool stuff to stop and see), it would take you over 500 hours! That's more than 21 days of non-stop walking. Maybe invest in some good shoes and a portable charger for your selfie stick.
Alternatively, you could:
- Ride a bike for 3 weeks straight.
- Train a team of huskies and pretend you're on an epic Iditarod adventure (minus the snow).
- Just, you know, take the bus.
Los Angeles County is vast, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to get around and explore its many nooks and crannies.
The End Result: Big Enough for Your Dreams (and Probably a Few More)
So, there you have it. Los Angeles County is a sprawling metropolis with a whole lot of room for everything from Hollywood glitz to desert serenity. Whether you're a die-hard Angeleno or just planning a visit, remember, this ain't your grandma's town square. It's a big, beautiful, and diverse county with something to offer everyone (and their really big dog).
