| California was officially awarded the | | | | capital Sacramento - home to the |
| nickname of 'The Golden State' in 1968, | | | | interactive Golden State Museum, |
| due to its long history and association | | | | dedicated to the history of California. |
| with all things golden - including its | | | | But the city that most typifies the |
| famous sunshine! Life in the Pacific | | | | Golden State lifestyle is San Diego. |
| Coast state of California happens at a | | | | Being located in Southern California |
| different pace to the rest of the USA. | | | | affords the city a warmer climate than |
| It is the state-wide characteristics of | | | | the State's cooler northern areas. With |
| a mild climate, chilled-out residents, | | | | great beaches supporting a host of |
| beautiful beaches and stunning scenery | | | | exciting water sports and major |
| that prove the big draw to the Golden | | | | attractions within the city all in easy |
| State for visitors from throughout the | | | | reach, this is the Californian city to |
| world. | | | | visit if you only have time to see one |
| The geography throughout the state is | | | | of them. |
| very diverse, from the coastal Pacific | | | | The eighth largest city in the USA, San |
| plains in the west to the mountainous | | | | Diego offers visitors of all ages enough |
| Sierra Nevada, bordering Arizona and | | | | to keep them happily occupied on a |
| Nevada in the east. In between the two | | | | vacation of any length. Surfing is a |
| is the fertile Central Valley, an | | | | major activity at the many beaches |
| important agricultural area for the USA. | | | | throughout the region and the culture of |
| The Sierra Nevada is home to the | | | | its participants has rubbed off on the |
| spectacular Yosemite and Sequoia | | | | general population, giving them a |
| National Parks, the latter of which | | | | relaxed and pleasant demeanor. Palm |
| contains fine examples of the largest | | | | trees line the streets and the sun |
| living organisms on earth: the Giant | | | | shines for most of the year in this |
| Sequoia. To sample everything that the | | | | idyllic part of California. |
| Golden State has to offer a trip to this | | | | Downtown hotels in San Diego are a great |
| area is a must. | | | | place to stay in order to sample the |
| Since the influx of initial residents | | | | Golden State's good life. Not only are |
| attracted by the Gold Rush of 1849 | | | | they in the heart of all the city's |
| California has steadily expanded to | | | | amenities, they are next to the harbour |
| become the most populous state in the | | | | and only a short drive to the beach. |
| USA. Big cities in the State include San | | | | You'll enjoy your stay so much you won't |
| Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and the | | | | want to leave. |