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