The great state of California is one of the largest and most culturally varied places a person could wish to visit. With a population of over 35 million people, one in 8 US citizens make their home there. Only Alaska and Texas have a larger geographical landmass. With attractions from state parks featuring enormous redwoods, to world-class museums, zoos, sports clubs, amusement parks, ski resorts, and glorious beaches, California evokes images of paradise in almost everyone's mind!

Brief History

California has a long and extraordinarily romantic history. Originally named for a romantic novel popular in Spain in the 16th century, California initially only the small peninsular tip now known as Baja. The Spaniards who discovered it thought that California was an enormous island! As the state progressed, and population swelled (due largely to the completion of railroads, and the gold rush of 1849), California pushed for statehood. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore signed a bill that made California the 31st state. 

California Fast Facts

The state capitol of California is Sacramento, birthplace of the great gold rush, the pony express, and the first continental railroad. Sacramento was California's first charter city, founded in 1849 at the confluence of the state's two largest rivers. 

The state flag is the historic bear flag. Designed by William Todd, the flag features a grizzly bear (the official state animal), one star, and the words, "California Republic". Originally, this flag was flown in protest of Mexican rule, but was later (in 1911) adopted as the official state flag of California

California features both the highest and lowest points in the continental United States. Strangely enough, these points are within 100 miles of each other. Mount Whitney measures 14,495 feet, while Bad Water (in Death Valley) is 282 feet below sea level.

California has seen a large increase in home prices in recent years, leading to a mortgage boom for some companies.

The state flower is the California poppy, and the state tree is the Redwood.

Events and Attractions

Visitors to California have plenty of reason to shout, "Eureka, I have found it!"  California has a great number of events and attractions. Depending on your interests, you can travel to vastly populous areas, or places where the population is less than the elevation. As you progress northward through the state, the area becomes lush and green, with abundant forests and camping opportunities. The western side of the state borders the Pacific Ocean, and there you can enjoy beaches and island excursions. As you travel west, you'll find the landscape getting drier and rockier. California also boasts world-class vineyards and "wine country" (producing over 17 million gallons of wine per year). You can also go to some of the best hotels in the country (California is home to 24 of them), or to one of the top ten spas in the United States. Professional sports teams include: the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, the Oakland Raiders, the San Francisco 49'ers, the LA Dodgers, the Oakland A's, and the San Diego Padres. Los Angeles features a world class zoo and botanical garden, or (if you're in the mood for something a bit more down home) try the annual Fallbrook Avocado festival. Red Bluff hosts the largest three-day rodeo in the U.S., or check out a massive collection of military aircraft in Atwater at the Castle Air Museum. Sequoia National Park contains the world's largest tree - reputed to be 102 feet in circumference. If you're into presidential trivia, you can go to the birthplace of Richard Nixon, or to Simi Valley to see the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum. Try spotting celebrities throughout the state. Many stars live and work in Los Angeles! California is home to both the Raisin (Fresno) and Artichoke (Castroville) Capitals of the World. In fact, Marilyn Monroe was Castroville's first Artichoke Queen in 1949!

California isn't nicknamed the "Golden State" for no reason. Almost any visitor with any interest can find a niche there. Certainly, the abundance of natural beauty, attractions, and activities make any tourist feel as though they've, "struck gold".