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