California is one of the largest states in the US (trailing Alaska and Texas in size) and (used to be) commonly referred to as the Golden State, which originates from the gold rush of 1849, in which very few miners did anything but become broke, while those that supplied the miners with materials grew very rich.

California is located along the west coast of the United States and is one of the most visited places on the planet. The capital has moved over time but is currently (2005) in Sacramento, located in the central part of the state -- who cares?

The California coastline has a Mediterranean climate and as such, has attracted large populations and have successfully used political means, particularly in the southern region (Los Angeles in particular) to redirect water resources from both northern regions and other states to serve thirsty populations. Central California is the breadbasket of the nation. Without it, the USA would face what China now faces, inability to feed its population.

The land that is now California state was occupied by natives (so-called American Indians by Christopher Columbus) for perhaps tens of thousands of years. Scientists now believe those natives took the long journey across a natural bridge that connected Asia what is now Alaska. Mexico claimed ownership of what is now California and to some extent, controlled its use for several hundred years through a network of missions, with their primary purpose to convert natives to Christianity under threat of death or starvation, in the name of Jesus Christ -- a terrible twist on the primary message of love from the Prince of Peace.

The USA annexed California as a result of the Mexican-American war, a war instigated by a minor border dispute that turned into a broader conflict. In any case, the USA prevailed and the state now (2005) boasts the 5th largest economy in the world. Ironic to note that the state is now 51% minority, mostly Spanish speaking, so Latin America may have won the war in the long run.

Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and is located in the southern half of the state. It is a great and very diverse city; from Hollywood to East L.A. you can find every possible lifestyle represented in this microcosm. Los Angeles is home to traffic jams, smog, and political power in the state.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to the city of San Francisco, generally seen as one of the coolest places on the planet; the (no longer) liberal haven of Berkeley; and Silicon Valley, home to a multitude of high-tech companies and venture capitalists and Stanford University, legacy of capitalist titan Leland Stanford Jr.

Worthwhile attractions in San Francisco include 1-hour bay tours, Alcatraz tour with audio (book days in advance the use Will Call window at pier 42), Cable Car from Market & Powell to Chinatown, Ocean beach and windmill, Golden Gate bridge (right lane car park on far side and walk back on bridge), and Presidio (old army base that is green and beautiful), and Fisherman's Warf (only for the view and restaurants -- not the shops or wax museum, Ripley's believe it or not, etc.) The Cliffhouse restaurant has beautiful views (available free on adjacent Ocean Beach) and overpriced food). Pier 39 is the most visited location in the city and is simply a tourist trap, Ghirardelli Square no longer has a Chocolate factory, just an ice cream restaurant and expensive shops. The SF zoo is cold since near the Pacific Ocean and is dilapidated.

Sausalito is a former artists city north of SF used to be headed by a madam (yes, pimp) mayor. Now it is yuppie-ville with basic housing in the $5 million range. It offers beautiful views (if you can find a place to put the car). Lunch dining is okay but the dinner experience is ugly. Shopping is typical and the walk along the bay is nice. For those that appreciate nature, escape to nearby Muir Woods, where you can touch giant redwood trees in a magnificant ancient forest.

An hour north of SF beginds a part of the state's renouned wine country starting with Napa and Sonoma Counties and extending to Mendocino and Lake Counties. There are several hundred open-to-the-public tasting rooms within an hour drive of eachother.

The Central Coast runs between L.A. and San Francisco with Santa Barbara as its most important city. The Central Coast is beautiful and scenic. North of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo (SLO) has maintained its old main street, famous for Farmers' Market on Thursday night, and one of two polytechnic universities (Cal Poly) with its emphasis on Engineering and Agricultural disciplines.

Located 12 miles north of SLO-town is Morro Bay with Morro Rock (a volcanic dome), electricity plant (with 3 ugly smokestacks), seafood restaurants, and tourist shops. A hundred miles north lies Hearst Castle, famous home of newspaper baron William Randolph, who's life inspired the widely-acclaimed film, Citizen Kane. In the flick, the castle is called Xanadu (no serious connection to the song by Oliva Newton John).

San Diego is located in the south of the state and offers good beaches and water-based sports. It is home to the west-coast submarine fleet for the US military. There are many family-friendly things to visit in San Diego including Sea World, Mission San Diego De Acala, and the Wild Animal Park. Avoid the World Famous San Diego Zoo unless you like crowds and prefer not to see large wild animals close-up.

Southern California is also known for its theme parks: Disneyland, California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, and many more. These places are very fun to visit, and continue bring in tourists by the millions every year. If you go Disney, always use fast-passes to get yourself scheduled on the popular rides. If you go Universal, bite the bullet and get VIP passes -- you'll do all the popular rides in a single morning -- otherwise prepare to wait 2 hours per ride!

Some of the most beautiful spots for hiking and other outdoor activities are Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, and Yosemite in the High Sierra. Reaching as it does from the Mexican border in the south to the Pacific Northwest in the north, California must have one of the most diverse climates of any state. If you can stand the heat, try exploring one of California's many deserts, such as Death Valley. On the other end of the climate spectrum, the redwood rainforests of the North Coast are truly a sight to behold and offer a very different glimpse of a beautiful state!