California: It's hard to always be on vacation!
Overview
History
Lifestyle
Theme parks
Shopping
Buff, beautiful and bronzed, the 'Golden State' could not be more aptly named.
California is a sly seductress tempting you with her bountiful riches, a creative genius who bowls you over with ideas and trends poised to take the world by storm. She's a bon vivant, passionately feasting on the smorgasbord of life, never taking things - or herself - too seriously. California is all that and more, to those who live there and to the millions who visit each year, eager to see what all the fuss is about.
And what is all the fuss about? The surf crashing against blissful beaches and fog-shrouded cliffs, for starters. Then there's the big-shouldered mountains chiseled into rugged splendor by glaciers and the elements, and the giant graceful trees reaching for the heavens. And as you zigzag through canyons along pathways once trod by native inhabitants and pioneers, or pass through ghost towns of the rough-and-tumble frontier days, it's there too. That California magic.
California’s fabled history has always been about new opportunities and chasing dreams, and the people who make them happen. From the young men who arrived during the Gold Rush to those who looked for a new start during the Depression, and every starry-eyed aspiring actress who heads to Hollywood today, the state has nurtured the dreams of men and women throughout its exciting and varied history.
California’s Native Peoples
For millennia before the first European explorers arrived, California was home to more than 300,000 Native Californians. Indigenous people were likely living in California by 20,000 – 10,000 B.C.E.
European Discoveries
In 1542 C.E., Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first documented European to set foot in present-day California. Exploring for Spain, he landed at San Diego, Catalina Island, San Pedro and Santa Monica on the mainland, and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands.
In 1579, Sir Francis Drake, on assignment from England to raid Spanish shipping and settlements, landed north of San Francisco Bay to make repairs to his ship. He met a group of indigenous Californians, and claimed the territory for England.
Finding Independence
In an effort to Christianize and colonize the New World, in 1769 Spain sent a group of Franciscan padres to found San Diego De Alcala, the first of 21 coastal missions. Eventually extending along the 650-mile El Camino Real trail, the missions signaled the beginning of the end of the relative peace and prosperity of indigenous Californians.
The same year, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola established settlements at San Diego, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco, among others.
In 1821, Mexico, which included California, won independence from Spain. In 1846, the Bear Flag Revolt won independence for a small area of California for one week, until the U.S. Army arrived. The current California state flag is based on the flag used in this revolt. In 1848, California became a U.S. holding as a result of the Mexican-American War.
Finding Gold
James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's sawmill in January 1848, kicking off the famous Gold Rush of 1849. Men, and later women, streamed into the area from across the country, determined to find a nugget of opportunity.
People’s Progress
California was admitted into the Union as the 31st state on September 9, 1850. In 1860, he Pony Express mail courier service was established, improving communication with the Midwest. The youngsters who raced cross-country brought a new mindset of adventure and opportunity with them. In 1869, their race ended, but another began – the incredible race for the newest and greatest technology got a jumpstart when the transcontinental railroad system opened.
Overcoming Disaster
In 1906, a massive earthquake struck San Francisco. The resulting fires almost destroyed the city. However, people refused to give up the California dream – the city was soon rebuilt, and progress continued. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake hit the Bay Area, bringing about the dramatic collapse of the Bay Bridge.
Hollywood Memories
In 1910, the first movie was shot in Hollywood, In Old California. One year later, the Nestor Company opened Hollywood’s first film studio, kicking off the industry that would become the movie capital of the world by the end of the decade.
Escape to Paradise
In 1933, dust storms in the Midwest began to drive thousands of farming families to California looking for a new start. Many ended up in the Civilian Conservation Corps., which created some of the amazing landmarks visible today.
Silicon Valley
In 1939, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded Hewlett-Packard in a Palo Alto garage. In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniack released the Apple I computer on April Fool’s Day.
Love and Sun
In 1967, hippies converged in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district for the Summer of Love.
Eureka! That's California's motto, which means "I have found it." Whatever it is you're looking for, you can surely find it here. A destination that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated, California epitomizes a place where anything can happen - and usually does. Californians revel in their quirks and contradictions, and are proud to live in one of the most diverse and exciting places in the world. We work, we play, we dream, we breathe, we exist - we extend an open invitation for you to embrace your inner Californian and find yourself here. So, come live life in the fast lane, but don't forget to recycle!
Start with a quick history lesson to set the stage for what California is about, and browse the tidbits below that speak about our personal interests and cultural heritage.
More than 200 different languages are spoken in California. The arrival of people from every corner of the globe makes the state one of the most tolerant, cosmopolitan and open-minded societies on the planet. By embracing our people, we also embrace their culture, lifestyle, language and religion. Lucky us, and lucky you: all these different cultures create an undeniable variety of music, art, dance, histories and celebrations – not to mention cuisine – just waiting for you to explore.
African American - California is rich in African American culture and history. Many came here to follow their dreams, or find a new life.
Asian and Pacific Islander - Nearly 40% of the U.S.’s Asian American population lives in California.
Latino - One out of every three Californians is Latino, which translates to more than 14 million people making their mark on the state’s culture.
Native American - California’s native people are actively reviving and preserving their languages, traditions and culture.
Gay & Lesbian - Perhaps no other place in the country has been as closely associated with gay and lesbian culture and lifestyle as California.
Local Scoop
Step off the beaten path, explore new territory, and experience parts of the Golden State you didn't know existed. It's time to get Inside California. And who better to give an all-access tour of this great state than its hippest locals? Here, some of California's best and brightest dispense their insider advice on everything from experiencing the perfect sunset to discovering the best late-night haunts—all you need to know to make California your own.
Eco-Awareness
California has been blessed with vast resources, and its residents have been committed to making the state green. Most Californians are very conscious of the natural environment and have been successful largely in conserving lands and protecting endangered species. Throughout the state, you will find a staggering geographical diversity in landscapes – tide pools, chaparral, forests, lava beds, and just about any other ecological zone. In addition to the many national parks and forests, the state park system extends your reach to wildlife reserves, long stretches of coastline, and other environmentally sensitive habitats.
California has long been the land of adventure, where kids and adults alike revel in their youth through feats of gravity. It all started in 1928, when Knott family built a teahouse on their 10-acre berry farm in Southern California—and Knott’s Berry Farm became America’s first theme park. Then, in 1954, Walt Disney’s crews began clearing 160 acres of Anaheim orange trees to make room for the first modern mega theme park. In 1962, Universal Studios Hollywood joined the gang with its backlot tour. To this day, Walt’s creation still reigns as California’s best-known amusement park—but Disneyland has plenty of fine company in parks large and small around the state.
So Much Fun
Find a full day of entertainment all in one place. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can take the Studio Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking secrets and witness heart-pounding special effects and shocks from familiar blockbusters.
Walt’s inimitable Disneyland is the granddaddy of all contemporary amusement parks. In 2007, its classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has been updated to include Jack Sparrow and his nemesis, the ghostly Barbossa.
Kids and kids at heart will love LEGOLAND California, just 30 minutes north of San Diego. Opened in 1999, the family theme park has more than 55 rides, shows and attractions including the new Land of Adventure.
The Wild Animal Park at the world famous San Diego Zoo, is an expansive wildlife sanctuary home to more than 3,500 animals represneting more than 400 species - including a renowned botanical collection.
For undeniable kid-friendly appeal, take the family to SeaWorld in San Diego to experience unique animal encounters including the famed killer whale show, "Believe - the Shamu Show".
If you're a fan of Knott's Berry Farm, you can also get wet at Knott’s Soak City Palm Springs, a 16-acre, 1950s-surf-themed desert oasis with a seven-story, high-speed slide and a 600-foot “lazy river” for peaceful floating.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia competes for attention with numerous Los Angeles–area parks, from the Santa Monica Pier to Universal Studios Hollywood. Six Flags distinguishes itself by packing in more superlative coasters—17 in all—than any other park.
A world-class museum in a small California town - stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and see stunning displays of underwater life, not to mention the enormous Outer Bay tank and the ever charming sea otters.
In 2007, the classic seaside Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrated its 100th year of entertaining all ages with a mix of venerable roller coasters, old-fashioned arcades, brand-new thrill rides (look for the high-energy, surfer-themed WipeOut), and free concerts on the beach.
Explore the Central Coast’s newly christened Gilroy Gardens (formerly Bonfante Gardens), which bills itself as the country’s “only horticultural theme park.”
Beat the Central Valley heat by slipping down one of the 20-plus body, inner-tube, and flume slides at Clovis’s 52-acre Wild Water Adventure Park.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo combines numerous live animal shows and exhibitions with hyper-size amusement park rides.
Thrill seekers can sluice down a five-story serpentine waterslide into a cyclone pool at Redding’s Water Works Park. Smaller guests can splash safely in a shallow pool tricked out with a mushroom fountain and a trickling mini river.
From late spring through early fall, Tahoe Amusement Park offers old-fashioned fun for kids. Attractions range from the gentle train and carousel to the stomach-churning Tilt-A-Whirl.
Take your young ones to Sacramento’s small Funderland, with plenty of rides (and thrills) to excite the under-12 set, but without the long walks and lines of larger parks.
Shopping is an art form in California. Whether you're in search of the perfect cocktail dress or an authentic Mexican piñata, you'll find it here. Want to sample fresh produce? Try our farmers markets. Looking for a handmade ceramic bowl? Check out one of the many artist enclaves dotting the state. Simply looking for a great bargain on shoes? California has some of the largest outlet centers in the country. Or are you looking to indulge in the latest designer wear? Then head to our high-end shopping districts or malls.
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Unique Boutiques
California is an artist’s haven, and the savvy shopper benefits from the creative energy of our artisans throughout the state. California crafters, artists and artisans create by hand exquisite jewelry, ceramics, musical instruments and hand-bound books—as well as a host of fine art pieces, ranging from one-of-a-kind sculpture installations to cutting edge photography and paintings. And California is also one of the epicenters for fair-trade objects, as many galleries specialize in importing fair-trade arts and crafts from around the world.
You’ll find unusual iron garden ornaments and locally handcrafted home accessories nestled amid the blooming native plants at Redding’s Wild Thyme Gifts & Gardens.
Distinctive Neighborhoods: Spots to Stroll and Shop
California cities and towns are defined by their unique neighborhoods. Join the locals who mingle over a cappuccino before exploring the nearby boutiques and shops.
California is full of small towns with wonderful shopping. Two great examples: Carmel and Monterey. These historic and picturesque towns are best explored on foot. In Monterey discover its galleries, jewelry stores, and antique shops. Or in Carmel, meander from one unique boutique to another along nearly hidden paths lined with riotously colorful gardens.
When you think of upscale shopping in California, you probably think of Los Angeles’s Rodeo Drive where famous faces in oversized sunglasses are regularly photographed—exiting couture boutiques such as Armani, Badgley Mischka, Cartier, and Dolce & Gabbana.
The Brand Names: Finding It All in One Place
Searching for the ideal wedding gift? Or want to score a great bargain on shoes? Then head to one of California’s numerous outlets and malls, where you can find everything from haute couture to budget-pleasers.
For hundreds of retailers in one place, go to Orange County’s South Coast Plaza, an upscale world unto itself. Its retailers—including five major department stores—range from inexpensive accessory stores (Claire’s Accessories) to high-end boutiques (Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent).
Outlet malls dot the Central Valley, from the Vacaville Premium Outlets to the Preferred Outlets at Tulare (particularly strong on off-price children’s apparel).