Visit the Golden State of California and sample the good life

California was officially awarded the nickname of ‘The Golden State’ in 1968, due to its long history and association with all things golden - including its famous sunshine! Life in the Pacific Coast state of California happens at a different pace to the rest of the USA. It is the state-wide characteristics of a mild climate, chilled-out residents, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery that prove the big draw to the Golden State for visitors from throughout the world.

The geography throughout the state is very diverse, from the coastal Pacific plains in the west to the mountainous Sierra Nevada, bordering Arizona and Nevada in the east. In between the two is the fertile Central Valley, an important agricultural area for the USA. The Sierra Nevada is home to the spectacular Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, the latter of which contains fine examples of the largest living organisms on earth: the Giant Sequoia. To sample everything that the Golden State has to offer a trip to this area is a must.

Since the influx of initial residents attracted by the Gold Rush of 1849 California has steadily expanded to become the most populous state in the USA. Big cities in the State include San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and the capital Sacramento - home to the interactive Golden State Museum, dedicated to the history of California.

But the city that most typifies the Golden State lifestyle is San Diego. Being located in Southern California affords the city a warmer climate than the State's cooler northern areas. With great beaches supporting a host of exciting water sports and major attractions within the city all in easy reach, this is the Californian city to visit if you only have time to see one of them.

The eighth largest city in the USA, San Diego offers visitors of all ages enough to keep them happily occupied on a vacation of any length. Surfing is a major activity at the many beaches throughout the region and the culture of its participants has rubbed off on the general population, giving them a relaxed and pleasant demeanor. Palm trees line the streets and the sun shines for most of the year in this idyllic part of California.

Downtown hotels in San Diego are a great place to stay in order to sample the Golden State's good life. Not only are they in the heart of all the city’s amenities, they are next to the harbour and only a short drive to the beach. You’ll enjoy your stay so much you won’t want to leave.