There is more to California than the glitzy attitude of
Hollywood, warm sandy beaches, and earth-shaking quakes. As the
third largest state in the U.S., California may be more diverse than
any other state in the union, in terms of climate, geography, and
population. Here you will find cultured metropolitan cities, small
oceanside towns like Carmel, vast expanses of wildlife preserves
like those outside of
San Francisco, and a concentration of
amusement parks near Anaheim second only to Florida.
Californians are quick to assert their state's eclectic nature.
Northern Californians and Southern Californians claim their
differences from one another in earnest. These differences begin
with the weather: The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range up north may be
dotted with parka-clad skiers while tourists don shorts to roam the
sunny streets of Los Angeles. But amidst all this diversity, perhaps
the common thread that connects the state is the laid-back,
open-minded attitude of many of its inhabitants.
And while California may seem gleaming and new, it does have a
rich cultural history that can still be explored today. From the
white, stucco Missions of early settlers to the small mining towns
left behind by 49ers searching for the Mother Lode, California's
history is preserved throughout the state.
Because of its size, California cannot be seen all in one trip,
and, if you're like many visitors, you'll be drawn back by its
numerous charms. See for yourself why this is the state that draws
more than 51 million U.S. and international visitors each year.
