California
"Eureka"
Nickname
Golden State
Capital
Sacramento
Statehood
September 9, 1850 (31st)
Motto
Eureka
Explore California
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Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About California
California is large enough that no single description holds — the state contains the highest point in the contiguous U.S. at Mount Whitney and, in Death Valley, one of its lowest and hottest, separated by roughly 85 miles. Its economy alone would rank among the largest in the world if it were an independent country.
Given that scale, the guides below are organized to help readers move through California in pieces: coastline, mountains, cities, and the industries that make the state as economically significant as it is geographically vast.