
The Golden State is not golden for everyone. There are many reasons Why Is California Called the Golden State , but they all have to do with its history and location. The name goes back to 1849 when gold was discovered in Coloma, CA. Gold fever swept through the state as people mined for gold along rivers and creeks, making it seem like a golden land of opportunity.
However, these opportunities weren’t available to everyone because there were laws that prevented minorities from owning property or mining for gold during this time period.
- Short History of California
- Why is California called the Golden State?
- What is California Famous For?
- The Film Industry in Hollywood
- Wineries and Vineyards
- Delicious Food
- San Diego Zoo & Safari Park- San Diego
- Universal Studios Hollywood- Universal City, Los Angeles County
- The California State Capitol Building- Sacramento
- Malibu Coastline & Surfing
- Death Valley National Park- Death Valley, Inyo County & Nye County
- Yosemite National Park- Mariposa County & Tuolumne County
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame- Los Angeles
- The Hot Springs
- San Francisco Bay Area- San Francisco, Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk- Santa Cruz County
- Final Thought
Short History of California
California is located on the west coast of the United States. It is known as one of the most diverse states because it has a large Hispanic population, many people are immigrants from other countries, and there are also many African American communities here.
- California was part Mexican territory until Mexico lost its control over this area during an 1846 military engagement with US troops along Alta California. The Mexican-American war ended in 1848 and this is when the Gold Rush began.
- California’s economy has always been very diverse because it houses some of the world’s top technology companies, such as Google and Apple Inc., but also a large agricultural industry that exports many products like fruits and nuts to other countries around the globe.
- California now has a population of 39.51 million according to the 2019 census. The growing population has made California one of the most popular states for people who are interested in buying a new home.
According to statistics, more than 333 thousand houses have been sold each year on average between 2012 and 2014.

Why is California called the Golden State?
There are contributing factors to why California is called the Golden State.
The Golden sunset
The Gold Rush gave it its first nickname of “El Dorado” which means “the city of gold”. Another reason has to do with the state’s location on the west coast, where many people are drawn by promises of opportunity and wealth that have been created throughout history because this area was not always populated.
Californians are also very diverse, which is one reason why the state has been called the Golden State. The gold rush was an opportunity for many people who were marginalized because of their ethnicity or gender to seek new lives in California with hopes that they too could strike it rich and participate in building a city on hills made out of gold.
Every summer, the brilliant golden sunset on the coast captures people and visitors alike, who look forward to it every day.
Golden Discovery in 1848
The Golden State is not golden for everyone. There are many reasons why California is called the Golden State, but they all have to do with its history and location. The name goes back to 1849 when gold was discovered in Coloma, CA. Gold fever swept through the state as people mined for gold along rivers and creeks, making it seem like a golden land of opportunity.
However, these opportunities weren’t available to everyone because there were laws that prevented minorities from owning property or mining for gold during this time period.
The discovery of gold in California around 1848 had a beneficial influence on the state’s name. It explains why gold has been its official mineral since 1965, and “Eureka” (I’ve discovered it) is the state motto since 1963.
California Quail (Callipepla californica)
The California Valley Quail, also known as the Laphortyx californica, has another explanation for its name: it’s a golden state rarity. Its hue is a mix of gray, black, and white, but its eggs are encrusted in gold dots.
It may be found in every nook and cranny of California. Since 1931, it has been the state bird of California. During the winter and fall, they gather in flocks, but during the spring, they are typically seen alone.
Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita)
The Salmo agua-bonita is the state’s official fish, but it used to be only found in icy lakes. Golden trout are native to California, but people started growing them in hatcheries and distributing them around the state.
Golden Gate Bridge
This orange-colored bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, built in 1930. You may notice how the tall towers of the bridge reflect or glow like gold when the sun shines on them.
Catalina Goldfish
The Hypsypops rubicundus or garibaldi fish is another excellent representative of gold in the State of California. Since 1995, California’s official marine fish.
Belonging to the damselfish family, the adult garibaldi has an orange body, while the young ones have a reddish-orange body with bright blue spots! It lives in the shallow bodies of water on the Southern California coast or from the Monterey Bay to Baja California.
The adult Garibaldi has an orange body and lives from the Southern California coast to Baja California.
Gold – One of the State’s Colors
California is one of the state’s official colors, along with blue, and one of the reasons for its moniker Golden State is that it’s a gold-producing state. The blue color represents the state’s numerous beaches, as well as the sky. Gold, on the other hand, is the state’s official mineral.
California Golden State is one of two official colors of the state, along with blue. One of the reasons for the state’s name being California Golden State is that it’s one of the official hues, alongside blue. The blue color of the seal depicts Florida’s many beaches, as well as the sky. Gold, on the other hand, represents the state’s official mineral.
Zerene Eurydice
The California dogface butterfly, scientifically known as Zerene eurydice has been the state’s official insect since 1972. However, the California dogface butterfly is not as golden in color as its name suggests.
It has black wings with white spots and orange-yellow coloring on the edges of its forewings. It also has two tails that make it one of a kind!
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
California’s Golden State gets its name from the prevalence of golden poppy in the state. It has been the state’s official flower since 1903, when it became known as California sunlight, California poppy, flame flower, and a cup of gold or copa de oro.
What is California Famous For?
California has several other unofficial monikers because of the various things it has to offer. Let’s look at some of them to see if the state is right for you. Keep in mind that while some of the following are not found in all parts of California, many are found throughout the majority of its regions.
The Film Industry in Hollywood
For movie buffs, the state of California is instantly recognizable for its famous landmarks and powerful figures. It’s not just because there’s a massive Hollywood sign on top but also due to celebrity mansions across different areas in this region which have been plastered by cinema history- from Comedy Central headquarters all through film studios like NBC/Universal Studios Propel Pictures Deenacosystems Animation Network Television Alliance BET television network.
Wineries and Vineyards
Not only is California the top wine-producing state in America, it has also been ranked as having some of the best wineries and vineyards. The region boasts over 400 wineries with a yearly output of more than half a billion dollars (estimated). While Napa Valley receives most of this attention for its fine wines, there are several other regions across California that are also known for their wines and vineyards.
Delicious Food
California is not just famous for its wine but also has some of the best dining experiences across the world! The state offers cuisine from all over America, Europe and even Asia. It’s definitely one of those places that have something for everyone when it comes to food. From organic vegan cafes & restaurants through to high-end French and Italian cuisines, you can definitely find something to fit your tastes and preferences.
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park- San Diego
Whether or not you’re a fan of animals or zoos, there’s no denying the fact that this zoo is one of the best in the world! It has over 700 species (including more than 40 endangered ones) and almost 4000 animals representing different regions of California and around the world.
Universal Studios Hollywood- Universal City, Los Angeles County
This is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Californians as well as tourists from all over the United States and beyond! The theme park hosts some great rides including Jurassic Park: The Ride, King Kong 360 & Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride. It also hosts numerous other attractions including Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem & Transformers: The Ride-
The California State Capitol Building- Sacramento
Another iconic landmark in this state is its capitol building located here in Sacramento. This beautiful structure has been around since 1874 and continues to be one of the greatest landmarks in California.
Malibu Coastline & Surfing
There are several iconic beaches along this coastline, including Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Santa Monica State Beach and Zuma Beach. Not only is it home to these famous Hollywood actors’ mansions but also hosts some great events like Surf City USA U.S. Open of Surfing and Malibu International Film Festival
Death Valley National Park- Death Valley, Inyo County & Nye County
While the national park is known for its harsh climate (it has recorded some of the highest temperatures in history), it also offers several tourist attractions like Furnace Creek Visitor Center that features historical exhibits about this park and the surrounding area as well as a museum that houses fossils from this region.
Yosemite National Park- Mariposa County & Tuolumne County
Established in 1890, Yosemite is one of America’s oldest national parks! It offers several tourist attractions including Half Dome which is famous for its vertical face and epic views to explore.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame- Los Angeles
There are over 2400 stars along this famous walkway which has been around since 1960! It features several historical figures in film history, politics and music industry who have left their legacy by having a star placed on the sidewalk pavement outside of these landmark buildings that they were born or had died in.
The Hot Springs
There are around 25 hot springs across California that have been popular for their healing qualities as well as the relaxation and serenity. Some of these hot spring destinations include Lassen Volcanic National Park Hot Springs, Folsom Prison-Inmates Rehabilitation Center & Spa and Big Bear Lake Resort Association Historic Hot Springs.
San Francisco Bay Area- San Francisco, Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
While this area is known for its world famous landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge and Palace of Fine Arts as well as popular attractions such as UC Berkeley Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium; it also hosts several great events like Yerba Buena Gardens Festival & Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk- Santa Cruz County
This is the oldest amusement park in California and has been around since 1907! It features some great rides along with amazing food, live entertainment shows and family friendly attractions to explore including Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Hurricane Wave Pool & Looff Carousel.
This state has such a rich history and is home to some of the best tourist attractions as well as events that are hosted throughout its many regions. You can enjoy these awesome landmarks, beaches or even theme parks like this one living right here in California!

Final Thought
The Golden State has always been a place where the American Dream is possible. For over 150 years, California has stood for opportunity and freedom to many people who have come here in search of that dream.
It may be time you considered making your own dreams happen at home by moving to one of these awesome cities in California! Whether it’s San Francisco, Los Angeles or Sacramento – there are plenty of great places to call home in the Golden State.
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