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California Hotels and Discount Family Vacation Information
Welcome to California! Known as the Golden State, California earned its nickname during the gold rush of the late 1840's, and retained the rights to its moniker over the rest of its history as a land of opportunity in the West.
California is land of snow-capped mountains, sandy deserts, grassy valleys, and beautiful beaches. In the heights of the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lake Tahoe, with two-thirds of its area in the state of the California, while one-third of it lies inside the state of Nevada. Also lying along the Sierra Nevada is Yosemite National Park with its clear streams, Giant Sequoia trees, and other natural beauty. Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States also lies within the Sierra chain.
On one side of the chain lies the desert known as Death Valley where temperatures reach into the 130's over the summer, and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere can be found. Just slightly southeast of Death Valley lies the Mojave National Preserve, which brims with historical significance -- Native American petrogylphs, old mines, and remnants of desert camps.
On the other side of the mountains are the lush valleys and the Pacific Coast. There can be found the historic towns, the coastal cities, California Wine Country, and Sacramento, the state capital.
Built on some 40 hills, San Francisco is one of California's most well known destinations with one of the most well known modern marvels-- the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also home to America's first "Chinatown" and "the crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street. While you're there don't forget to stop at Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate, watch the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, or take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. San Francisco is a must-visit in California; just don't call it 'Frisco, the locals hate it.
San Jose is in the heart of Silicon Valley, where technological innovations abound. It started as a farming community in the Santa Clara valley, and the Emma Prusch Farm Park, located near the center of town, is a testament to San Jose's history. This area is also home to some 50 wineries, and there are many events celebrating the area's viticulture.
If you want to explore more of the state's viticulture, take a trip to California's Wine Country in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Many of the well-known American wineries like Sutter Home, Napa Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars, and Pine Ridge are all located within these two valleys and most places offer tours of the vineyards and even "sampling."
Did you ever wonder where your Thanksgiving turkey came from? Chances are it was probably from Fresno, California, where more turkeys are raised than anywhere else in the United States. Fresno County is one of the nation's agricultural leaders. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, this area grows oranges, cotton and grapes for consumption all over the country.
If rubbing elbows with the stars and the beautiful people is what you're after, then your place to go is Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Officially El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles (The City of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels), the area is known simply as Los Angeles or L.A. This glittering, glamorous metropolis is where the beautiful people shine, and where the stars are made. Places like Malibu, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are home to some of the film industry's most well-known stars, while Long Beach, Redondo Beach, and Venice Beach are a great place to scope out beautiful bodies and enjoy some beachside fun.
No matter what the reason is for visiting California, its natural and cultural diversity is sure to keep you coming back for more.
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San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis, find yourself and get out and explore. 
