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California is the third largest state of the United States of America, located on its western coast. Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose are the four largest cities of this state. A Spanish colony in late 18th Century, California was a part of Mexico when the former attained independence in 1821. It was ceded to U.S. after Mexican American War in 1846 and adopted as a state of U.S. in 1850.
There are many reasons to come to California. It is the Land of Wine and Food, a culinary delight, and a favorite of gourmets from all over the world. Chez Panisse (in Berkeley), regarded as the pioneer of California cuisine, serves tastiest food prepared from fresh ingredients grown organically. French Laundry (in Yountville) is widely reckoned among the world's best restaurants. It is no secret among connoisseurs that Napa Valley wines are as good as French. There are more than 200 wineries here, with Robert Mondavi Winery (Napa Valley) and Frey Vineyards (Redwood Valley) leading the pack.
Very few regions of the world share California's creativity. Its cultural bounty include J. Paul Getty Museum (in Los Angeles), rich in priceless contemporary as well as old master paintings, Walt Disney Concert Hall (in Los Angeles), home to Los Angeles Philharmonic, War Memorial Opera House (in San Francisco), the stage of San Francisco Opera and Balboa Park (in San Diego), the largest urban cultural park of the U.S.
California has more than 1000 miles of spectacular coastline. Big Sur is a region of central Californian coast from where Lucia Mountains rises from the Pacific Ocean. Coastal areas north of this region are rugged and dramatic, while beaches on the south are laid back. San Carlos Beach (South Coast) and Gold Bluffs Beach (North Coast) are just two of many beach attractions of California. The beaches provide ample opportunities for all types of water sports.
California is a paradise for nightlife lovers. One can shake legs on the beats of salsa, contra dancing, techno, hip hop, ballroom, cuban and more all night. Fillmore (in San Francisco), Viper Room, Mood (in Los Angeles) and Cafe Sevilla (San Diego) are popular places to indulge in nightlife.
Disneyland, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (in Vallejo) and California's Great America (in Santa Clara) are some of the places where children can have fun outing. Grown ups can treat themselves with golf, fishing, biking, camping, hiking, sailing and host of other activities.