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In 1769, Spanish missionaries first established outposts in San Diego - and continued throughout the century up the coast north to San Francisco.

Today, California's early history is inexorably intertwined with Spain in a "chain" of missions that now stretches 650 miles along the El Camino Real or King's Highway.

California became a U.S. territory when Mexico surrendered it in 1847. The following year, the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill started the California Gold Rush, which for years afterward brought thousands of settlers looking to "strike it rich" and fulfill their dreams of wealth and glory.

While gold lured them to the West Coast, it was the beauty of the country, the amazing weather and the abundance of natural resources that kept them there.

Today, California continues luring those seeking riches and fame to Los Angeles and Hollywood.

Wine lovers also are drawn to world class vintages in grape growing areas throughout the state that rival even classic European wine country.

Other California natural wonders such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park awe both natives and visitors. Along the coast, 17 Mile Drive and California Highway 1 provide travelers with breathtaking scenery as they explore these world-famous stretches of the Golden State.

Beside works of nature, California is also home to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland in Anaheim. The British soccer star, David Beckham is only one of the celebrities who you'll find living in California, and tours of movie celebrity homes are a must-see on any visit to Los Angeles.

For more travel ideas, surf around at top sites offering plenty of detailed info on what else to see, where to go and what to do in California ...

Related Web Sites:

California Tourism - Catch your breath and settle down for the big site covering a big topic with travel updates, event schedule, top tourist sites and special highlights including theme parks and kid's attractions, the complete guide to hotels, RV parks and hostels, regional and state maps.

Anaheim Orange County California - The home of Disneyland, with information on what else there is to do with guides to hotels & restaurants, nightlife, beaches, family fun plus practical facts on getting around, pictures, maps & directions.

California Central Coast Tourism - Hit the beach running with this online guide to the state's natural wonders including beaches, trails, fishing guides, winery tours, related pictures and maps for Monterey, Ventura, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Santa Barbara counties.

Beach California - More virtual fun-in-the-sun offering an extensive collection of beach photos and information plus inland attractions nearby up and down the coast.

Northern California Travel and Tourism - Offering a virtual visitors guide with hotels, pictures, maps, event schedule, popular attractions and more for all eight northern California regions including Shasta, Trinity, Butte, Tehama, Siskiyou, Modoc, Plumas, and Lassen counties.

California Fall Travel Calendar:

California Summer Travel Calendar:

also see in Travel - > Los Angeles | San Francisco | San Diego

California Beaches | California Vineyards & Wineries

also see -> California Fall Foliage | Christmas in California

Moving to California | Ski & Snowboard California

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