Each US state has an official nickname based on what they’re most famous for. However, the question “Why is California called the Golden State?” is often asked because most people have no idea why it’s called such. Not known by many, the state is actually nothing but “golden.”
So, why is California called the Golden State? Its nickname branched from its history of growth, known as the Gold Rush, including the California state motto. Other reasons include the following:
- Golden sunset
- Golden poppies
- Golden trout
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Official bird, insect, marine fish, and colors
With those in mind, let’s discuss each one of them for you to have a better understanding of why they represent “gold.” Apart from that, let’s look into some of the things California is known for throughout the years. Of course, we’ll only focus on what you can enjoy as a retiree, as well as those that both you and your visiting family can enjoy.
Why is California the Golden State?
California is one of the US states with a nickname that’s challenging to figure out why it’s called such. It isn’t as straightforward as others, like the Sunshine State of Florida, wherein it’s too obvious since it has long summer and spring seasons. Additionally, there are multiple reasons it’s called California Golden State.
1. The Discovery of Gold
The main reason The Golden State became the official nickname of California in 1968 was the positive impact of the discovery of gold in the state around 1848. It’s also why gold is its official mineral since 1965, and “Eureka” (I have found it) is the official California State motto since 1963.
However, it first appeared in the state’s seal in 1849 because the mathematician Archimedes exclaimed it when he discovered the right method of determining gold’s purity.
Called the “golden rush,” California’s population grew to around 250,000 from the original 14,000 within four years. People started mining, trying their luck to find gold and make a fortune. Gold also contributed to California’s fast development and prosperity. It’s also the state in the US that produced more gold than any other state; in fact, they continue to pan gold from streambeds and mine the mineral.
2. The Beautiful Golden Sunset
California experiences a warm and dry summer season and is surrounded by many beaches. The sunset, especially on the beach, is one of the things that residents and tourists look forward to every day because of how breathtaking it is. The sun usually sets over the Pacific and boasts a golden yellow color that will make you feel like you’re looking at a work of art.
3. The Abundance of Golden Poppies
The abundance of golden poppy in the Golden State California is also one reason it got its nickname. Also known as California sunlight, California poppy, flame flower, and a cup of gold or copa de oro, it is the state’s official flower since 1903.
This ornamental plant and food garnish has a cup shape, silky texture, and four petals with brilliant yellow, red, and orange shades. It blooms in the wild fields in some areas of the state during spring and summer, making the land and mountains appear golden.
The state celebrates this nature’s gift every April 6, known as the California Poppy Day, and from May 13 to 18, called the Poppy Week.
4. The Golden Gate Bridge
Who would forget one of the most famous landmarks and tourist destinations in California? The Golden Gate Bridge!
Built around 1930, this orange-colored bridge spans the Golden Gate strait that connects the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. When the sun hits the bridge’s tall towers, you’ll enjoy how it glows or glistens like gold.
5. One of the Official Colors
Although somewhat related to the discovery of gold, one of the reasons the state’s nickname is California Golden State is that it’s one of its official colors, together with blue. The blue color represents the many beaches in the state, as well as the sky. On the other hand, gold represents the state’s official mineral.
Before becoming the state’s official colors, though, it was the University of California, Berkeley that started using them as the official school colors from 1875 to the present. Then, around 1913, the Secretary of State’s office used gold and blue colors on official documents. Hence, in 1951, the colors became the state’s official color.
6. The Golden Trout
Native to California, the Salmo agua-bonita or golden trout is the state’s official fish since 1947. It was usually only found in the icy bodies of water in High Sierra, but people started growing them in hatcheries and distributed them in other bodies of water around the state and across the country.
7. The Garibaldi
Another contributor to making the State of California a good representative of gold is the Hypsypops rubicundus or garibaldi fish. It has been the state’s official marine fish since 1995.
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.
8. The California Dogface Butterfly
If you’re still unconvinced that California has a lot of “golden” non-living and living things to offer, then the beautiful California dogface butterfly or dog head, scientifically known as Zerene eurydice, might convince you. It has been the state’s official insect since 1972.
Being one of the answers to the question “Why is California the golden state?” the male butterfly’s yellow wings display a dog’s head silhouette. Meanwhile, the female butterfly has a yellow color with a few black spots on its upper wings. You’ll find this butterfly from the Sierra Nevada’s foothills to the Coast Ranges.
9. The California Valley Quail
The Golden State California has another reason it deserves its nickname: the Laphortyx californica or California Valley Quail. Its color is a combination of gray, black, and white, but its eggs have thick, gold spots.
It has been the California state bird since 1931, and you can find it throughout the state. During the winter and fall months, you’ll see them in flocks, while during the spring, they’re usually in pairs.
What is California Known For?
Knowing what to expect in a place where you might want to spend your retirement years is essential for your well-being. Apart from The Golden State, California has other unofficial nicknames because of the many things it offers. Let’s explore some of those to help you decide if the state is the best place for you. Just keep in mind that you can’t find some of the ones listed below throughout California, but in most of its areas.
1. Vineyards and Wineries
Also known as The Grape State, California is among the states with the largest vineyards and more than a thousand small and large wineries. The state can produce approximately 81% of the country’s wine supply, and they even export to Europe. If you’re not fond of drinking wine, you can simply visit the vineyards and wineries, mostly in the Bay area, and Central, Russian River, and Napa Valley.
2. Parks and Forests
As noted earlier, California has plenty of wildlife to offer, such as the California state bird, mostly because it still is a perfect habitat. For instance, the state still has beautiful and serene forests to explore, where you can find giant sequoias or redwoods and other gigantic trees.
If exploring the forest with your reliable, moisture-wicking sun hat (view on Amazon) isn’t something you enjoy but love to be close to nature, the state has more than 200 state and national parks. In these parks, you’ll enjoy the majestic view of nature’s gift, such as the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and Death Valley, depending on which park you’re in at the moment.
3. Beaches
Repeatedly mentioned earlier, the State of California has many beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax while watching the sun set or rise. Just don’t forget to bring a set of beach towels (view on Amazon) for the whole family.
The water is also clear and clean and has a stunning blue color, perfect for any nature lover. Also, when you move to the state to retire and your family plans to visit you, the younger generation can enjoy the waves through surfing!
That is all thanks to the different rock formations in most California beaches. You can also enjoy collecting shells, as there are plenty along the seashores.
4. Hot Springs
If beaches are a little too much for you, don’t worry; California has lots of hot springs, too! Although you’ll find some hot springs that require a little hike or walk from the parking lots, a little exercise is good for your body. Having a companion is always advisable, though. Also, ensure you have your doctor’s approval if you have any ailments.
With that said, hot springs have health benefits that you must take advantage of and enjoy with your visiting family or friends.
5. Disneyland
Who says theme parks are just for the young generation? They’re also perfect for retirees who want to reminisce their childhood or who’ve been working hard. Disneyland, California, known as the happiest place on earth, has tons to offer that are safe and enjoyable for the young-at-hearts.
6. Food
Understandably, food is one thing that most of you would include on your list when looking for a home to spend your retirement years or the best retirement community. California is among the most culturally diverse states in the US, so expect to find various cuisines that will satisfy your cravings. It even has around 90 Michelin-starred restaurants.
7. Hollywood Film Industry
If you’re a movie buff, you already have an idea that California equals Hollywood. That isn’t only because of the Hollywood sign mounted on top of a mountain. It’s also because of the celebrity mansions in different areas in the state. You’ll also find several film studios or media houses, including Comedy Central, NBC Studios, CBS Studios, MTV, Dolby Theater, and BET.
You can even come across celebrities during normal days. Additionally, you can visit the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
If you want to watch live performances in the evening, you can do so thanks to the many theaters. What’s more, is in some theaters, there are nearby libraries, museums, and markets that you can visit while waiting for the theater opening.
Why Is California Called the Golden State: In Conclusion
Literally, California deserves the “The Golden State” title because of its official mineral, gold, and its contribution to how it blossomed into what it is now. Add that to everything that represents the gold color and the state motto itself. Figuratively, it’s a golden state simply because it can offer its locals and tourists several things, from attractions to food and activities that one can do.