On February 22, National California Day recognizes the Golden State.

For more than a century, Spanish missionaries settle California. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican American War would play a pivotal role in making California a U.S. Territory. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico sold California along with its territories north of the Rio Grande for 15 million dollars.

Only days before the treaty was signed, gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gold rush of 1849 would set off an era of settlement unlike any a new territory had ever seen. Two years later, California became the 31st state.

While many think of sunny beaches and orange groves, California has a diverse climate. Each region boasts an opportunity for seasonal outdoor adventures. Whether surfing or downhill skiing is on the agenda, it’s sure to be found. If hiking among giant redwoods or touring historic missions is more to your liking, you’ll discover it here.

Of course, we can’t overlook Northern California’s wine country. Beautiful road trips and wine tastings along the magnificent Napa Valley or Sonoma County are a must for wine lovers.

Swimmin’ pools and movie stars, Califonia has those in large numbers.  While moving pictures weren’t born in California, Hollywood sure made them flourish. By the turn of the 20th century, Hollywood built a foundation of movie studios that continued to grow and many of which still exist today.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaliforniaDay

Take a tour of California and find something new to discover! Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 31st state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hide-a-ways, mysteries and incredible landscapes. Use #NationalCaliforniaDay to share on social media.

• NATURE – ART – HISTORY
• Hidden Treasures

For a complete list of California State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.parks.ca.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve – Lancaster Red Rock Canyon State Park – Cantil Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – Guerneville California Citrus State Historic Park – Riverside California Indian Heritage Center – Sacramento Clear Lake State Park – Kelseyville Emerald Bay State Park – South Lake Tahoe Fort Tejon State Historic Park – Lebec Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park – Pine Grove Pigeon Point Light Station – Pescadero Death ValleySequoia and Kings CanyonYosemite – Sierra Nevada Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front – Richmond La Brea Tar Pits – Los Angeles Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles Exploratorium – San Francisco Aquarium of the Bay – San Francisco Alcatraz Island – San Francisco Sutters Fort – Sacramento Depot Park Museum – Sonoma Computer History Museum – Mountain View

Alice Stebbin Wells – Police Officer – (June 13, 1873 – August 17, 1957)

Helen Wills Moody Roark – Tennis player – (October 6, 1905 – January 1, 1998)