California is known as the Golden State for good reason - from sun-kissed beaches to the glamour of Hollywood, this is a state rich with opportunity and adventure.

Its diversity is evident on arrival through the contrast between the gateway cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Each offers a totally different Californian experience. The former the glitz, glamour and sunshine that epitomises Southern Californian, the latter a cultural big hitter that is the home of 'California cuisine'.

Venture away from these iconic cities and there's much more as well. Be it the towering forests of redwoods and wild splendour of Yosemite National Park, the dramatic coastline along the famed Pacific Coast highway, or the epic grandeur of Southern Californian deserts, the state is wonderland of natural diversity.

California's 1,110 miles of beaches offer limitless water sports and a unique surf-inspired culture while inland; the Sierra Nevada mountain range provides some of the world's finest hiking and skiing.