Gold was what brought the world to California more than a century and a half ago. Gold of a different vein — nature’s gold — draws the world to California today. National parks , lakes, rivers, deserts, redwood glens, and wind-tousled peaks; Yosemite , Death Valley , Big Sur and Mt. Lassen — the list of California’s most precious commodities goes on and on. Not to mention the California State Parks system has treasures as diverse as the state: herein you will find the largest and most diverse natural and cultural heritage holdings of any in the nation.

To grasp California’s true gold, you must leave the words behind and go to one of the state’s many special places. Experience the outdoor magic at the edge of Lake Tahoe. Hoist a backpack and head for the backcountry of the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, where you can hike to a swimming hole framed by a granite gorge. You can even take a boat out to one of the five islands of Southern California's Channel Islands National Park and camp where sea lions outnumber campers a thousand to one. And, families travelling in California will appreciate the state’s commitment to strengthening children’s connection to the great outdoors, with the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights .