What is the nickname of the state of California?

California is known as "The Golden State," a nickname that reflects the state's historical association with the 1849 Gold Rush, when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill and attracted a large influx of settlers and prospectors. The term "golden" not only refers to the gold itself but also alludes to the state's beautiful golden poppies, its sunny climate, and a sense of opportunity and wealth. This nickname has been officially adopted and is widely used in tourism and promotional materials for California, presenting the state as a place of abundance and natural beauty. Other options, while being well-known state nicknames, do not apply to California. For example, "The Beaver State" is the nickname for Oregon, "The Sunshine State" refers to Florida, and "The Empire State" is associated with New York.