Explore California California Destinations & Activities Long Beach San Diego California Facts Nickname: The Golden State Population: 39.3 million Capital: Sacramento Entered Union: Sept. 9, 1850 (state #31) California Posts: California Marathon - Long Beach Marathon Last weekend I reached what is probably my most exciting milestone so far in my marathon career: I finished my Girl's Weekend in San Diego Meredith flew out to Arizona for her spring break, and we decided there was no better sister-bonding activity than to