California flag

California State Motto

"Eureka" (Official)"

The California state motto "Eureka" is a Greek motto which may be translated as "I have found it". It is in fact the only U. S. state motto in Greek.  

The California motto appears on the state seal and for a long time it was an unofficial state motto until 1963 when it formally adopted.

The motto may refer to two things: 1) the state admission or 2) the discovery of gold in California.

California State Nicknames

Whereas there is only one California motto, there exist a number of state nicknames for California:

California Trivia game

California Trivia Game

"The Golden State (Official)"
One of the most popular California state nicknames is "The Golden State".

Gold, both as beautiful warm colour and symbolic meaning of high value, is emphasized in various ways across the state - in buildings: Golden Gate Bridge, as natural scenery: Golden poppies in springtime and golden sunsets at the beach.

Yet another meaning of the "The Golden State" is the historical reference (like the California state motto "Eureka" ("I have found it")) to the successful digging of gold done in California.

California, The Golden State - Golden Gate Bridge


California, The Golden State - Golden poppies


"The Land of Milk and Honey"
This California nickname is a direct reference to the Bible and designates a land of prosperity and richness.

"The Grape State"
The large industrial growth of grapes for purposes of making wine is the background for this state nickname.

California, The Grape State - picture of grapes


"The Eldorado State"
Like the California state motto "Eureka" ("I have found it") and the official California state nickname "The Golden State", "The Eldorado State" is yet another reference to the discovery of gold in California.

California State Slogans

Whereas the California motto refers to specific historical events, the California state slogans focus especially on attracting tourists - and as you will see, in both an attempted serious way ... and some less serious ways:

"California - Find Yourself Here"
This is the California state slogan for the California Travel & Tourism Commission website: VisitCalifornia.com

"California: As Seen on TV"

"By 30, Our Women Have More Plastic Than Your Honda"

"California: It's Long and Hangs to the Left"

"California: Our Governor Can Inappropriately Fondle Your Governor"

"I'm a Big Deal in California"
These funny state slogans for California appear on sellable coffee mugs, t-shirts, stickers and the like.


USA map with California highlighted