What is California Known for? 22 Things Californians Love About Themselves

A sign for Interstate 5 in California
© Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock.com

Written by Angie Menjivar

Updated: September 11, 2023

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It’s the Golden State where the views are progressive and there are over 800 miles of coastline. This state makes it onto many a bucket list and for residents, it’s a dream. Discover 22 things Californians love about themselves!

California Known for? 22 Things Californians Love About Themselves

1. Their Affinity for the Pacific Ocean

Even if they don’t surf, just driving down Pacific Coast Highway is a dream. Even if Californians live inland, a quick road trip to the coast grants them the kind of scenery that puts them in a state of gratitude.

Klamath River end at the Pacific Ocean, viwe form the Klamath overview in Klamath, California

Californians gravitate to the Pacific Ocean, no matter how inland they live.

©Jairo Rene Leiva/Shutterstock.com

2. Their Pride Festivals

These lively, colorful parties are all about unity and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community!

3. Their Proximity to Vegas

It’s just a quick drive over to Nevada for Californians to enjoy shows, nightclubs, and casinos.

4. The Fact They Don’t Like Cigarettes

You better be ready to stand at least 20 feet away from any building if you want to smoke a cigarette. Marijuana, on the other hand…

5. Being Able to Toke Up!

In a state where marijuana is legal recreationally and dispensaries abound, you can’t travel far without the scent of the newest strain hitting you like a skunky slap in the face.

6. Their Impromptu Drives Up to the Mountains

Yes, you can enjoy the beach, but you can also snowboard when you head up to the mountains like Big Bear and Mammoth.

7. Their Love for Air Conditioning

Yes, the heat is mainly dry and usually tolerable. But there’s nothing quite like enjoying the cool blast of A/C, even when it means they have to hustle harder to cover the electric bill at home and the gas bill in the car.

8. The Burning Man Community

Granted, they have to drive out of state to go to the festival, but the community is alive and well throughout California. Burners live the Burning Man lifestyle no matter where they are.

Young man standing by the dream sign in the middle of a desert at the Burning Man art festival. Sign to live your life.

Burning Man is not just a place you go to, it’s a code you live by.

©RAW-films/Shutterstock.com

9. Their Dating Opportunities

With so many big cities littered throughout the state, there’s never a shortage of new people to meet. Whether it’s a standard dating app or an invite-only dating app like Raya, those in California have the kinds of opportunities others can only dream of.

10. Their Fancy Cars

Drive through Newport Beach or Beverly Hills to see the latest and greatest out on the road.

11. Their Food

Yes, there are staples like In-N-Out but those food trucks and hole-in-the-wall restaurants have Californians eating like kings and queens.

12. Their Healthy Lifestyles

Vegan? Gluten-free? You have options nearly everywhere throughout the state. Even if you’re on a smoothie-only detox, you can find a tasty spot to indulge your eating preferences! Plus, there’s a gym in every corner. No excuses in California!

13. How They Represent North or South Cali

It’s the same state but there is a rivalry going on. If you are in Northern California or Southern California, you’re going to argue which spot in the state has the best food and worst traffic.

14. Where They Were Born

California attracts a lot of people from out of state, but true natives are exceptionally proud of their status.

15. Their IPAs and Other Craft Beers

This is a serious study for those who love their beer in the state. Just ask them how hoppy they like their IPAs and you can chat all night! The things Californians love about themselves are a bit niche sometimes!

16. Mexican Food

Yes, we already mentioned all of the food options in the state, but Mexican food holds a special place in the heart of true Californians.

Mexican food mix colorful background Mexico

Californians are blessed to experience the delightful culinary secrets of the Mexican culture!

©lunamarina/Shutterstock.com

17. Their Weather

It’s pretty much always sunny in The Golden State. With mild weather and temperatures that don’t reach extreme numbers, Californians are quite pleased with their coastal climate.

18. Their Proximity to Celebs

It’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity in some of the popular hotspots throughout Los Angeles.

19. Their Progressive Values

This is a blue state, after all. Californians are concerned for the environment, they care about social causes and they value diversity throughout the state. They’re an outspoken bunch when it comes to political movements, too!

20. The Cultural Diversity

It’s no wonder there is a wide range of culinary delights you can find throughout the state. Californians welcome people from other places and take an inclusive approach, appreciating the different cultures that shape individuals.

21. Entrepreneurship Throughout the State

California is where technology has been innovating for years. This is an ambitious environment with lots of start-ups, entrepreneurs, and global leaders.

22. Their Natural Beauty

California has it all. It’s no wonder there are so many things Californians love about themselves. The rugged mountains and sandy beaches provide Californians with a taste of everything, which allows them to enjoy busy outdoor lifestyles, taking in the wonders of nature on a whim.


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About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

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