Why is California so popular? What’s special about it? I get this question ALL the time and after living in California for more than 25 years (yes, that’s practically my whole life), it’s my favorite question to answer.
I’ve traveled to all the major cities, road tripped the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, hiked the back country of Yosemite National Park, lost my cool during heavy traffic, been evacuated due to wild fires and eaten as many street tacos as my stomach would allow. I love California and am obsessed with helping others love it too! *Insert song “California Love” by Tupac.*
Below you’ll find all the juicy insider reasons why the golden state is forever thriving and how to you can experience some of the best things to do in the state.
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Short on time? My go-to California travel essentials 🌴
Why Is California So Popular?
Diversity is everything to Californians. It’s the number one reason why I went to college in this state and continued living here post-college (and yes, before you ask my family lives here too). From the food, landscape, and natural beauty to the architectural marvels, business opportunities, and education, this state does not disappoint.
While it does have some big cons – high cost of living, expensive taxes, wild fire danger, a water crisis, and earthquakes – I strongly believe that the good outweighs the bad on every level. This state fosters a spirit of creativity, connection, and freedom that I adore and many others would agree with me, which is why I stay.
Besides, where else can I embrace and sing the famous “California Girls” by Katie Perry at the top of my lungs.
17 Reasons Why California Is Popular According To A Local
After living in California for more than two decades, I’ve discovered why this state is so popular. This detailed guide is a collection of my honest opinions and other Californians who are just as obsessed with this state as I am.
1. California has the best climate and weather
California is a huge state with a diverse climate! While it’s typically characterized by its pleasant Mediterranean weather, you’ll also find sub-climates throughout the state. For instance, there’s scorching hot deserts, breezy coastal cities, alpine mountain towns, and rolling green hills covered with wildflowers.
I’ve lived in California for most of my life and the diverse climate is what I love most about this state. Here’s what I enjoy about each region and what you can expect:
- Southern California: It’s sunny almost 365 days of the year! Expect dry, hot summers and mild, rainy winters.
- Central California: Similar to SoCal, it’s hot during summer, and rainy during winter. In my opinion this region tends to be a bit cooler than SoCal.
- Northern California: Summers and winters are cooler in NorCal compared to SoCal.
- Coastal Region: The coastline offers mild, pleasant weather year round. June gloom, a dense fog that sometimes doesn’t burn off, is big thing in this area.
- Deserts: It’s extremely hot and dry during summer, with mild winters.
- Mountain Regions: It’s the go to place for snowy winters and warm (not hot) summers.
2. World-class adventures and outdoor recreation
What I love about California is that it has some of the best outdoor activities in the country! It’s home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, the giant redwoods of Big Sur, and Yosemite National Park – my favorite national park and one the top visited parks in the U.S.
Some of my favorite activities to do in the California include hiking at Big Bear Lake, exploring the wine county of Temecula, eating my way through San Francisco, rock climbing in Joshua Tree National, visiting the national parks, and whale watching in Ventura or Santa Barbara.
➡️ Love whales and otters? You have to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium! It does not disappoint.
3. It’s the state with the most national parks
California is home to nine stunning national parks – that’s the most out of every U.S. state! I’ve been to 6 out of the 9 national parks, and have experience everything from giant redwoods and sandy dunes to snow-capped mountains and grassy meadows. As someone who loves national parks and adventure, I can easily say that every park boasts of distinctive features and natural wonders.
While Yosemite is my all-time favorite, here’s what I love about each of the national parks in California and why encourage you to visit them.
- Yosemite National Park. It’s the most popular park in the state and home to Half Dome, cascading waterfalls, and grassy meadow.
- Death Valley National Park. The hottest place on Earth was recorded in this park and it has amazing sand dunes.
- Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing at is finest and a rock climbers dream.
- Channel Islands National Park. A coastal national park with amazing wildlife and marine life.
- Pinnacles National Park. Home to the endangered condor, talus caves, and ancient volcanic rock formations.
- Sequoia National Park. Sequoias are the largest trees on the planet and here, you’ll find groves of them.
- Kings Canyon National Park. A park filled with deep canyons, the biggest Sequoia forest, and flowering meadows.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park. See the steaming fumaroles, lava flows, and hot springs created by volcanoes.
- Redwood National and State Parks. Experience the towering redwoods perfect for forest bathing.
➡️ Save BIG with an America the Beautiful Pass! I LOVE this pass because you get access to all national parks across the U.S. for a year and it help keeps all the parks open. Support our parks!
4. The health and wellness scene is booming
As a young adult who healed from a TBI after college, I can confidently say that health and wellness are California’s heartbeat. In fact, one of the world’s original Blue Zones – regions where people live healthy, fulfilled lives over 100 years old – is found in Loma Linda, CA.
Blue zone communities prioritize daily movement (e.g. walking or biking to work or run errands, gardening, etc.), eating more fruits and vegetables, managing stress, embracing their purpose, and fostering deep connections. And California makes it easy to accomplish each of these.
With local farmers markets and apple picking, like at Glen Oak Farms during fall, including vegan restaurants, world-class spas, and gyms on almost every corner, it’s easy to pick up a new wellness routine in Cali. I’ve tried Pilates, weighted hot yoga, cycle bars, sound baths and more!
5. Most top-ranked colleges and universities in the U.S.
California is home to some of the best universities, colleges, and private schools in the U.S. There’s Stanford, USC, UCLA, Pepperdine, UC Berkeley, and many more.
Growing up I always dreamed of attending college outside of California, but I attended a college visit day in Santa Barbara and my dream quickly changed. White abode buildings, eating delicious tacos near the beach, and top-ranked education system – I understand why people come to California for school.
Everything is at your finger tips in this state and the connections you make here are priceless.
Besides, some of my favorite museums are near universities like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
➡️ Get your tickets to LACMA to see most stunning art exhibits on the West Coast! If you’re obsessed with history and science, visit La Brea Tar Pits & Musuem.
6. It’s culturally diverse and inclusive
What I love about California is that it fosters an extremely diverse and inclusive environment. From the giant Chinatown in San Fransisco and Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles to black-owned restaurants in Oakland and amazing food festivals, you can find almost every culture and cuisine in this state.
It’s what makes Cali special, but also deeply accepting and welcoming to both locals and tourists alike. For instance, Fresno has the second largest Hmong community in the US, while LA is the largest Iranian community outside of Iran.
💡 What a list of places I love visiting? Read this article.
7. Home to the tech capital of the U.S. – Silicon Valley
Yup, you read that right! Silicon Valley, California is the tech capital of the U.S. and the global center for technology startups and innovation. Some of the most famous technological advancements developed here include the microcomputer and microprocessor (aka what a computer needs to functions).
Nearby, you’ll also find the Winchester Mystery House – a famously historic Victorian mansion with over 160 rooms and 2,000 doors. It’s that haunted too. This house is located in San Jose.
➡️ Take a guided tour of the Winchester Mystery House to experience this architectural wonder up close.
8. Vibrant food scene
California is known for it’s thriving culinary scene and I’m obsessed with it! The state’s diverse food culture is reflected in its unique blend of cultures, climates, and communities.
Some of the top foodie experience in the state for first timers include grabbing street tacos in LA, trying vegan food at Hey, Sunshine Kitchen, dining at Michelin-starred restaurant in San Fransisco, enjoying seafood in San Diego, and chowing down on an apple from Oak Glen. While I don’t eat beef, devouring an In-N-Out burgers is a rite of passage if you live or visit California.
➡️ I’m a big foodie! The best way to eat like a local in LA is to book a food + drink tour on Viator.
9. Thriving wine and art scene
Don’t forget about the top-notch winery found in California! From Temecula to Napa Valley, you can sip your way through unique experiences such as the famous wine train in Napa Valley or the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
California is also popular for it’s world-class art museums! The Ghetty Center & The Ghetty Villa features European art and beautiful gardens, while the LACMA offers a peak at various global artworks. Strolling through a museum on a Sunday afternoon is one of my favorite ways to explore the art scene in LA!
➡️ Tickets sell out fast! Skip the line and order your LACMA tickets on Viator before your trip.
10. Stunning coastline and beaches
Ever heard of the Pacific Coast Highway? This stunning highway is located along the coast of California and its the easiest, most convenient way to explore the entire states’ coastline. I love driving this route—exploring charming beach towns, marveling at the giant redwoods near Big Sur, and discovering beautiful, untouched beaches along the way.
The 17-mile drive in Monterey Bay is another scenic drive with sweeping vistas and dramatic cliffs. You’ll even find e-bike tours offering you the chance to cruise along the Coastal Trail! I highly recommend booking one if you’re looking for a unique and exhilarating coastline experience.
➡️ I love e-biking and this is the most highly rated e-bike excursion in Monterey.
Whether you love the beach or it’s your first time in California, here’s a list of the best beaches worth checking out:
- Huntington and Newport Beach. The ideal beaches for summer picnics, swimming, and bon fires.
- Santa Monica Pier. An oceanfront amusement park with a numerous food stalls, what’s not to love.
- La Jolla Beach. Go snorkeling at the rocky reefs and take in the dramatic sea-side cliffs.
- East Beach and Manhattan Beach. Two beaches, different cities. They have the most friendly and competitive beach volleyball scenes I’ve ever been too.
- San Clemente. A classic beach with best waves for surfing and boogie boarding.
- Point Reyes National Seashore. A nature preserve perfect for camping, whale watching, and exploring a lighthouse built in 1870.
11. Natural beauty and diverse landscape
California is also known for it’s diverse landscape and stunning nature. The different sub climates found throughout the state is a big reason for its rich biodiversity and ecosystem. It’s what makes this state so unique—you can soak in charming hot springs in one town, drive a couple of hours to a vast, barren desert, and then wander into a vibrant green oasis.
12. Iconic landmarks, tourist attractions, and entertainment
Seriously, this state is filled with iconic attractions, architectural wonders, and it has the best entertainment! From road tripping along Route 66 and hiking to the famous Hollywood Sign to visiting the “happiest place on earth” (aka Disneyland), there are endless activities to do that fit every lifestyle.
Some other iconic things to do and see in California include admiring the one-mile-wide Golden Gate Bridge, exploring the abandoned prison on Alcatraz Island, and visiting the San Diego Zoo. It’s the perfect state to be a tourist in your own backyard!
💡 Read: 33 Amazing Things to do in California for Your Birthday
13. Biggest economy in the U.S.
Not only does California have the largest economy in the U.S., but it’s also the fourth-largest in the world. In fact, last year it outpaced Japan! Between being a prime tourism destination, a hub for business startups, and popular state for living …opportunities are everywhere here.
14. Entrepreneurship and job opportunities
One of the key reasons California is such a popular place to live is the wide range of business and career opportunities available. Want to become the next tech giant in Silicon Valley or star in the latest Hollywood film? Or maybe you dream of opening up a coffee shop near the beach in San Diego?
Across the state you’ll find a collective innovative, entrepreneurial spirit. I like to think it’s in the breezy ocean air. If you live here, you know what I mean—people can’t help but follow their dreams. And honestly, it’s a beautiful thing.
15. California is committed to sustainability
As a world traveler who’s committed to eco-friendly choices, living in California makes it easy to sustain a sustainable lifestyle. Between statewide recycling programs, walkable sidewalks, efforts to reduce emissions, clean energy initiatives, and local farmers’ markets in most cities, sustainable living is part of everyday life.
The thriving vegan scene here also makes it easy to try plant-based options—helping reduce your environmental impact and fight climate change. I think it’s one of the least talked about sustainability efforts, but it’s the top reason why I love California!
16. People are friendly and laid-back
I’ve lived in 3 other countries and visited more than 20 states and I’ve learned just how special the people in California are. Yes, it’s not the slowest lifestyle like you may find in the South, but it’s also not as fast pace as New York City. It’s somewhere happily in-between.
I love how people are chasing their dreams, but approach it with a more laid-back perspective. Maybe it’s the access to nature, healthy food choices, and the open-minded spirit you find here. Not sure, but I love it.
17. Luxurious top-notch hotels
Another reason people flock to California is because the hotels are insanely beautiful, luxurious, and accommodating for every budget. I grew vacationing in Palm Springs, a well-known resort town, featuring high-class boutique stays with amazing pools and water slides. While the artsy city of Ojai lets you immerse yourself in art and nature simultaneously for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Some of favorite hotels in California I recommend for a weekend getaway are:
18. Paradise for road trips
California is the queen of road trips! I’ve road tripped in California countless times and I have stumbled across the most amazing underrated places! Avila Beach is a quaint place for a wellness retreat with natural hot springs tucked away in the mountain, while Redding is a hub for NorCal’s outdoor adventures.
FAQs: Why California is so popular
I’ve lived in California for more than 20 years, and I get asked all the time, why is California so popular? Below are some of top questions I get asked.
Why is California such a popular state?
California is extremely popular because of it’s unique diversity. From vibrant culture and communities, to diverse plant life, landscapes, and climate, diversity shows up everywhere in this state.
Why do Californians love California so much?
There’s so much to do, see, and eat in California! Every city can transport you to different part of the country and potentially the world. It’s the number reason I hear the most why people love this state.
What is California mostly known for?
The state is most famous for its iconic attractions, including Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Coast Highway, as well as outdoor activities like hiking through national and state parks and relaxing on its breathtaking beaches. It’s also known for it’s thriving food and wellness scene.
Final thoughts
California is a magnetic state filled with dreamy beaches, entrepreneurial vibes, stunning nature, and cultural diversity. With a flourishing culinary scene, a commitment to sustainability, and home to the top colleges in the country – it’s no wonder this state is extremely popular!
Whether you’re looking to move to California or plan a trip, I hope this guide sheds some light on why many people are drawn to this state.
Happy adventuring!
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