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Home / Travel Blog

What is California Known For?

Travel Blog Last Updated · Sep 25th, 2022

Let’s take a look below at famous things California is known for.

Palm trees against the colorful sky of California during sunset
Palm trees against the colorful sky of California during sunset

California is the third-largest state in the United States in terms of land area and it has so much to offer to locals and foreigners alike.

This is a year-round destination, which is why it’s so perfect. It offers warm and sunny summers, and cool, wet winters.

Table of Contents

  • What is California Known For?
    • Los Angeles
    • Yosemite National Park
    • Venice Beach
    • Burritos
    • Mexican Culture
    • San Francisco
    • Hollywood
    • Silicon Valley
    • Redwood Trees
    • Wine
    • Coachella Music Festival
    • Golden Gate Bridge
  • What is California Known For?

What is California Known For?

You will find there are many things California is famous for and today we’ll provide a list to help you when you visit.

There’s plenty of opportunity for adventure in California, the food is great, there are plenty of attractions and wonderful places to discover.

You’ll have a great time no matter what, just make sure you don’t miss the most famous things in California.

Los Angeles

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is easily one of the most famous cities in the world, so it’s one of the must sees in California.

It’s known for being home to the rich and famous, and the place people flock to when they’re trying to make it big in the film or music industry. There’s so much to see here, starting with Hollywood!

Yosemite National Park

The famed Tunnel view in Yosemite National Park
The famed Tunnel view in Yosemite National Park

California is known for its variety of national parks, but spending even just one day in Yosemite National Park truly takes the cake and is known by many as one of the best tourist destinations in California.

It’s popular for its waterfalls, deep valleys, ancient giant sequoias, and incredible granite monoliths. You’ll enjoy a good hike here and you’ll never forget visiting the best natural landmarks in the state.

Venice Beach

The entrance of Venice Beach with its sign during sunset
The entrance of Venice Beach with its sign during sunset

Venice Beach is known around the world as a playground by the sea, so it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in California.

The oceanfront boardwalk is amazing and it offers many attractions, such as bike trails, cafes, shops, and more, not to mention the beach itself has many recreational activities you can enjoy.

Burritos

Variety of burritos with different fillings
Variety of burritos with different fillings

Burritos are a very popular Mexican and Tex-Mex dish that was born in California cuisine, so it’s one of the most famous things in California.

You’ll find many different joints where you can enjoy mind-blowing burritos and there are many different varieties.

They are delicious and they are a perfect meal for any time of the day, so make sure you give them a try.

Mexican Culture

Masks - used by lucha libre wrestlers being sold at Olvera Street, Los Angeles
Masks – used by lucha libre wrestlers being sold at Olvera Street, Los Angeles

California is known for its Mexican heritage, so Mexican culture is very prevalent. There’s a huge Hispanic presence and it has definitely had a great influence.

Before California became a state in 1850, the Spanish and Mexican rule was quite long, so the heritage can be felt in its architecture, history, and racial composition.

San Francisco

Cable cars in San Francisco, California
Cable cars in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in America, so it’s one of the best cities in California – if not, in North America in general.

It’s home to world-famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Powell Street cable cars, and so much more.

The city is breathtaking and it’s known for its nice weather, cuisine, rich culture, amazing attractions, and so much more.

Hollywood

A local and her dog walking in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles where the Hollywood sign is situated
A local and her dog walking in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles where the Hollywood sign is situated

Hollywood is one of the many amazing things California is known for. The film industry is larger than life and because it’s located in the Hollywood district, the two became synonyms.

As you can imagine, Hollywood has a huge influence on US culture and the world at large.

It’s where the earliest film studios and production companies were founded and it’s the birthplace of many cinema genres.

Silicon Valley

Linkedin headquarters is located at Mountain View, Silicon Valley, California
Linkedin headquarters is located at Mountain View, Silicon Valley, California

The entertainment industry is not the biggest in California; that can be found in Silicon Valley, home to the world’s largest technology, software, and internet companies.

It’s located in the southernmost region of the San Francisco Bay Area and it’s one of the wealthiest in the world.

The companies that have revolutionized technology and changed our lives forever can be found right there, so it’s one of the best tourist destinations in California.

Redwood Trees

Tour walking through a forest filled with Redwood trees in Redwood National Park
Tour walking through a forest filled with Redwood trees in Redwood National Park

Redwood trees, also known as sequoias, are found all over northern California. Giant sequoias are truly a sight to see and they are exclusive to California, so they are one of the many things California is known for.

They are a symbol of the diversity of the California ecosystems and they are worth checking out. You can find them at the Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, and the Redwood National and State Parks.

Wine

Cambria Winery in Santa Maria, California
Cambria Winery in Santa Maria, California

California’s wine country is famous around the world, so it’s one of the best things California is known for.

The counties of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Solano, and Mendocino are known not just for their wineries, but also for their culture, Michelin star restaurants, luxury resorts, and boutique hotels.

So, when in California, make time to taste the most delicious wines.

Coachella Music Festival

People enjoying art and music in the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Indio, California
People enjoying art and music in the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Indio, California

The Coachella Music Festival is one of the biggest, most popular music and arts festivals in the country, if not the world.

It was founded in 1999 by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen, and it takes place in California.

Thousands of people flock to California in April to enjoy some of the most well-known bands and have an incredible time.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate bridge at night
The Golden Gate bridge at night

As mentioned before, the Golden Gate Bridge is a world-famous landmark located in San Francisco, so it’s one of the must-sees in California. It’s an art deco bridge that has become very well known.

It opened in 1937 and it’s an iconic monument that has been widely featured in many TV shows and movies.

What is California Known For?

Though these are some of the most famous things in California, there is plenty more where that came from.

If you’re planning a trip to California soon, use this list as a guide so you can enjoy these Californian things and have an authentic experience.

Take the time to visit the popular places in California and have fun exploring the outstanding landmarks this wonderful state has to offer.

Before you visit, read some of our best sustainable travel tips to help ensure that your trip has a positive effect on the environment too.


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