Over 20 million people live in Southern California, and though we share a geographic area, we certainly all have our own opinions and beliefs. That being said, there are some topics that seem to elicit the same strong opinion from the vast majority of SoCal natives. Take, for example, these ten Southern California arguments. Most locals will not be swayed from these assertions, and those that disagree will hold their position just as strongly!
- It’s California, not “Cali”
Ken Lund/Google Local It may not truly offend every California native - yes, a lot locals get genuinely annoyed - when someone calls the Golden State “Cali,” but you can be pretty sure that anyone who says “Cali” is not from this state.
- In-N-Out rules the fast-food world
Mike Mozart/Flickr SoCal has been a burger-and-fries haven since at least the 50s, and In-N-Out has been heading up the craze the entire time. Beef that is never frozen, real ice cream shakes, fresh-cut fries, and a simple menu that never changes keep this California institution at the top when it comes to fast food. Almost constant long lines prove its undeniable popularity.
- It does actually get cold in Southern California
David Seibold/Flickr We have all heard “It never rains in California,” and we can all agree that cold is relative. However, the assertion that it never gets cold in this generally warm state really annoys locals who will tell you about 40-degree temps (very cold for SoCal), popular ski resorts, highways just outside of Los Angeles that shut down when it snows, and even early summer when most of the state experiences “June gloom.” Far from the coldest state, we do get cold and wet, too.
- Northern California and Southern California feel like two different states
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr Beautiful California is the third largest in the country, stretching almost 900 miles along the Pacific coast. It should be no surprise that one end of California differs greatly from the other, from the weather to the scenery, even history and culture.
- SoCal has the best (and most diverse) food scene
Miguel Discart/Flickr Southern California is a true melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, which has led to an amazingly diverse food scene. With so many communities like Little Tokyo, Little Armenia, Cambodia Town, and Little Ethiopia, just to name a handful, it is no wonder that Southern Californians can enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine for breakfast, Thai for lunch, and Indian for dinner.
- Every restaurant and party should have vegan (or at least vegetarian) and gluten-free options
Alexis Lamster/Google Local No, contrary to some opinions, not everyone in Southern California is a Vegetarian, but we all at least know someone who is Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or Gluten Intolerant. As much as we boast about our culinary diversity, we also think everyone should be able to enjoy the same restaurant options and dinner parties, regardless of our dietary restrictions.
- Don’t ask for a ride to the airport
Phil Whitehouse/Flickr The amount of traffic in and out of SoCal’s main airport is truly overwhelming, and there are plenty of public and private transportation options to get you there. So, unless you are a very, very close friend or family member - sometimes even then - you should probably book a ride.
- Flip-flops are acceptable footwear
Devin Farley/Flickr Flip-flops, slippers, sandals, thongs… whatever you call them, you will see them everywhere in Southern California. Here, flip-flops are not just for the beach. They are a wardrobe staple, purchased in multiple colors and styles to match almost every outfit. You will see them at restaurants, department stores, theme parks, offices, and yes, the beach.
- “Dude” is not gender-specific
Nan Palmero/Flickr “Dude” has become a daily part of nearly every Southern Californian’s daily vocabulary. We use to refer to males, females, and inanimate objects, as in “Dude, that hurt!” It is also a positive or negative reaction to almost anything. Why say hello, wow, whoa, or “what in the world,” when you can say “Duuuuuuude”?
- Nothing beats living close to the beach
Kevin Nguyễn-Tu/Flickr Whether it is surfing (or watching surfing), snorkeling, diving, shell-seeking, sunbathing, swimming, photographing, beach walking, or sunset chasing, being near the beach is everything. It is a place for sun, fun, exercise, stress relief, and much more. It’s hard to find a SoCal resident ready to give that up.
We would love to hear your opinion on these arguments that Southern Californians feel so strongly about. Check out more about what makes this state unique with these 10 things you can only find in Southern California.
Ken Lund/Google Local
It may not truly offend every California native - yes, a lot locals get genuinely annoyed - when someone calls the Golden State “Cali,” but you can be pretty sure that anyone who says “Cali” is not from this state.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
SoCal has been a burger-and-fries haven since at least the 50s, and In-N-Out has been heading up the craze the entire time. Beef that is never frozen, real ice cream shakes, fresh-cut fries, and a simple menu that never changes keep this California institution at the top when it comes to fast food. Almost constant long lines prove its undeniable popularity.
David Seibold/Flickr
We have all heard “It never rains in California,” and we can all agree that cold is relative. However, the assertion that it never gets cold in this generally warm state really annoys locals who will tell you about 40-degree temps (very cold for SoCal), popular ski resorts, highways just outside of Los Angeles that shut down when it snows, and even early summer when most of the state experiences “June gloom.” Far from the coldest state, we do get cold and wet, too.
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr
Beautiful California is the third largest in the country, stretching almost 900 miles along the Pacific coast. It should be no surprise that one end of California differs greatly from the other, from the weather to the scenery, even history and culture.
Miguel Discart/Flickr
Southern California is a true melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, which has led to an amazingly diverse food scene. With so many communities like Little Tokyo, Little Armenia, Cambodia Town, and Little Ethiopia, just to name a handful, it is no wonder that Southern Californians can enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine for breakfast, Thai for lunch, and Indian for dinner.
Alexis Lamster/Google Local
No, contrary to some opinions, not everyone in Southern California is a Vegetarian, but we all at least know someone who is Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or Gluten Intolerant. As much as we boast about our culinary diversity, we also think everyone should be able to enjoy the same restaurant options and dinner parties, regardless of our dietary restrictions.
Phil Whitehouse/Flickr
The amount of traffic in and out of SoCal’s main airport is truly overwhelming, and there are plenty of public and private transportation options to get you there. So, unless you are a very, very close friend or family member - sometimes even then - you should probably book a ride.
Devin Farley/Flickr
Flip-flops, slippers, sandals, thongs… whatever you call them, you will see them everywhere in Southern California. Here, flip-flops are not just for the beach. They are a wardrobe staple, purchased in multiple colors and styles to match almost every outfit. You will see them at restaurants, department stores, theme parks, offices, and yes, the beach.
Nan Palmero/Flickr
“Dude” has become a daily part of nearly every Southern Californian’s daily vocabulary. We use to refer to males, females, and inanimate objects, as in “Dude, that hurt!” It is also a positive or negative reaction to almost anything. Why say hello, wow, whoa, or “what in the world,” when you can say “Duuuuuuude”?
Kevin Nguyễn-Tu/Flickr
Whether it is surfing (or watching surfing), snorkeling, diving, shell-seeking, sunbathing, swimming, photographing, beach walking, or sunset chasing, being near the beach is everything. It is a place for sun, fun, exercise, stress relief, and much more. It’s hard to find a SoCal resident ready to give that up.
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