10 Strong Beliefs SoCal Natives Stand By

More than 20 million people live in Southern California, and though we share a geographic area, we certainly all have our own opinions and beliefs about SoCal life. That being said, some topics seem to elicit the same strong opinion from the vast majority of SoCal natives.

Take, for example, these 10 Southern California arguments. Most locals will agree with these assertions about living in SoCal, and those who disagree will hold their position just as strongly. Read on to learn more.

1. It’s California, Not “Cali”

It may not truly offend every California native—yes, many 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.

2. In-N-Out Rules the Fast-Food World

SoCal has been a burger-and-fries haven since 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.

3. It Does Actually Get Cold Here

We have all heard "it never rains in California," and we can all agree that cold is relative. But the assertion that it never gets cold in this generally warm state annoys locals who've experienced 40-degree temps (freezing 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."

4. NorCal and SoCal Feel Like 2 Different States

Our state is the third largest state in the country, stretching almost 900 miles along the Pacific coast. This means our scenery, history, and even culture varies greatly from north to south. NorCal and SoCal definitely feel like two different states.

5. We Have the Best (and Most Diverse) Food Scene

Southern California is a true melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, resutling in an amazingly diverse food scene. With several communities like Little Tokyo, Little Armenia, Cambodia Town, and Little Ethiopia, it's no wonder that Southern Californians can enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine for breakfast, Thai for lunch, and Indian for dinner.

6. Every Restaurant Should Have Vegan (or Vegetarian) and Gluten-Free Options

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in SoCal 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.

7. Don’t Ask for a Ride to the Airport

The amount of traffic around SoCal’s main airport is truly overwhelming, but there are plenty of public and private transportation options to get you there. So, unless you are a very close friend or family member—sometimes even then—you should probably book a ride instead of asking someone in your life to make the trek.

8. Flip-Flops Are Acceptable Footwear

Flip-flops, slippers, sandals, thongs… whatever you call them, you will see them everywhere in Southern California. Here, flip-flops aren't 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.

9. “Dude” Is Not Gender-Specific

"Dude" has become a daily part of nearly every Southern Californian’s vocabulary. We use it to refer to anyone and anything—including inanimate objects, as in "Dude, that hurt!" It's also a positive or negative reaction to almost anything. Why say "hello," "wow," "whoa," or "what in the world," when you can say "Duuuuuuude?"

10. Nothing Beats Living Close to the Beach

Whether it is surfing (or watching surfing), snorkeling, diving, shell-collecting, sunbathing, swimming, beach-walking, or sunset-chasing, being near the beach is everything. It's 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 believe SoCal is the best place to call home. Curious to find more things you can only find in Southern California? Take a trip here for yourself, and plan your days using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.