When looking through the factors that would go into determining which is the best state in the country it doesn’t take long before California starts checking a lot of the boxes.
Incredible natural landscapes. Check. Bustling metropolises that are at the front and center of tech and entertainment. Check. An incredible food scene. Check. The most national parks in the country. Again, check.
While some may not agree with our rankings, we think this is a pretty open-and-shut case. Here is why we think that the Golden State is the best state in the country.
Diverse Landscapes
Running 720 miles from north to south, the state of California covers a lot of ground. Within this space, you have incredible coastal shores, towering forests of redwood and sequoia trees, the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, glacier-capped volcanoes, and the deserts of southern California.
And that is leaving out so many places in between! For outdoor lovers, it is tough to find a state that offers a more diverse selection of landscapes to explore and enjoy than California.
Iconic Cities
California is home to three of the 20 largest metropolitan areas in the United States with Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Even though they all share the same state, they most certainly have not followed similar paths. With Los Angeles rising to fame as the entertainment capital of the world, San Francisco becoming the country’s tech hub, and San Diego known for its incredible weather and attractions, each of these locations could easily carry the mantle as the most important city in the state.
Each city is unique in its history, vibe, and culture and is a must-visit for anyone taking a trip to California.
Culinary Delights
The food scene in California runs the gamut from legendary street tacos to world-class fine dining. The region’s agricultural roots, wineries, coastal waters, and cultural influences have turned the state into a melting pot of ideas that have flowed into the state’s food for decades.
A trip through California allows visitors to really experience the history and cultural influences in each part of the state through the food.
And if that isn’t enough, the state is also home to six restaurants that have three Michelin stars, with the world-famous French Laundry in Yountville leading the way.
Outdoor Adventures
California is home to the most diverse set of landscapes in the entire United States. From lush forests along the northern coast to the geothermal features of Lassen to the granite peaks of the high Sierras to the sandy coastline of southern California, this state really has it all. With all those incredible landscapes come unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Hiking, biking, rock climbing, surfing, foraging: you can truly do it all when it comes to the outdoors in this amazing state.
Wine Country Splendor
Ask almost any wine lover (outside of Oregon, that is) what region produces the best wine in the country, and the answer will almost always be California and the famous Napa Valley. Winemakers in this farming-turned-boujee area have been producing some of the world’s finest wines for decades, and wine connoisseurs can spend months here without ever running out of new wines to try.
California’s wine region isn’t just Napa as you also have Sonoma, the Central Coast, the Sierra Nevada foothills, and the sunny southern coast.
Hollywood Magic
Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the world and draws in aspiring actors, actresses, writers, and all the support staff who come together to create the industry’s biggest blockbusters. A tour around Los Angeles isn’t complete without stopping by famous movie sights and the homes of some of this city’s most famous residents.
Tech Innovation Hub
San Francisco Bay and its neighboring Silicon Valley are the birthplaces and hubs of many of today’s biggest tech companies. A walk through downtown San Francisco will take you to the offices of up-and-coming tech companies that are set up right alongside established brands. To the south, you’ll find the mega campuses of tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook.
Health and Wellness Lifestyle
Did you know that people born in California have one of the longest life expectancies in the nation? With year-round mild weather, plenty of outdoor activities, year-round fresh produce grown right in their backyards, and a population that has grown up in this health-conscious state, it is no wonder that people who are born in this amazing state live for so long.
Artistic Expression
California is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, with its world-renowned museums, like The Getty and SFMOMA, showcasing their impressive collections. From the colorful murals of Los Angeles’ Arts District to the coastal galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the state’s rich artistic heritage has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of Pasadena or attending the art festivals in Palm Springs, California’s art culture offers endless discovery.
Higher Education Excellence
California is home to many of the nation’s most prestigious and cutting-edge universities that help develop some of the best and brightest minds in the arts, sciences, tech, and business. These universities represent the best of California’s incredible educational opportunities, from Stanford and Cal in the Bay area to UCLA and USC in Los Angeles.
Coastal Majesty
California’s 840 miles of coastline is one of the most diverse in the world. From the foggy, rocky shores of Northern California to the rich, biodiverse waters of Central California to the sunny, sandy beach of Southern California, this state has it all.
Some of the best ways to experience this incredible place are to backpack the Lost Coast in Northern California, hike the trails along Big Sur, or explore the remote and rugged islands of Channel Island National Park.
Family-Friendly Fun
California is home to no shortage of family-friendly fun. Theme parks like Disneyland, Legoland, Six Flags, and Universal Studios provide days of family fun, while SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo offer kids and adults alike a glimpse into the wide world of nature.
If nature is your thing, this beautiful state is home to nine national parks. These parks are a great way to introduce families to the great outdoors, with easy-to-access sights, ranger-led programs, and safe camping options.
Adventure Awaits
If you want to head outside to test your limits then there is no better place to do it than California. Here you can climb to the top of the lower 48’s highest peak, Mt. Whitney, hike the 211 miles of the John Muir trail (or if you’re really feeling adventurous, the 1691 miles of the California section of the Pacific Crest Trail), ascent the vertical granite face of El Capitan, or kayak around the remote Channel Islands.
Endless Possibilities
One of the biggest draws of California is its sheer size and opportunity. Here, you can choose to live in a commune in the Mojave Desert, among the tech giants, or spend your days exploring the great Redwood groves of the Northern Coast. Locals have spent their entire lives exploring this great state and still barely scratched the surface of everything it offers to its residents and visitors alike.
