In May, I will celebrate 10 years of living in California. For those of you who haven’t been to California, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. There are also several facts about California that you probably don’t know about.
From the unique sights and sounds of San Francisco to swimming and hiking in Tahoe to the beaches of southern California to the beauty of Yosemite, there is never a shortage of things to see and do in California.
Moving to California was a bit of a culture shock for me. I am originally from South Carolina so I can relate to people who aren’t familiar with California and are visiting for the first time. However, California has its own unique reputation but not everyone fits the California stereotype.
If you are looking to visit, here are some interesting facts about California.
California is a unique and interesting destination. From watching it appear in so many TV shows and movies, most people have a preconceived idea about what to expect. Though, you’ll be surprised to read the below facts about California and learn that it is actually very different to what you thought.
1. California has an extremely diverse population
California has the least amount of caucasian/white residents in the continental US (only Hawaii has fewer non hispanic whites). Expect a LOT of diversity, languages, and cultures when you visit!
2. California is not quite as liberal as you’d think
California is a liberal state – but not as liberal as you think. While many people know that, it’s not quite as liberal as people think. By geographic area, California is far more red (conservative) than blue (liberal). Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are very liberal. However, San Diego, central California, and northern California are conservative. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the coast of California are the only big blue areas in the state.
3. Californians don’t all look like they do on TV
Not all Californians talk like surfers or look like Hollywood actors and actresses. There are people from all walks of life here in California. Nearly half the population can speak at least some Spanish.
4. San Francisco is very cold in the summer
Many people visit the city during the summer and shiver. The average high temperature in the summer is in the mid to high 60s but the fog can make it bitterly cold. As Mark Twain noted, the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. Where many debate whether he really made that statement, it’s accurate. September and October are the warmest and most beautiful times of year to visit San Francisco.
5. Sacramento and the central valley are very hot in the summer
Temperatures regularly exceed 100 in the summer and the average highs are in the mid 90s in July and August. This just proves that California is not just beaches and 70 degree temperatures.
6. It does rain in California – but not a lot
Winters can be very wet so be prepared for lots of snow and ice. However, from May through September most areas of California won’t receive an inch of rain in total for those 5 months combined. Many areas will not see a single day or rain for months.
7. Sacramento has one of the largest Russian populations per capital in the United States
San Francisco and Los Angeles also have large Russian populations. California also has the 2nd largest Asian population in the US and the largest percentage of hispanics. In other words, the state is very diverse. See #1.
With so many great places to visit in California, there are no shortage of visitors each and every year. Mountains, beaches, lakes, trails, and beautiful people and places are in abundance.
So when you visit California, now you know a little bit more about the people, cultures, weather, where to stay, and the best time of year to visit.