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Here Are 10 Things You Can Only Find In Southern California

Southern California offers unique attractions like the oldest operating McDonald's, the world's tallest thermometer, and the original Disneyland.

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Angela

If you have any doubts that Southern California is a magnificent place to live or visit, then take a look at this list of 10 things that you can only find here. From a secret tower at one of its most beautiful beaches to North America's hottest place and everything in between, all of these things are a reminder that there's nothing quite like SoCal. There are so many iconic places in Southern California, and these are just a few.

1. The oldest operating McDonald's — 10207 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, CA.

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Photo by Bryan Hong/Wikimedia Commons

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the site of the oldest McDonald's restaurant still in operation is located in Southern California in the town of Downey. Whether or not you're a fan of McDonald's, there's no denying that this tourist attraction in Downey is one of the most historic places in SoCal.

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2. Victoria Beach Tower — Laguna Beach

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flickr/corey thompson

Hiding along a stretch of sand along Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach you'll find a mesmerizing 60-foot tower that looks like it's right out of a fairytale. But believe us, this is no fairytale -- it's completely real. Although this tower looks like it's carved from rocks, this structure is a staircase that dates back to the 1920s and leads up to a beautiful house. Although you can't go inside and climb the staircase since it belongs to a private party, you can still enjoy this unique treasure as you walk by one of SoCal's most beautiful beaches.

3. The World's Tallest Thermometer — Baker, CA.

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flickr/steve boland

Did you know SoCal is home to the world's tallest thermometer? If not, now you can add that to your list of fun SoCal facts. Built in 1991 in Baker, CA, this towering thermometer is a staggering 134 feet tall, which represents the highest recorded temperature at Death Valley at the time it was built. To see this thermometer in person, you can find it at 72157 Baker Boulevard in Baker, CA.

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4. Death Valley National Park

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Brocken Inaglory/Wikimedia Commons

Speaking of hot temperatures, Southern California also just happens to be the home of the hottest and driest place in all of North America. Death Valley National Park, with scorching hot summer temperatures averaging close to 120 degrees, is one spot that you may want to visit during the winter when the average high temp drops down to 65 degrees.

5. Catalina Island

Aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and mountains in the background during sunset.
Matthew Micah Wright/ The Image Bank via Getty Images

There's only one Catalina Island, and we're beyond lucky to have it right here in SoCal. Hop on a ferry and take a short ride to Avalon and you will find one of the most beautiful places on earth. Stroll through the main street, head to the iconic casino, and take in the beautiful views that can be enjoyed throughout this picturesque island.

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Take a look at this video of Catalina Island by @OnlyInYourState:

6. Walt Disney Concert Hall — 111 S Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.

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flickr/Pablo Pecora

This architectural beauty, designed by Frank Gehry, is a true masterpiece that can only be experienced right here in Southern California. Whether you have the opportunity to attend a concert performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic or you just show up for a tour of this architectural masterpiece, this is one of many destinations that we are lucky to have in SoCal.

7. The Wayfarer's Chapel aka The Glass Church — 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

A modern glass structure surrounded by trees, reflecting sunlight and nature, creating a serene atmosphere.
Management/TripAdvisor

Nestled inside Rancho Palos Verdes you'll find a stunning Glass Church that is surrounded by redwood trees and a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. A perfect example of organic architecture, this magnificent church is flooded with light as the sun beams through the glass windows. Whether you're here for worship or to take in the beautiful surroundings, the Wayfarer's Chapel is one more awe-inspiring destination that can only be witnessed in SoCal.

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8. Watts Towers — 1727 E 107th St, in Los Angeles, CA.

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flickr/vahe martirosyan
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flickr/steve silverman

Take a drive through Los Angeles in the Watts district and you'll spot this unique tower that stands almost 100 feet tall. Built by hand, these 17 interconnected towers are the work of Simon Rodia, who spent over 30 years creating this unique sculpture made from concrete, glass, tile and wire mesh.

9. Balboa Park — San Diego

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flickr/chris jimenez
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flickr/jay

Being home to one of the largest urban parks in the country is an honor we are lucky to have here in Southern California. Take a stroll through Balboa Park and you'll find stunning nature trails, a colorful rose garden, museums, a zoo, the world's largest outdoor organ pavilion, and restaurants and food carts galore to keep your taste buds happy all afternoon. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Southern California.

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10. Disneyland — Anaheim, CA.

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flickr/josh Mcconnel

Although other Disneyland locations have popped up all over the world, no other place but SoCal can boast of being the home of the first and the original Disneyland. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, there's no question that this destination is truly the happiest place on earth and one of the most iconic SoCal places.

What do you think of these 10 iconic places in Southern California? What else would you add to this list?

If you've enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy taking a look at these 8 Pieces of Architectural Brilliance in Southern California.

Do you love Southern California? Show off your Cali pride with some apparel and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots!

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State Pride

The Up-and-Coming City in Northern California That’s Perfectly Sized

Enjoy a suburban feel and city amenities in Dublin, one of our fastest-growing cities.

Published Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

Natasha Kayes

Goldilocks may be a fictional character but I believe she had it figured out. There truly is such a thing as “just right” — not too hot or too cold, too hard or too soft, or in the case of towns and cities, too big or too small. Small towns are calmer and more peaceful, while big cities have convenience and flashy amenities. And then there are small cities and suburbs, somewhere in the middle, that offer a balance of both. Dublin, California, falls right in that sweet spot.

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Aerial view of a suburban area featuring modern buildings, roads, and green spaces under a clear blue sky.
Springtime view of the downtown skyline of Dublin, California, USA.

Since long before Spanish exploration, what is now called Dublin has been known as a crossroads of the Bay Area, with important road connections running east, west, north, and south. Native American traders and hunters, migrating families, prospectors looking for gold, ranchers and farmers, commuters, and military convoys have passed through Dublin over the years, but suburban development didn’t really start until the early 1960s.

When the city was incorporated in 1982, the population was some 14,000, growing to over 70,000 by 2020, with the biggest boom taking place in the last decade. With populations of close to eight million in San Francisco and nearly a million in San Jose, Dublin is still a small city with a suburban feel and city perks. 

A sunny street lined with palm trees, leading to modern buildings against a clear blue sky.
Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr

One of California’s fastest-growing cities, Dublin is considered one of the best in the state to live in. In addition to fairly new housing developments and great schools, Dublin has a lot to offer families in the form of a highly-rated school district, easy access to public transportation, a wonderful public library, and more. It also happens to be at the crossroads of two major highways, making it easy for commuters and travelers to reach surrounding cities.

The city is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in the wide variety of restaurants in town. Whether you prefer familiar favorites or new culinary adventures, you’ll find a host of options with cuisines, including American, Mediterranean, Japanese, Mexican, Asian Fusion, and Burmese.

A person using forks to twirl spaghetti on a plate, with a blurred burger and salad in the background.
Close-up, mid-section of young Asian woman sitting at dining table holding cutleries, twirling freshly served spaghetti bolognese and enjoying her meal in restaurant. Italian food. Dining out. People, food and lifestyle

Let’s not forget about recreation. Dublin has sports facilities and public parks, golf courses, a state-of-the-art movie theater, and plenty of shopping. Dublin Wave is a huge waterpark and aquatic center with an indoor pool for year-round fun. And, unlike the bigger cities, Dublin provides a wild escape for nature lovers — about 650 acres of undeveloped land and trails at the Dublin Hills Regional Park.

The not-too-big, not-too-small (but growing!) city of Dublin, California, may actually be just right. Have you ever been to this little city in the Bay Area? Do you know someone looking for a perfectly-sized up-and-coming city to visit or call home? Share this article with them! And check out more of our favorite ideally-sized cities in Northern California.

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State Pride|History

The Most Iconic View in Northern California Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

It's hard to argue that there's a more iconic Northern Californian view than that of the Golden Gate Bridge. But do you know the history of this landmark?

Published Oct 15, 2024

Written by 

Andrea Verschuyl

Spanning the one-mile strait between the Pacific Ocean and busy San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is easily one of California’s most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the state’s innovative spirit and enduring beauty. Still, despite its ubiquity, many Californians aren’t familiar with the history of this famous structure.

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What can the Golden Gate Bridge tell us about our past?

Golden Gate Bridge spanning a calm bay at sunset, with a city skyline in the background and lush greenery in the foreground.
Tom Penpark/DigitalVision via Getty Images

For many years, the thought of bridging the stormy Golden Gate Strait seemed laughable. Up until the 20th century, San Francisco and present-day Marin County were connected through schools of private water taxis and, later, an official ferry service. Still, as the city grew, boat travel became an obstacle to break-neck regional development. Despite the prevailing belief that the waterway’s treacherous currents and blinding fog would make construction impossible, ambitious engineers were unable to resist the challenge. In 1916, a student named James Wilkins published his proposal in the San Francisco Bulletin.

Though many industry professionals dismissed his idea out of hand, San Francisco officials disseminated a public request for bids. One of the many responders was young Joseph Strauss, who'd made a name for himself by designing a hypothetical railroad bridge across the Bering Strait in his graduate thesis. Over the following decade, Strauss devoted himself to drumming up support for the project. He faced significant pushback, including from the U.S. Navy — who raised potential security concerns — and the Southern Pacific Railroad who owned the ferry fleets that a bridge would make redundant. It wasn't until 1924 that his efforts paid off and construction was approved.

Close-up of a red metal structure showcasing intricate beams and lattice patterns against a green background.
Partial view of the red painted steel under construction of the San Francisco Golden Gate bridge at the northern end

The proposal was finalized through Strauss' collaborative efforts with other top engineers and architects, including luminaries like Leon Moisseiff, Irving Morrow, and Charles Alton Ellis. Despite this network of talent, Strauss positioned himself as the project's undisputed leader. While cynical, his media strategy was effective. Strauss was upheld as the man who gave San Francisco its iconic bridge. Though his team is now credited as responsible for the final design, they were largely erased from history.

Construction began in 1933, in the thick of the Great Depression. Despite the dire economic times, the project was not part of any federal work programs. Strauss may have stolen the spotlight from his collaborators but he headed the project, championing innovations like the movable safety netting that would save countless lives. Despite precautions, eleven men lost their lives building the Golden Gate Bridge. Tragically, ten of these workers were killed just three months before the bridge opened in 1937 when a scaffold plunged through the net into the water below.

Golden Gate Bridge towers over a foggy San Francisco skyline at sunrise, with city buildings in the background.
Noah Clayton/Tetra images via Getty Images

Whether you're a local or just visiting San Francisco, we all recognize the Golden Gate Bridge as one of the state's most iconic landmarks and views. While it's beautiful regardless, I believe we can appreciate this breathtaking structure even more when we're made aware of its complicated history: the ingenuity, determination, steely ambition, and human cost that were required to build the world's most photographed bridge.

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