Welcome to California, where the sun always shines, the surf is always up, and everyone’s got a dream. If you want to spot a true local, it’s not as easy as following the smell of avocado toast—though that’s a good start. Here are 10 foolproof ways to spot a California local faster than you can say “In-N-Out Burger.”
They’re Wearing Sunglasses—Indoors.
Don’t bother questioning it. Whether it’s a foggy morning in San Francisco or an indoor brunch in Los Angeles, a true Californian never, ever leaves the house without sunglasses. You can bet they’re either protecting their eyes from the sun or just trying to hide the fact they haven’t gotten enough sleep.
They Speak Fluent Acronyms.
From “LA” to “SF” to “OC” and “SoCal,” a local’s vocabulary is like a dictionary of abbreviations. They might say, “We’ll grab a coffee in DTLA later” and assume you know what that means. If you don’t, they’ll probably give you a quick lesson in shorthand California geography.
They’ll Tell You About The “Perfect Beach” and Expect You to Agree.
If you ask about the best beach in California, expect a passionate debate. There’s no one best beach—every local has their favorite, whether it’s Malibu, Santa Monica, or some hidden gem in Big Sur. The conversation will end with the belief that “Your favorite beach is totally overrated” unless it’s theirs.
They Know the Best Hiking Trails, Even Ones You’ve Never Heard Of.
California locals love hiking, but they don’t just hike anywhere. They know about trails that are so hidden, you’ll need a GPS to find them. When you ask about a hike, they’ll recommend a place you’ve never heard of and then spend 10 minutes explaining how “totally underrated” it is.
They Don’t Own an Umbrella—It’s Against the Law.
The only time you’ll see a California local with an umbrella is if it’s for fashion or if they’re attending a Beyoncé concert. Rain is so rare in many parts of the state that owning an umbrella is considered impractical and slightly rebellious. If you’re holding one, expect to be asked why you’re carrying around “a foreign object.”
They Know Every Farmer’s Market in a 20-Mile Radius.
Want to find the best kale in town? A true Californian knows which farmer’s market to visit and when. They’ll have an opinion about the best organic produce, and you’ll definitely be encouraged to try the kombucha on tap while you’re there.
They Can Tell You the Best Coffee Shop—and Will Talk About It for Hours.
To a true California local, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s an identity. They’ll have a very strong opinion on which café serves the best cold brew or almond milk latte. If you don’t agree with their recommendation, you may be asked to step outside and reconsider your life choices.
They’re Forever Talking About “Getting Outside” and “Disconnecting.”
No matter the time of year, a California local is constantly telling you about their latest trip to the mountains, desert, or beach. They’ll also talk about the importance of “disconnecting” from technology, especially while on a weekend getaway—while simultaneously posting five photos on Instagram.
They’re on a First-Name Basis with Their Yoga Instructor.
If they’re not at a coffee shop or farmer’s market, they’re at yoga. And you can bet that their yoga instructor’s name is mentioned at least twice in the first five minutes of conversation. They’ll also casually throw in terms like “namaste” and “zen” without breaking a sweat.
They Can’t Get Enough of Their Own State’s “Hidden Gems.”
California locals love telling you about secret spots—places off the beaten path where the crowds don’t go. These “hidden gems” are usually things like obscure roadside attractions or a beach that “no one knows about.” Don’t bother Googling it—by the time you get there, it’ll be the next local’s secret.
And there you have it! If you want to blend in with the locals, just grab your sunglasses, brush up on your hiking trails, and get ready for deep convos about kombucha and yoga. In California, it’s all about staying cool, staying connected (to the outdoors), and always, always keeping it laid-back.
