10 Best Cities in California

10 Best Cities in California

The Golden State is famous for its stunning landscapes of a spectacular coastline, snow capped mountains, expansive deserts, idyllic farmlands, and ancient redwood groves. Explore the great outdoors at Yosemite National Park, visitors marvel at the majestic granite cliffs draped with voluminous waterfalls. In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the alpine environment of Lake Tahoe is a paradise for hikers and skiers. Closer to the Pacific Ocean, the Redwood National and State Parks shelter the world’s tallest trees.

California has something for everyone to explore in its all-round balmy weather. Here are the 10 best cities in California;

1. Los Angeles

Los Angeles – Unsplash

The City of Los Angeles lies in a basin in Southern California, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and extends through the Santa Monica Mountains and into the San Fernando Valley, covering a total of about 469 square miles. It is the second most populous city and metropolitan area after New York City

Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, which is often described as “perfect” and with good reason. Most days are sunny and warm, with gentle ocean breezes in the summer. Ethnic and cultural diversity owing to the extraordinary ethnic and racial diversity within the city. The entertainment capital of the world offering myriad attractions and activities: movie studios, the Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, landmark museums, world-famous theme parks, wineries, breweries, outdoor activities, exciting nightlife, and much more.

Los Angeles is at the top of the list because its renowned contributions in the world of entertainment.

2. San Jose

San Jose – Unsplash

San José is located in the center of the Santa Clara Valley, on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay. The city covers an area of 179.97 sq mi (466.1 km2). It is the largest city in Northern California by both population and area. San Jose briefly became California’s first capital, and the first state legislative assembly convened there in December 1849. In March 1850 San Jose became the first chartered city in California.

The city constitutes the hub of Silicon Valley, the region of high-technology and computer-related industries that stretches along the southwestern shore of the bay toward San Francisco.

San Jose hosts a bunch of attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the year such as the famous Municipal Rose Garden, San Pedro Square, San Jose Museum of Art, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens and so much more.

San Jose was included in the list because it is a major technology hub home to the Silicon Valley.

3. Sacramento

Sacramento – Unsplash

Sacramento is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley. Spanish cavalryman Gabriel Moraga surveyed and named the Río del Santísimo Sacramento (Sacramento River) in 1808, after the Blessed Sacrament, referring to the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. In 1500, it was incorporated as the City of Sacramento.

It is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and largest city of Sacramento County. The city is known for its evolving contemporary culture, and is dubbed the most “hipster city” in California.  It is a tourist destination, featuring the California Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Railroad Museum, California Hall of Fame, and Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

We included Sacramento to the list because of its laid-back atmosphere which is a big contrast to its neighbors.

4. Newport Beach

Newport Beach – Unsplash

Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County that lies along Newport Bay (Pacific inlet), south of Long Beach. Captain Samuel S. Dunnells sailed into the bay in 1870 looking for “new port” facilities; he developed Newport Landing, which in 1873 became a lumber terminal. Known as McFaddens Landing and Port Orange, it was laid out in 1892 as Newport.

Today Newport Beach is mostly known for recreation to take in the scenery at Corona del Mar State Beach, go for a walk along the Newport Pier, visit the Orange County Museum of Art and enjoy the beautiful Sherman Library and Gardens.

Newport is included in the list because its boat-filled harbor that live an impression off elegance.

5. San Diego

San Diego – Unsplash

San Diego is on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. Sighted in 1542 and named San Miguel by Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the area was renamed after the Spanish monk San Diego de Alcalá de Henares in 1602 by Sebastián Vizcaíno. After the United States acquired California in 1846, the community was incorporated in 1850.

The city of San Diego is frequently referred to as the “Birthplace of California”, as it was the first site visited and settled by Europeans on what is now the West Coast of the United States. For a little history and shopping, you can stroll the streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or wander through the Gaslamp Quarter.

It has an enchanting natural beauty and a mild Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine. Some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions are the museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial-style architecture found in Balboa Park; the world-famous San Diego Zoo; and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.

San Diego is on the list because of its 70 miles of pristine beaches that is complicated by the city’s idyllic climate.

6. Fresno

Fresno- Unsplash

Fresno is a major city in the San Joaquin Valley of California. It was founded in 1872 as a railway station of the Central Pacific Railroad before it was incorporated in 1885. Fresno gets it names from the abundant ash trees lining the San Joaquin River.

The city is famous for its agriculture, packed with farmland rich in vibrant produce of all kinds, however it is also a sophisticated city of gorgeous gardens and parks, with a vibrant creative community and one unforgettable (and underground) attraction.

We included Fresno because the city overflows with fresh produce from its rich farmlands.

7. Long Beach

Long Beach – Unsplash

The city of Long Beach lies in Southern California, in the southern part of Los Angeles County. The area was originally an Indian trading camp. Laid out in 1880 by W.E. Willmore as Willmore City, the town was first settled in 1882. It was soon promoted as a seaside resort and was renamed in 1888 after its 8.5-mile (13.5-km) beach.

The city is known for its waterfront attractions, including the permanently docked RMS Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Long Beach also hosts the Grand Prix of Long Beach, an IndyCar race, and the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade.

Long Beach was included on the list because of its many unique festivals that are held all year round.  

8. Oakland

Oakland – Unsplash

Oakland is a major West Coast port city that lies on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay opposite San Francisco. The city site is located on a flat coastal plain that rises toward hills to the east that parallel the shoreline. The city was originally was called Encinar (misrendered at an early date and carried forward as “encinal”) —Spanish for “oak grove”—due to the large oak forest that covered the area, which eventually led to the city’s name. In 1852, the Town of Oakland was incorporated by the state legislature. Two years later, on March 25, 1854, Oakland re-incorporated as the City of Oakland.

The city’s vibrant African-American community brought traditional soul food, and immigrants from all over the world have opened Ethiopian, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, and other authentic ethnic restaurants that provide an immense variety of culinary options.

Oakland was included in the list because of its rich history that has given rise to a diverse culture.

9. San Bruno

San Bruno – Flickr

San Bruno is between South San Francisco and Millbrae, adjacent to San Francisco International Airport and Golden Gate National Cemetery, and is approximately 12 miles (19 km) south of downtown San Francisco. The city was named after St. Bruno of Cologne, the founder of a medieval monastic order.

The city  is also known as the “City with a Heart” renowned for its beautiful parks scenic hotspots in every direction, head to the coast or one of the many scenic hillside parks to soak up the rugged splendor of the Bay.

The city of Bruno is included in the list as it has very friendly residence hence the city dubbed the “City with a Heart”.

10. Dunsmuir

Dunsmuir – Flickrc

Dunsmuir is a city in Siskiyou on the upper Sacramento River in the Trinity Mountains. The city was established in the late 1880s when a rail line was built through the Upper Sacramento River canyon. Originally named Pusher because in this location extra engines were needed to push the train up the steep canyon. The name was changed to Dunsmuir in 1886 when Canada’s Alexander Dunsmuir fell in love with the town and promised the town a water fountain if they named the town after his family. The fountain is now at the city park.

The official city slogan is “Home of the best water on Earth”. Enjoy fishing trout in the Sacramento and McCloud Rivers, or to see and climb Mount Shasta, Castle Crags or the Trinity Alps. You can also ski (both alpine and cross-country) and bicycle, or can hike to the waterfalls, streams and lakes in the area, including nearby Mossbrae Falls, Hedge Creek Falls, Lake Siskiyou, Castle Lake and Shasta Lake.

Dunsmuir has secured a spot on this list because of its beautiful water bodies which visitors can enjoy. The city id nicknamed “Home of the best water on earth”.