The State of California was recently named the world’s fourth-largest economy, driven by the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom. Beyond our impressive GDP, the Golden State has built one of the most diverse cultures in the nation, paired with some of the most recognizable landmarks, and you can find entertainment options beyond your wildest dreams. Unlike the cowboys in Texas or the businessmen in New York, we are (thankfully) known for more than one thing.
When people think of “California,” a variety of words come to their minds. But if I had to narrow it down, Los Angeles’ reputation as the film capital of the world is definitely up there.
The Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame alone are only two of the reasons people travel from all over the United States to come to our city. When you consider the magic of the Hollywood film industry, with amusement parks like Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Disneyland, LA becomes a go-to destination for everybody in the world.
Other than our surplus of entertainment, California has been blessed with some of the most diverse cultures in the world. The state has a history of welcoming both immigrants and natives to our state, since westward expansion and the Gold Rush.
Throughout California, you’ll find communities of different cultures living in close proximity to each other, including Latinos, Asians, Armenians and many more. A short, twenty-minute drive can take you on a cultural adventure through East LA, Koreatown and Little Armenia, all with their own unique stories and customs.
Beyond being the home to some of the most diverse people and foods in the West, California is also known for its wide variety of both man-made and natural landmarks and there’s something here for everybody.
Want a cool picture for your social media? Try Balboa Park or the Golden Gate Bridge. Feel like reconnecting with nature? Yosemite and Death Valley are the places for you! Say you feel like visiting a historical landmark? Alcatraz and Olvera Street are calling your name!
And finally, no one can deny California’s impact on the rest of the United States. On the music scene, summer songs have long been associated with California due to our perfect weather. Moreover, West Coast hip-hop has made a lasting impression on the world of music since the 1980s, with artists such as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur, and more recently with Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle.
It’s easy to ramble on about why our state is so great, but nothing will ever give it the justice it deserves. On the surface, our state looks shallow. The rest of the United States sees the West Coast as nothing more than nice beaches, Hollywood glamour and In-N-Out Burgers, but it’s all much more than that.
California’s impact on music, cultural diversity and entertainment simply cannot be understood by anyone who hasn’t seen the Golden State for themselves. So everyone in America should definitely do so as soon as possible.
