1. Saying “the” before freeway numbers
Ask a Californian how to get somewhere and they’ll likely tell you to “take the 405” or “hop on the 10,” Nathan Masters of PBS SoCal explains. To outsiders, it sounds strange—most Americans just say “I-95” or “Route 66.” This quirk dates back to the 1930s and ’40s, when the regional transportation system referred to freeways as “the Hollywood Freeway” or “the Santa Monica Freeway.” So, when numbers eventually replaced names, locals just kept the “the.”
It’s especially common in Southern California, though it’s been spreading thanks to pop culture and transplants. If you hear someone say “the 101,” odds are they’ve lived in L.A. at some point. It may seem odd to visitors, but it’s deeply ingrained in the way SoCal residents give directions. For Californians, dropping “the” just sounds… wrong.
2. Wearing flip-flops year-round
Californians love their flip-flops, and they don’t care if it’s January or July. Even when temperatures drop into the 50s (which is “cold” by local standards), it’s not uncommon to see someone in shorts and sandals. This is partly because much of the state, especially coastal cities like San Diego and Santa Barbara, has a mild Mediterranean climate, Shawn Hubler of the Los Angeles Times explains.
It’s also a lifestyle thing—surf culture and laid-back beach vibes are stitched into the state’s identity. Flip-flops are easy, casual, and perfect for impromptu trips to the ocean or grabbing tacos. For locals, they’re basically a year-round uniform. To outsiders in parkas, it can look downright confusing.
3. Talking about driving time, not distance
Ask a Californian how far something is, and they won’t give you miles—they’ll tell you how long it takes to get there. “It’s about 30 minutes away” is way more common than “It’s 15 miles.” That’s because in California, especially in metro areas like L.A. or the Bay Area, traffic is wildly unpredictable.
Distance means almost nothing when a five-mile trip can take 45 minutes during rush hour. So locals adapt by measuring everything in time. It’s a deeply practical habit that confuses visitors trying to understand how close something really is. But for Californians, it’s the only way that makes sense.
4. Putting avocado on everything
Avocados aren’t just food in California—they’re a way of life, according to Beatrice Aronson of The Daily Californian. Whether it’s toast, burritos, salads, or even smoothies, locals are always looking for an excuse to add this creamy green fruit. California is the top avocado-producing state in the U.S., growing over 90% of the domestic supply.
So it’s no wonder it’s a staple in everything from breakfast to late-night snacks. People elsewhere might raise an eyebrow at paying extra for guac, but Californians don’t bat an eye. Avocados are fresh, local, and beloved. It’s both a culinary choice and a flex.
5. Complaining about “cold” weather in the 60s
When the temperature dips below 70°F, expect locals to start bundling up in beanies and hoodies. Yes, even if you’re still sweating in your T-shirt. Californians are used to year-round mild weather, especially in Southern and coastal parts of the state.
So what feels like a breezy spring day to others can feel frigid to someone from Santa Monica, according to Jessica P. Ogilvie of LAist. The local definition of “cold” is definitely skewed compared to the rest of the country. This habit baffles folks from snowier states who wear shorts in March. But to Californians, it’s just how their internal thermostat works.
6. Prioritizing wellness like it’s a full-time job
From morning green juices to weekend yoga retreats, California has turned wellness into a lifestyle brand. Locals often start their days with adaptogenic lattes or meditation apps and end them with pilates and clean eating. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a decades-long culture rooted in holistic health movements that started in places like Berkeley and Big Sur.
Even casual social plans can involve a hike or kombucha bar meetup. While outsiders might see it as performative or excessive, to Californians it’s just Tuesday. They’ve got entire grocery aisles and workout classes most states haven’t even heard of yet. Wellness is a way of life here—like traffic, but with more probiotics.
7. Talking about earthquakes like they’re weather
In most places, a 4.0 earthquake would make the evening news. In California, someone might shrug and say, “Did you feel that?” while sipping coffee. Small quakes are just part of life here, especially if you live anywhere near the San Andreas Fault or other active zones.
Locals are well-versed in preparedness—earthquake kits, emergency water, and that instinctive pause when something shakes. Outsiders often worry about “The Big One,” but for Californians, it’s a background hum of risk they’ve learned to live with. Much like how Midwesterners treat tornado warnings, Californians take it in stride. It’s more of a casual inconvenience than a crisis unless the Richter scale really spikes.
8. Calling smoothies and acai bowls “meals”
In California, you can absolutely eat a smoothie for lunch and call it a day. Add some almond butter, protein powder, chia seeds, and suddenly it’s a full meal in a cup. Acai bowls with granola and fruit are also considered legit breakfast or lunch options.
This habit ties back to the state’s obsession with health and efficiency. It’s portable, quick, and Instagrammable—three things Californians tend to value. Visitors might wonder where the “real food” is, but locals are happily fueled by blended fruit and optimism. It’s light, it’s colorful, and honestly, it tastes like summer.
9. Leaving town the second a long weekend hits
If you’ve ever tried to get out of L.A. or San Francisco on a Friday before a holiday, you know the gridlock is real. Californians treat three-day weekends like an escape mission—loading up their cars and heading to Palm Springs, Big Bear, Tahoe, or the coast. The tradition of “getting out of town” is almost sacred.
With so many incredible landscapes within driving distance, it makes sense. Mountains, beaches, deserts, and national parks are just a few hours away. Locals have perfected the art of the weekend getaway. To outsiders, it might seem frantic, but for Californians, it’s just how you make the most of paradise.
10. Using “June Gloom” and “May Gray” like actual seasons
In Southern California, particularly near the coast, late spring often brings cool, overcast mornings and hazy skies. Locals refer to this as “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” and they plan their outfits and activities around it. It’s not cold, but it can be damp and foggy until midday.
This marine layer rolls in thanks to cold ocean currents and high atmospheric pressure, and it’s a very real seasonal shift. To someone visiting from elsewhere, the overcast weather might come as a surprise. But locals know to wait until 1 or 2 p.m. for the sun to burn through. It’s as predictable as pumpkin spice in October.
11. Eating tacos at all hours of the day
Tacos aren’t just a late-night snack or Taco Tuesday thing in California—they’re an anytime, anywhere meal. Breakfast tacos? Check. Vegan jackfruit tacos from a gourmet food truck at 10 a.m.? Also yes.
California’s deep ties to Mexican culture and its proximity to the border make tacos a way of life. Whether it’s a $2 carne asada taco from a street vendor or a gourmet version topped with microgreens, it’s all fair game. Locals have very strong opinions about where to get the best ones, too. It’s one of the few things people from NorCal and SoCal can agree on.
12. Giving directions using landmarks, not street names
Californians often tell you to turn “right after the In-N-Out” or “left past the Trader Joe’s,” rather than using street names or house numbers. This habit confuses people who rely on GPS, but it’s surprisingly effective for locals. With so much urban sprawl and ever-changing construction, landmarks are often more recognizable than intersections.
In cities like L.A., where freeway exits, identical strip malls, and confusing signage abound, visual cues are easier to follow. It’s also a bit of shared cultural shorthand—if someone says “near the old Tower Records,” everyone knows what they mean. It’s both nostalgic and practical. For Californians, it’s just how directions work.
