Is Northern or Southern California the "real" California? (San Diego: hotel, living)

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by terryclinker

Southern is more real Californian - Hollywood, like duh!

Coming from a Wash DC area transplant: I have to disagree; the Napa wine country, Hollywood, CHP, redwoods, Kalifornia Kustoms, Yosemite, etc. are all California to me

[rickca]

Northern California still has a considerably milder and sunnier climate than most areas of the United States.. of course the further north you go the more it turns in to the Pacific Northwest climate but Sacramento and the Bay Area are still pretty sunny and mild compared to most parts of the country. The history of California of course goes back to the gold rush and back then northern California was the main population center of the state and I think it still had a reputation back then for good weather so I don't think you can just say southern California is the "real California".

[Shadowplay]

I think there are a lot more than two Californias... Such a large and diverse place. It's possible to find almost anything you're looking for here.

[SkinnyMinnie]

I love California. I have lived here my entire life and have traveled extensively both domestically and Internationally; nothing compares.

Northern California gave us the Personal Computer, the Internet, and the Golden Gate Bridge. As far as beach images: Santa Cruz in August is as California as it gets with its beautiful beaches, Boardwalk, and its Surfer culture (the actual birthplace of surfing in California). San Francisco - need I say more.

Southern California gave us Hollywood, Disneyland, Fashionistas, and again Surfing. As far as artists go: check out Venice and its eclectic mix of shops and people; go to Santa Monica and see the aspiring actors from all over the world. The Creative culture is contagious.

Northern and Sourthern California combined is like no other place in the world. One with out the other is like butter without bread, the sun without sunsets, the night without the day...you get my drift.

Real? the definition is in the answer

[vegaspilgrim]

I thought Bakersfield was the real California, hehheh.

[vegaspilgrim]

Both southern and northern California (and the central valley) are the REAL California, however "southern California" is a lot more distinctive in terms of its own regional identity in peoples minds. From what I've observed most people in soCal view themselves as "Southern Californians" first and "Californians" second. Whereas I think NorCal, while still a strong regional identity, is more content to just be "California" instead of having to put a regional qualification on top of it.

[JakeInSoCal]

Yes SoCal is the average view of the high life of CA but NoCal is the outside model. Both coming together to create a CA paradise.

[RangerDuke08]

Been to both, personal opinion more alike than different. California has changed a lot during the years though, I would consider "the real California" as an "image" not always there but some validity to it, where there is the fast paced life, upscale society and good looking women. If so perhaps not exactly lalaland anymore, but maybe some coastal cities near San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. So I would say all of California but coastal rather than inland.

[wesside]

They are both California. Neither one is more California than the other. End of discussion

[stan in san diego]

In all of its wild diversity and creativity it's all REAL and all wonderful.