So how do you fit in when living in Southern California? We’ve got you covered and you may be surprised just how easy it is! First, you’re going to have to add a few items to your diet. Second, make a few clothing choices. Third, adopt a more relaxed attitude. More importantly, you may have to accept that sunny is the new norm.
California Casual Cuisine
One thing you may notice, like any other defined region, is the local food staples you can find in every corner of Southern California. Every part of the country has something unique to offer and out here it is no different. We’ll get you started with casual or street food that is as delicious as it is popular while living in southern California.
Eat Our Fish Tacos, Born in Southern California
If you visit California, one thing you absolutely will have to do is eat fish tacos. Everyone that visits from the “other” U.S. coast scoffs at first. They quickly adapt to our way of thinking, however. So, it’s best just to keep an open mind and roll with things until you’ve been here a while.
Why? First, they are delicious. Second, they are quite literally on a majority of menus in one form or another, at least if it is California-based cuisine. The food chain Rubio’s brought this style of cooking a taco and specifically fish to the forefront in San Diego years ago. It has since been adopted as a signature dish of the region.
So what makes a fish taco unique? It’s the classic ingredients first and foremost. Battered white fish sits atop a cabbage bed and is wrapped up in a corn tortilla. There are a lot of versions but most will also have a white sauce and are served with lime wedges.
More Variations of Tacos Than You Can Imagine!
Now, to be sure, there are certainly a thousand variations of the classic fish taco. It all started with the classic “TJ” or “Street” tacos prepared at stands down south in Tijuana for years. The traditional street tacos are carne asada or pollo asada (grilled steak or chicken) in a corn tortilla with cilantro, pico de gallo, and lime wedges.
Southern California locals have since added their own touches as cultures mixed on both sides of the border. Now, you can have any protein, garnish with pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions & jalapeños) instead of white sauce, substitute the protein with avocado wedges and even get a little fancy.
One of the more interesting variations of a taco I had recently was duck confit with bleu cheese and caramelized onions. Now, to be sure, it was a hidden location and a special menu but it was still wrapped in a corn tortilla, albeit a blue corn tortilla. The trick is the corn tortilla is the vessel and freshness gives it that signature California flair.
My favorites are at the Brigantine but fish tacos are just as tasty from a food truck. In fact, one very unassuming truck showed up in our area occasionally. Whenever we saw it, it was an immediate full stop for a delicious meal!
California Burritos 101
When is a burrito more than just another burrito? The California burrito is genuinely about the substitution of French Fries for traditional rice and beans. Usually, it includes carne asada (sliced, marinated & grilled flank steak), pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole all wrapped in a jumbo tortilla.
This on-the-go meal can be eaten anywhere and will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. California burritos have been a staple for decades now. The idea was born in local San Diego taco shops in the early 1980s.
Temecula Valley, the Southern California Wine Region
While everyone is familiar with the northern wine country of California, what many don’t realize is southern California has its own regional wineries. They are primarily in the Temecula Valley, about an hour’s drive north of Downtown San Diego. It is a wonderful day trip and even can be a weekend if you stay in any of the hotels within the area.
My personal favorite has always been Ponte Winery & Hotel because it had everything in one place. It’s a Spanish-style hotel, spa, and restaurant all set amidst their vineyards which is the most relaxing atmosphere for me personally. There are over forty wineries in Temecula, however, so you can have your pick of styles and options in the area.
Craft Beer Scene is Huge in Southern California
While I may be partial to wine, the rest of my friends and family living in Southern California really enjoy all the craft beer here in San Diego. The amount of craft breweries is massive now and every one of them has something different to offer. You recognize many of the breweries and many others you won’t. Even I am shocked to see new a label at a local restaurant on a regular basis. Personally, we love Coronado Brewing Company and Thorn Brewing. Beyond the variety of brewers, you will get an absolute kick out of the names of individual beers.
At last count, the San Diego Brewer Guild listed 127 official brewers. Check their map and links to the respective breweries.
Stylin’ in Southern California
The Ugg Boot Has Become Required Footwear
The Ugg Boot was probably the absolute number one laugh from my early days. To be sure, it wasn’t until celebrities in leggings with wildly popular reality shows began to sport the fluffy boots did the rest of the country at least consider the style choice. For myself, and countless other Southern California locals, the choice is born of practicality and comfort. Since style may be secondary as we venture to a beach to check on the waves, we opt for comfort living in Southern California.
Ugg Boots are simply warm, cozy, and last forever if you purchase the real Uggs. I’ve actually had my first pair for over 25 years now. They were the first gift from my husband. As a poor college student, I couldn’t afford the real deal so he splurged on a pair. From that day on, it was mix tapes though. I have kept that first pair and resoled them twice thus far. I wear a newer pair that is holding up quite well for day-to-day use.
Flip Flops Are Stylish
Now, the other choice in footwear as a socal local, flip-flops. I swear I am not crazy as there is a clear understanding that local style must include these airy options. In fact, lots of closets will sport many, many styles for virtually any occasion.
If you want to truly fit in down at the shore there are a handful of brands that are preferred by locals. Surfers and coastal dwellers have their preferred brands and styles. Rainbows and Reef flip-flops are probably the most popular (not an official poll, just observation).
Now, if they are worn in, battered, and comfy we consider them perfect. If you are considering an investment, choose a brand and style that conform to your feet over time. Just be aware that flip-flops can be tough to break in but once they shape to your arch and heel, you’ll be thankful for them for years to come.
In our house, everyone has a different braid (strap) and color but the girls have developed a way to customize them. They add leather flowers that clip on, formerly known as hair clips repurposed. For younger kids, it’s a cool way to let them have a little fun with their summer slip-ons.
The Hoodie!
If you stroll anywhere while living in Southern California, you’ll notice hoodies are everywhere. To be honest, it didn’t originate here and has been around throughout history all over the world. Here, it is a matter of practicality, however.
Kids, the elderly, and everyone in between enjoys a comfortable hoodie. A hooded sweatshirt became super popular for a few reasons. First, they can represent your favorite team, your university, a vibe, or even mantras and points of view. It’s become a statement of who you are.
Secondly, depending on your geography, they are a practical, economic option. Jackets just aren’t a thing in Southern California. The weather is temperate varying from sunny to grey but never extreme like in other regions. Coastal mist rolls in many evenings and clears out with a little sunshine. Having a hoodie can keep you comfy no matter the area of temperature.
Always Dress in Layers Living in Southern California
This brings me to my next point. Layers are your friend in California. Always bring along a sweatshirt, scarf, or hat. The first layers are usually the lightweight basics of cotton or linen shirts and jeans or pants.
Jeans are always an excellent option as nearly all restaurants’ suggested dress codes are good with jeans. The evenings can get a tad chilly so bring along that hoodie or lightweight wrap. During the summer, I am usually sporting a sunburn so as soon as the breezes kick up I get chilly quite fast.
Hats keep the hair under control for walks along the beach. Nothing like eating your hair every two seconds because of the breezes on a romantic stroll. Also, keep sunglasses with you at all times. There are so many outside dining options, you’ll be thankful you’ll have them!
The Cost of Living in Southern California is Jaw Dropping
I know I am always showcasing the beautiful or wonderful aspects of living in California but there are glaring and often jarring realities of living here. First and foremost, California housing is expensive! We are lucky in Southern California thus far as the median home price hovers around $630,00 in Los Angeles and $570,000 in San Diego (2020).
Our Northern California neighbors (Silicon Valley) aren’t so lucky. They top out at $1.2 million in San Francisco and $877,000 in San Jose. Riverside, Sacramento, and Fresno range between $350,000 and $213,000. To be fair, it really is about jobs and urbanization as well as location. There are those resort-style communities that will blow any budget. The proximity to the ocean is a prime example of location sticker shock.
If you think renting instead of buying can ward off skyrocketing costs, think again! California, as a whole, has seen average home rental prices increase from $2,100 per month in 2010 to over $2,600 for the same homes.
The best advice if you are relocating here is to do your homework! Find those pocket communities that offer nearby amenities but perhaps in a neighboring zip code. It can be done and realtors are excellent resources for very specific information on safety, amenities, schools, and traffic.
Taylor Simpson Photo via Unsplash
If the Prices Don’t Scare You Off, The Commute Just Might!
That brings me to the next deterrent to that zen California lifestyle. Traffic and long commutes will absolutely drive you insane, especially in places like Los Angeles.
We all time our drive to work and weigh it against the price of a home. It is a very real and dragging factor in choosing our next address. One upside in California of the COVID situation has been that companies are far more open to telecommuting than they have ever been. As a telecommuter for many years now, at least there is a very real shift to experiment with how we all get things done.
That being said, it’s not easy to deal with traffic patterns, regular accidents, and traffic jams in all the same places week after week. It drags down your energy so that by the time you are home, you are absolutely fed up. Before converting to telecommuting, I had 45 minutes to get to the office and well over an hour to get home (if I was lucky). Being in San Diego, I am blessed NOT to be in Los Angeles where it is far worse.
Why Southern California is Still Home
You may be wondering why anyone would choose to live in Southern California. Why choose to be here if it is so expensive and the commutes are so ridiculous, right?
The fact that I grew up here has a lot to do with my angst to stay. I grew up with beaches and mountains, all accessible on the same day. It’s not cliche or over-marketed if you can hike lakes and mountains, head home for a beach sunset, and spend more time outdoors than indoors. The value of lifestyle is a huge factor!
Free & Budget Friendly Options Throughout
So much of what I actually love about Southern California is free or super budget-friendly.
The beaches are always free and most have free parking. Thanks to California regulations that expressly forbid private ownership of beaches and access to them, we can enjoy the Pacific anytime. There is a full San Diego beach review to check out if you are visiting or just want to know about an area.
Hiking trails are marked throughout Southern California and are usually completely free as well. While your camping options are as varied as the climates. so are the rates. Some are incredibly budget-friendly!
Our most recent post on exploring Balboa Park is a good example of enjoying an area, even if only partially open.
We spent an entire afternoon exploring a completely free and open, outdoor park setting. Even when the museums are open, there are free days every month.
The San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks have really reasonable rates for annual passes that allow you to explore year-round.
Old Town Historic Park is also free, full of historical buildings, casual shopping, and reasonably-priced dining. Again, all outdoors generally which is important in 2020.
Living In Southern California Is All About the Neighborhoods
On a community level, neighborhoods are developing more and more into friendly destinations to shop, dine and explore local attractions. They each have a personality all their own. They include luxury destinations, chill surf culture towns, hippie throwback areas, and even old west places to visit.
Even the beaches offer different activities depending on what you may be interested in from surfing to tide pools, snorkeling and paddle boarding, and good ole sandy, beach fun.
Come for a Visit, Fit in Like a Local
I hope you enjoyed learning more about the Southern California region and why I love to call it home. We will continue to showcase the best things to do and see.
Feel free to check out our boards on Pinterest to see different areas of California or browse our Places To Go or Things To Do categories on our blog. It is packed with posts with more coming every couple of weeks.
SoCal is always one of my favorite beach destinations and I absolutely love San Diego. have spent many visits searching for the best fish tacos. A fun guide…
Thanks so much! Really love learning about the local norms wherever I go. Thought it was an opportunity to showcase our own.