11 Small Things About California You Never Thought Would Make You Homesick

Here are 11 small things about California you might never expect to miss that can make you feel homesick:

1. The laid-back, chill vibe where people say “hella” and have a distinctive, relaxed way of life.
2. Access to iconic local fast food like In-N-Out Burger, which is hard to find elsewhere.
3. The beach lifestyle and the sound of the ocean waves—something deeply missed when away.
4. The diverse and vibrant cultural mix that gives California its unique flavor.
5. The spectacular sunsets you rarely see replicated anywhere else.
6. The omnipresent feeling of endless summer and warm weather.
7. The scenic drives through coastal highways and mountain roads.
8. The local slang and friendly, casual greetings from strangers.
9. The feeling of constantly being near nature, from forests to deserts to the coast.
10. The undeniable hustle and energy of cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
11. The sense of innovation and creativity buzzing in tech hubs and artistic communities.

These seemingly small details contribute to a strong emotional tie to California that can catch you by surprise when living away from the state.

SOURCES

[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgP374WUL5k)
[2](https://thehonestlocal.com/living-in-california-moving/)
[3](https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/11qdwd/rcalifornia_im_homesick_this_may_sound_weird_but/)
[4](https://www.pods.com/blog/living-california)
[5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS_GJ3QTWXg)