Categories
USA & Canada

California Packing List | California Is A Great Idea!

California offers diversity, fresh produce, vibrant festivals, a relaxed lifestyle, iconic burger joints like In-n-Out, renowned Mexican cuisine, abundant avocados, and snow sports in its mountain regions.

What makes California so amazing and interesting?

If you love nature you’ll love California

Oh gosh, where to start? Yosemite, Tahoe, the massive forests, Death Valley,Sequoia and Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, Napa, San Francisco, SantaCruz, Malibu, Santa Catalina Island, Big Bear Lake, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills,Carmel, Santa Monica, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego…. For those studying English in the USA,California offers countless breathtaking landscapes to explore.

Californians Know Everything About Fresh Produce

Believe it or not, California is big on agriculture and farming. We get amazingvegetables and fruit, the best artichokes you’ll ever find, and some prettyhigh-quality meats as well. Our farmers markets are often huge, varied, andmore like a food festival than a weekly shopping trip. Just prepare to bespoiled rotten from the fresh produce!

Diversity and Lifestyle

People from all walks of life, all ethnicities, and all genders call Californiahome. What’s even more impressive, is that the state values acceptance andwelcomes everyone for who they are. You’ll never find a more inclusive state. Learning English inCalifornia means experiencing this richdiversity firsthand. Californians live organically, advocate for acceptance,strive for greatness, and make dreams come true.

There Is Literally A Festival ForEverything

Californians love festivals. Maybe it’s that we have better weather here, soit’s easier to have them. From renaissance festivals, cultural, wine tointernet cat festivals, we’ll celebrate just about anything imaginable. If youlike craft beer, this is definitely the right place to be. With nearly 500breweries statewide, it’s safe to say that the craft beer movement isn’t justbooming in California, it’s BOOMING!

From Bulking Up To Slimming Down, It’sAbsurdly Easy To Get Healthy Here

If you want a healthier diet or lifestyle, California makes it easy. There areplenty of vegan, vegetarian, and specialty restaurants, as well as health foodstores, and gyms and yoga studios galore. And if you’d rather jog, most placeshave superb hiking trails, or you can just go to the beach and jog on the sandor the boulevard.

Casual Friday Is An Every Day Sort Of Thing

You know what CA tech company employees never say? “Boy, I can’t decide whichtie to wear to work today.” In general, in any part of CA, office attire tendsto be much more relaxed. Even if there’s some form of dress code, you probablywill never need to own a full suit in this state unless you want to. Even inthe rare moments it does rain, you’ll always find someone in shorts andsandals.

In-n-Out Isn’t Just A Burger, It’s A Way Of Life

Just a burger? You’ve got to be kidding. In-n-Out is a must-try for anyonevisiting, and locals love it. They keep their menu classic and do it well.Besides, who wants to pass up ordering off the secret menu? Animal Style,Veggie Style, and 4 x 4, just to name a few secret menu orders.

California Does Mexican Food Right

We’re not talking Taco Bell here. The Mexican restaurants here are to die for,the best in the nation, and they get progressively better the closer to theborder you get. Heck, even our roadside food trucks and taco stands put mostother states to shame.

Avocados. Avocados Everywhere

Remember that produce thing? Well, there’s one thing we seem to grow and use inabundance, and that’s avocados. In sushi, salads, and even in burgers, you’llfind avocado on every menu. And yes, we know avocados cost extra!

Yes, California Does Actually Get Snow

The mountain regions of California are great for skiing. Ski towns includeTahoe, Yosemite, Big Bear, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley...the list goes onand on. And what’s more, a lot of people seek out the snow every year for funand really love the stuff. Learning English in the USA givesyou the chance to experience California’s unique weather, from snow-cappedmountains to sunny beaches.

Santa Monica Beach and Pier, California

Frequently Asked Questions

Patrick
Patrick
Himmelberg
CEO
Patrick
USA & Canada
What International Students Wish They'd Known Before Studying in California

What International Students Wish They'd Known Before Studying in California

A pre-arrival guide for international students planning to study in California. Practical facts on sales tax, tipping, the cold Pacific, distances between cities, the drinking age, and what daily life in San Diego and Los Angeles actually looks like.

USA & Canada
San Diego vs Hawaii: Where Is Better to Learn English in 2026?

San Diego vs Hawaii: Where Is Better to Learn English in 2026?

San Diego vs Hawaii for learning English in 2026: compare class sizes, daily English use, costs, nationality mix, lifestyle and travel opportunities to see which destination offers better progress

Study Abroad
How Long Does It Really Take to Learn English? A Realistic Timeline

How Long Does It Really Take to Learn English? A Realistic Timeline

How long does it take to learn English? This guide shows realistic timelines by CEFR level, compares immersion vs part-time study, and explains how long it takes to reach B1, B2, and advanced levels like C1—based on real learning conditions.

English
Five Tips On How To Avoid Grammar Mistakes

Five Tips On How To Avoid Grammar Mistakes

Master English grammar by learning rules, practicing regularly, starting with simple sentences, using resources, and embracing mistakes. Join the College of English Language near Christine Emerson Reed Park for expert guidance.

Sprachaufenthalt im Ausland
Sprachaufenthalt Kanada planen: Dauer, Kosten, Visum & Qualität der Sprachschule

Sprachaufenthalt Kanada planen: Dauer, Kosten, Visum & Qualität der Sprachschule

Plane deinen Sprachaufenthalt in Kanada richtig: Dauer, Kosten, Visum, Unterkunft und Tipps zur Wahl der richtigen Sprachschule in Vancouver.

현지 생활
샌디에이고에서의 하루 루틴: 어학연수생이 실제로 경험하는 일상

샌디에이고에서의 하루 루틴: 어학연수생이 실제로 경험하는 일상

샌디에이고 어학연수 중 학생들이 경험하는 실제 하루를 소개합니다. 해변 5분 거리 CEL San Diego에서의 수업, 서핑, 요가, BBQ, 그리고 풀장까지 — 한국 학생들이 왜 샌디에이고를 선택하는지 이유가 완벽하게 드러나는 하루 루틴!‍

English
Learning English: Can I Do It On My Own?

Learning English: Can I Do It On My Own?

Attending a private language school like College of English Language in Los Angeles offers a more comprehensive learning experience compared to learning a language alone.

Local Life
Where Do Students Live in Vancouver? What Different Areas Feel Like During Your Language Stay

Where Do Students Live in Vancouver? What Different Areas Feel Like During Your Language Stay

Where do international students live in Vancouver? This guide explains the real differences between downtown, residential areas, and homestays—so you understand how your location shapes your daily life, social experience, and English progress.

2026-05-09
2026-05-08