California is a huge state with a wide mix of cities, landscapes, and people. From sunny beaches to busy downtowns to farmland in the valley, the biggest cities in California all offer something different. This guide breaks down the largest cities in the state, what they’re famous for, and what makes each one a unique place to live, work, or visit.
Los Angeles – Famous for Hollywood and Big City Life
Population: About 4 million
Region: Southern California
Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States. It’s best known for Hollywood, where movies and TV shows are made. It’s also where many celebrities live and work. People come from all over the world to visit attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and the Santa Monica Pier.
Besides entertainment, LA has strong industries in tech, fashion, and business. The city is very spread out, with many neighborhoods that feel like small towns within the city—places like Downtown LA, Koreatown, Echo Park, and Beverly Hills all offer something different.
Los Angeles is also known for traffic and a high cost of living, but many people still move here for job opportunities and the California dream.
San Diego – Known for Beautiful Weather and Beaches
Population: About 1.4 million
Region: Southern California
San Diego is famous for having some of the best weather in the U.S.. It’s sunny almost all year, with temperatures that stay around the 70s. People love to surf, swim, bike, and walk outside. The city has miles of beaches like La Jolla, Coronado, and Mission Beach.
San Diego is also a big military town with a strong Navy presence. It’s home to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and a fun downtown area called the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s a great place for families, retirees, and anyone who wants a relaxed beach lifestyle. Real estate in San Diego can be expensive, but many people find the weather and outdoor life worth it.
San Jose – Known for Tech Jobs and High Prices
Population: About 1 million
Region: Northern California (Silicon Valley)
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, where many of the world’s biggest tech companies are located. It’s a hub for innovation, with major players like Google, Apple, Meta (Facebook), and many start-ups nearby. Because of this, the job market is strong, but so is the cost of housing.
San Jose has clean streets, good public schools, and many parks and trails. But many homes cost over $1 million, which can make it tough for people just starting out. If you’re looking to invest in real estate, San Jose has long-term value thanks to the tech industry. It’s one of the most competitive housing markets in the state.
San Francisco – Known for Landmarks and Liberal Culture
Population: About 815,000
Region: Northern California (Bay Area)
San Francisco is a compact, beautiful city known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Painted Ladies houses. It has a rich history, from the Gold Rush to the Summer of Love. The city is full of steep hills, trolleys, colorful neighborhoods, and great food.
SF is also known for being one of the most liberal cities in the U.S., with a strong focus on diversity and social justice. The tech boom has brought a lot of money into the city, but it has also created challenges like high housing prices and homelessness. Despite its size, San Francisco is packed with things to do, including shopping, hiking, and exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission District, and North Beach.
Fresno – Known for Agriculture and Affordability
Population: About 550,000
Region: Central California
Fresno sits in the Central Valley, the most productive farming region in the country. The area grows fruits, nuts, and vegetables that feed much of the U.S. Because of this, Fresno is a major agricultural center.
It’s also one of the most affordable large cities in California. People who want more space for their money often move here. The cost of living is lower than in coastal cities, and many homes come with bigger yards. While it doesn’t have the beach or nightlife of LA or San Diego, it’s close to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and other outdoor attractions.
Sacramento – Known for Politics and History
Population: About 530,000
Region: Northern California (Inland)
Sacramento is the capital of California. It’s where state laws are made and where the governor lives and works. But beyond politics, Sacramento has a lot to offer—tree-lined streets, rivers, museums, and a historic downtown known as Old Sacramento.
The city is growing fast, especially as people leave the Bay Area for more affordable homes. It’s known for the farm-to-fork movement, which means many restaurants use fresh, local food. Sacramento has a strong job market in government, healthcare, and education. Housing prices are lower than in San Francisco or San Jose, making it a popular choice for families and first-time buyers.
Long Beach – Known for Its Port and Beach Town Feel
Population: About 460,000
Region: Southern California
Long Beach is next to Los Angeles but has its own personality. It’s a port city—one of the busiest in the country—and plays a big role in trade and shipping. At the same time, it feels like a beach town, with walkable neighborhoods and local shops.
You’ll find attractions like the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Belmont Shore. Long Beach has a diverse population, a strong arts community, and good schools. It’s also a good place for real estate because it’s close to LA but a little more affordable. New development continues to grow, especially around Downtown Long Beach and the waterfront.
Anaheim – Known for Disneyland and Family Living
Population: About 350,000
Region: Orange County, Southern California
Anaheim is best known as the home of Disneyland, which brings in millions of visitors each year. But it’s also a big city where many people live and work. It has good schools, lots of parks, and shopping areas. Besides Disneyland, the city is home to the Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium, and Honda Center (home of the Ducks hockey team).
Real estate here can be pricey, but many people choose Anaheim for the family-friendly vibe and easy access to nearby cities like Irvine, Santa Ana, and Los Angeles.
Final Thoughts
Each large city in California has its own charm, lifestyle, and reason people want to live there. Whether you’re looking for high-paying tech jobs, beachside living, family-friendly suburbs, or affordable housing, California has a city that fits. Understanding what each city is known for can help you make better choices—whether you’re buying a home, investing in property, or just looking for the next place to visit.
