11 Photos You'll Only Understand If You Hail From Southern California
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Natasha Kayes
Author
We all have our “tribe” or community (often more than one) with whom we share common space, interests, backgrounds, thinking, etc. – some part of our identity. Some communities are small, tiny even, and some are as big as a nation. In the US, each state (or part of a state, like Northern or Southern California) is a sort of community, bound together not just by geography, but by unique little pieces of life that only we experience or understand – such as these 11 photos Southern Californians understand instantly.
This iconic hamburger stand may have begun to spread outside of Southern California in recent years (in fact, the first non-SoCal location was opened in 1992) but In-N-Out is a generations-old part of everyone’s lives here. And I guarantee that everyone here sees these double-patty beauties in red and white wrappers in a red tray and knows absolutely instantly where we are. This is the place that never changes, that has always had the best milkshakes, multi-patty burgers and fries made from scratch, and that is ultimately always worth the long line at the drive-thru.
Okay, freeways are not special to Southern California (although most of the country, and even the northern part of this state, seem to use the terms highway, Interstate, and expressway instead,) but this one particular freeway - and the almost literally never-ending traffic - is so much a permanent part of our experience that we simply have to say “The 405” to make a fellow local roll their eyes. (And yes, we know we are the only ones who say “The” and the highway number!)
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Most outsiders probably wouldn’t even recognize this huge round building, if you grew up here, I don’t have to tell you that this is the Casino on Catalina Island. It is practically the island’s logo. We also know something else most people don’t - that the Avalon Casino is not, and never has been, a casino!
If you have never visited the island or toured this amazing building, I highly recommend the Behind the Scenes tour!
If you have never visited the island or toured this amazing building, I highly recommend the Behind the Scenes tour!
The Queen Mary is a world-famous ship, but it feels pretty safe to say that only a local would recognize it instantly and have flashbacks of a childhood field trip or family visit as well as creepy stories surrounding it. And if you have ever taken a cruise from LA, you have probably left from our main terminal in Long Beach, right next to this state legend.
This super-sugary orange and pineapple soda is almost impossible outside of Southern California, but if you grew up here, it was a staple at every party growing up and, in spite of yourself, you are at least a little tempted to buy a colorful can or bottle of this memorable beverage every time you see one. Fun fact: This soda was created as a nod to Fred Flintstone whose favorite drink was “Cactus Coola.”
Sure, there is Walt Disney World in Florida, and Disney “castle” parks, and even actual Disneyland locations in other countries, but Anaheim’s famous Disneyland entrance is one-of-a-kind. Millions from all over have seen it once, but this view is indelibly engraved in the minds of those of us fortunate enough to grow up close enough to know it well - to come here on summer vacation, or winter vacation, or on special days when our parents kept us home from school and surprised us with a Mickey Mouse adventure day.
This one is less fun, but nonetheless, something every Southern California resident knows well - an earthquake survival kit. Every part of the country has their own particular natural disaster that they know well and prepare for. Ours happens to be the earth moving beneath our feet, something I have experienced many times, but never gotten used to.
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Of all the items on this list, this photo may seem to be the most obscure, but Southern California locals will get it - and that is the point, right? Don’t worry, I’ll explain. SoCal is actually home to two baseball teams, but there is something about the Dodgers, and their signature blue color, that feels like home and makes us all feel like we are on the same “team.” We not only “think blue,” and encourage everyone who drives by this sign to do the same, but almost all of us have a blue shirt or cap to wear to a game.
Even if you live away from the coast, this iconic highway, the Pacific Coast Highway, and especially the stretch that runs through Malibu and Santa Monica, is a familiar sight and symbol of SoCal.
Who has grown up in Southern California doesn’t have at least one childhood (or perhaps, adult) memory, and probably a photo or several, of sitting in the midst of these gorgeous California poppies in Antelope Valley? This has also sparked a round of new memories for us since we have had a couple of “super-blooms” in the last few years that have motivated nearly everyone in SoCal to take a drive to see the flowers.
After the release of the Barbie movie, perhaps more people will feel an association with this photo, but if you hail from SoCal yourself, bikini-clad rollerskating (or rollerblading) on the palm-tree-lined beach will always bring to mind a particular place unlike any other - Venice Beach, CA.
If you grew up in SoCal, or spent a good part of your life here, you no doubt identify with these pics. What else belongs on this list of things only Southern Californias get, and what photos would you add? Whether or not your are a SoCal native, you may enjoy perusing our collection of Southern California fun facts, history, and more!
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