22 Types of People Who Shouldn’t Visit California

For some people, not just aspiring entertainers, California is the place to be — sun and surf, celebrity sightings and luxe shopping, outdoor activities, and the sights and sounds of diverse cultures coming together. For others, though, any California dreamin’ might feel more like a nightmare. We take a playful look at those who might, when planning their next getaway, want to skip a visit to The Golden State.

Related: 15 Types of People Who Shouldn’t Visit New York City

People Who Are Celebrity-Obsessed

There’s a difference between admiring celebrities and being dazzled by a random sighting — and outright obsessing over them. LaLa Land is the home of what seems like zillions of stars, but, remember, they have their own lives and do not want to meet you, take a picture with you — or even worse, be followed by you, when they are “off duty.” Stalker laws are there for a reason. (Those who are obsessed with stars might want to know about these 22 Places to Hang Out Where You’re Most Likely to See a Celebrity.)

People Who Are Terrified by Natural Disasters

Nearly every part of the country has its climate challenges — brutal blizzards, harrowing hurricanes, and traumatic tornados, for example. California, though, gets plenty of attention for its earthquakes, mudslides, tsunami predictions, and devastating wildfires. Chances of encountering all of them may be slim for vacationers — but worrywarts may not be convinced otherwise.

People Who Don’t Like Consistently Good Weather

Having said that, California’s reputation as being one of the most pleasant weather states is pretty well established. After all, who hasn’t heard of the ideal weather of a destination such as San Diego? Well, if you like to mope about on a good-and-gloomy day — or sit and watch the snowfall day after day — this might not be the state for your next trip. (Find out where it’s warmest and coldest in the Golden State.)

People Who Hate Inventive Foods

The Pool House, a chic lounge in San Diego, describes California cuisine as “characterized by a reverence to fresh, simple preparation, and the use of local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible… California cuisine is also characterized by an element of fusion, employing cooking techniques and flavors from other cultures. With California cuisine, it’s not uncommon to see techniques and recipes borrowed from European, Asian, and South American cuisines, yet prepared using local ingredients.” And you will not have any trouble finding restaurants dedicated to global menus during any stay, so a strictly “meat-and-potatoes” eater may miss out on some really unique fare.

Related: The True Origins of 19 Classic ‘American’ Foods

People Who Don’t Like to Drive — or Sit in Traffic

Southern California has earned countless “honors” of having the worst traffic in America, so those who hate idling their time backed up on the freeway may be quite frustrated. And it may be a cliché, but many people believe Californians drive everywhere, so make sure you have patience if you plan to join the masses on those roads.

Related: How to Stay Safe From Road Rage, Including Your Own

People Who Don’t Like Comparing Themselves to Others

Face it, California is full of “the beautiful people.” They may do a lot to maintain that beauty, but it’s a pervasive vibe, especially in and around Los Angeles. And if you feel like a schlump walking in your local mall, imagine how little ol’ you will feel walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

People Who Prefer to Avoid Liberals

California, like every place, has its mix of liberals and conservatives — but California’s reputation as a stronghold of progressive ideals remains. In fact, the largest share of the state’s voters are Democratic and that “hippie spirit” of “live and let live” remains ingrained.

People Who Don’t Like Anything ‘New Age’

The New Age movement in America traces its roots back to the 1970s and ’80s California, where a nod to spirituality remains strong. Think Spencer Pratt’s new crystal venture on “The Hills” reboot, the annual Cali crystal hunt known as Gem-O-Rama, and countless spiritual retreats and destinations such as Vedanta Temple.

People Who Hate Techies

Luddites be warned — the San Francisco Chronicle has reported that San Francisco’s tech workforce is still growing, outpacing major U.S. cities including New York and L.A. So, if you hate all things tech, then getting anywhere near Silicon Valley and its focus on the biz might not be the best choice.

People Who Don’t Like Nostalgia

Think California and think a place that respects its past. Take a trip back in time, from the allure of classic Hollywood (think TCL Chinese Theatre, better known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) to a tour of Hearst Castle, from a drive along Route 66 to the intrigue of luxury getaway and celeb haunt Chateau Marmont. For those who only look ahead, they’re snoring at these popular options.

People Who Don’t Like Outdoor Activities

For those who prefer to take things slow — and inside, California’s wealth of outdoor activities will not appeal. After all, you can surf and swim, hike and bike, boat, and take in waterfalls, parks, and yes, even ski and snowboard. The proverbial something for everyone (who wants it).

People Who Don’t Like Wildlife

Who hasn’t heard of tourists spotting seals and sea lions along the Pacific Coast Highway? Those not interested then likely would skip the countless other options to find California wildlife, from the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Big Sur to spotting kit foxes, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and golden eagles at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to observing a wide array of waterfowl at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Related: 21 Places to Safely See Wild Animals Up Close

People Who Don’t Like Feeling Small

Those who prefer to dominate their surroundings would likely bypass seeing the wonders that are the redwoods, the towering trees synonymous with California’s natural treasures. We defy you to not try to stand tall in your selfies! (Photo opp: Here are 21 Ways to Take a Better Selfie.)

People Who Don’t Like Densely Populated Areas

California, by far, ranks as the most populous state in the union. That’s some 39 million people living there — not including tourists, so curmudgeons can rightly expect some lines at restaurants, theme parks, and more. Crowd-shunning folks might want to consider the Most Remote States in the U.S. instead.

People Who Don’t Like Breaking Their Budgets

Of course, there are ways to be a frugal traveler no matter your destination — but California certainly tempts you to open your wallet. In fact, Visit California reported that tourism dollars spent in 2018 topped $140 billion. That’s a lot of souvenirs, admissions, and brunches, to be sure.

People Who Don’t Like Exploring the Arts

If you’re not about new and artful experiences, then California’s not the place to be. This is a state that offers a diverse lineup of options, from the San Francisco Opera to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (open during its massive construction project), from the San Diego Art Loft to the inclusive Axis Dance Company in Oakland. There’s cabaret and theater, film and music and pretty much anything else that would keep you entertained — and enlightened.

People Who Don’t Like Adventures

California can do it up big — from Disneyland to Lake Tahoe to the San Diego Zoo. Mega-destinations such as these might make the meek cringe. (Fans of Mickey Mouse who do go will want to remember these 19 Expensive Mistakes to Avoid at Disney.)

People Who Don’t Like Festivals

One might say California never met a festival it didn’t like, and that’s a year-round thing. There are arts festivals (Burbank ARTS Festival, Laguna Beach’s Winter Fantasy) and county fairs (Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, Monterey County Fair), not to mention a calendar full of beer festivals and ethnic festivals, food festivals and wine festivals, kite festivals and Renaissance festivals.

People Who Don’t Like Music and Its History

“I Love You, California” has been the official state song since the 1950s — and many a musician has found fame in The Golden State, from the composers on classic Hollywood films to the sounds of The Beach Boys, the Grateful Dead, and everyone who passed through the hotbed of creativity known as Laurel Canyon. Not to mention San Francisco’s “Summer of Love” plus an array of jazz, punk, rock, and Latin-influenced sounds. Any music fan will be in heaven. Those who hate music … well, what’s wrong with them anyway?

People Who Don’t Like Wine (Or Wine Snobs)

The classic wine-country movie may be “Sideways,” but the insights poured in that 2004 film have colored how many view California’s wine heritage. Those who love wine can explore (and taste) to their heart’s content; those who don’t, will want to bypass the whole Napa experience.

People Who Don’t Like Marijuana

In 2016, California legalized the recreational use of cannabis (though it went into effect in 2018, and medical marijuana was legalized long before that). So if getting stoned — within the law — is on your travel to-do list, the state welcomes you. But for those who want nothing to do with pot, its use, and those who use it, well, they can skip the “permission” to get high. (Those who are green to buying legal reefer will want to read 12 Things to Know Before Buying Cannabis in States Where It’s Legal.)

People Who Don’t Like Local ‘Lingo’

Yes, it’s another cliché — but who doesn’t imagine going to California and conversing with a modern-day Jeff Spicoli of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” fame (think “dude” and that memorable laugh)? Or maybe, “fer sure” — coming across a Valley Girl like the one immortalized in song by Frank and Moon Unit Zappa back in 1982. Like, oh my god!