California is America's most populous and diverse state, stretching 1,300 kilometers along the Pacific Coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. It encompasses everything from sun-drenched beaches and towering redwood forests to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and the arid Mojave Desert.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
California Wines
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon or Sonoma Chardonnay — the gold standard California gift
Price: $15-200
Where: Napa/Sonoma wineries, Total Wine, BevMo!
San Francisco Sourdough Bread
Boudin Bakery sourdough — the authentic SF sourdough starter dates to 1849 Gold Rush era
Price: $8-15
Where: Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf or Ferry Building
Artisan California Olive Oil
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from California's Central Valley or Napa groves
Price: $15-35
Where: Ferry Building Marketplace SF, California Olive Ranch stores
Surf Brand Clothing
Hurley, Billabong, and Quiksilver — all California-born surf brands
Price: $30-120
Where: PacSun, surf shops in Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz
Vintage California Tourism Posters
Reproduction and original WPA-era travel posters of Yosemite, national parks, and the PCH
Price: $25-200
Where: SF MoMA gift shop, Ansel Adams Gallery Yosemite, art galleries in Carmel
California Almonds and Dried Fruits
California produces 80% of the world's almonds; also leading producer of dates, figs, and raisins
Price: $8-25
Where: Central Valley farm stands along Highway 99, Trader Joe's statewide
In-N-Out Burger Merchandise
T-shirts, hats, and accessories from California's most beloved fast-food chain
Price: $10-30
Where: In-N-Out Burger locations statewide and the company store in Baldwin Park
Disneyland Merchandise
Officially licensed Disneyland Resort merchandise including ears, apparel, and collectibles
Price: $15-200
Where: Disneyland Resort shops, Disney Store at Downtown Disney
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
California's premier outdoor farmers market where celebrity chefs shop alongside local residents
Where: Santa Monica
Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 8am-1pm
Grand Central Market
Iconic public market operating since 1917 in downtown LA reinvigorated with outstanding artisan vendors
Where: Downtown Los Angeles
Hours: Daily 8am-10pm
Ferry Building Farmers Market
San Francisco's best farmers market on the historic waterfront — top chefs shop here on Saturdays
Where: San Francisco
Hours: Saturday 8am-2pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10am-2pm
San Francisco Chinatown
Oldest Chinatown in North America — shop for teas, herbs, ceramics, and dim sum ingredients at low prices
Where: San Francisco
Hours: Daily 9am-8pm (shops vary)
Little Italy Mercato San Diego
San Diego's best Saturday farmers market in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood
Where: San Diego
Hours: Saturday 8am-2pm