What can I say about California...I love it here! Born and raised and it'll probably always remain my home base. The great thing about California (the southern half especially) is that there is so much to do and its all right down a freeway...or two...or five. There are the beaches, mountains, the desert, the Missions, Disneyland!, PCH, Hearst Castle...I can go on and on.
Cali is a VERY large state. It takes about 18ish hours (straight through) to drive from the southernmost border to the northernmost border. Its a road trip I've done on more occasions than I can remember.
Although we're known as the land of fruits and nuts (and flakes), I think that visitors and residents alike can appreciate the diversity and open-mindedness that California has to offer. Enjoy!!