California , the Golden State , is synonymous with stunning beaches , innovative tech hub and Hollywood glamor . As the most populous state of matter in the U.S. , California is family to some of the Carry Nation ’s largest and most influential metropolis .
Thelargest cities in Californiaare as divers as its landscapes , showcasing everything from coastal retreats to bustling urban centers .
From the cinematic allurement of Los Angeles to the technical school - drive energy of San Jose , California ’s major urban center represent the state ’s cultural and economical fireball . Here are the 15 largest cities in California , ranked by population .
1. Los Angeles (3,820,914)
The largest city in California , Los Angeles is a world-wide sum for amusement , arts and culture . According to the United States Census Bureau , Los Angeles County has more mass living in it than the entire population of 40 different states ( individually , not combined ) .
Home toHollywood , iconic beach and diverse neighborhoods , this obtusely populated metropolis offers something for everyone . Its vivacious food scene and world - class museum make it a must - jaw terminus .
There ’s no shortage of topographic point to explore in business district Los Angeles and its beleaguer locality . But there ’s a lot more to the Los Angeles subway area . Visit the Beach Boys Historic Landmark in Hawthorne , head to one California ’s last urban farming community in Compton or hit the beach in Santa Monica .
2. San Diego (1,388,320)
Known for its yr - one shot perfect weather and beautiful coastline , San Diego is a laid - back alternative to the hustle - and - flurry of California cities like L.A. and San Francisco .
The San Diego Zoo , Balboa Park and thriving craft beer setting draw millions of visitors annually . The city is also a hub for military and biotech industries .
3. San Jose (969,655)
As the ticker of Silicon Valley , San Jose is a technical school - centrical city brimming with innovation . dwelling to major tech party like Apple and Google , it ’s also known for its cultural diversity . The Tech Interactive museum and Santana Row shopping district highlight the city ’s forward-looking vibe .
Take a drive up northward to receive the beautiful innate landscape of Marin County , Santa Rosa ’s entire business district , and the fourthly - largest ( but arguably most renowned ) California metropolis .
4. San Francisco (808,988)
San Francisco , celebrated for itsGolden Gate Bridgeand historical cable system cars , is a metropolis of iconic landmark and vibrant region . While it ’s not the largest city in California — or even , ironically , the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area — its dense , urban layout and quondam world architecture often appears to visitant as the West Coast ’s result to Manhattan .
From Chinatown toFisherman ’s Wharf , the metropolis offers endless ethnical and culinary experience . Despite its minuscule sizing , it ’s a orbicular financial and technical school hub .
5. Fresno (545,716)
place in the sum of the San Joaquin Valley , Fresno is an agrarian power plant and gateway to Yosemite National Park . The city ’s cultural attraction , like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Tower District , showcase its active and growing community .
6. Sacramento (526,384)
As California ’s working capital , Sacramento blends full-bodied history with forward-looking urban living . Known for itsGold Rushroots , the city features landmark like Old Sacramento and theState Capitol . Its farm - to - fork dining scene has made it a epicure ’s paradise .
7. Long Beach (449,468)
A coastal gem , Long Beach is love for its waterfront attractions , includingthe Queen Maryand the Aquarium of the Pacific . Its vivacious downtown area and eclectic artwork scenery contribute to its ingathering . The Port of Long Beach is also one of the busiest in the world .
8. Oakland (436,504)
Oakland , across the embayment from San Francisco , is a diverse metropolis with a rich ethnical and artistic inheritance . Its thrive solid food scene and landmark like Lake Merritt make it a dynamic shoes to explore . The urban center is also recognize for its dedication to societal and environmental activism .
9. Bakersfield (413,381)
Bakersfield is a key metropolis in California ’s Central Valley , have it away for its oil production and agricultural contributions . It ’s also the cradle of the Bakersfield Sound , a unique stylus of body politic music . Nearby , the Kern River and Sequoia National Forest offer outdoor adventures .
10. Anaheim (340,512)
noted as the home of Disneyland Resort , Anaheim is a city filled with family - favorable attractions . Beyond the theme park , the urban center boasts a grow culinary aspect and major sports venues like Angel Stadium . It ’s a top tourist goal in Southern California .
11. Stockton (319,543)
Located in the Central Valley , Stockton is a bustling porthole city with a vivacious arts and cultural scene . The Haggin Museum and waterfront events draw residents and visitant likewise . Stockton ’s agricultural etymon remain a lively part of its thriftiness .
12. Riverside (318,858)
Riverside , the birthplace of California ’s citrus industry , is steeped in story and spell . The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — one of two historical landmark hotel in the state — and the Riverside Art Museum highlight its cultural heritage .
It ’s also a gateway to the Inland Empire ’s outdoor refreshment areas . Looking for more shopping ? Head west to the nearby city of Ontario to check out the part ’s large shopping mall .
13. Irvine (314,621)
Irvine is a master - planned city known for its safety , green spaces and top - rated schools . As a hub for technical school company and innovation , it ’s a magnet for young professionals . Its many parks and lead make it one of the most liveable city in California .
14. Santa Ana (310,539)
Santa Ana , in Orange County , is known for its historic downtown and family - favorable drawing card like the Bowers Museum . The urban center ’s divers community is reflected in its vibrant dining and cultural offerings . Its proximity to Disneyland append to its prayer .
If you manoeuver just a bit further westward , you could check out Huntington Beach , informally known as Surf City USA . This Orange County coastal city has plenty of charm and gorgeous sea views to keep you occupied for days .
15. Chula Vista (274,333)
Located just south of San Diego , Chula Vista is a thriving metropolis with a strong sense of community . Its bayfront redevelopment and popular attraction like the Living Coast Discovery Center make it a veil gemstone . The metropolis ’s cultural fete and case reflect its diverse population .
We created this article in co-occurrence with AI engineering , then made trusted it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
