11 Photos You'll Only Understand If You Hail From Southern California

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 U.S., 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. Take a look at the following photos of Southern California. This is life in SoCal.

In-N-Out Burger / Facebook

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.

MCCAIG / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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 fellow Southern California locals roll their eyes. (And yes, we know we are the only ones who say “The” and the highway number!)

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MichaelRLopez / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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!

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Rebekah Parkinson / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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.

Rusty Gillespie / Flickr

This super-sugary orange and pineapple soda is almost impossible to find 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.”

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The Tinajas’ / Google Reviews

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.

Global X / Flickr

This one is less fun, but nonetheless, something every Southern California resident knows well - an earthquake survival kit. Every part of the country has its 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.

Peter Bond / Flickr

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.

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David Berkowitz / Flickr

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.

Tracie Hall / Flickr

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.

jhorrocks/iStock via Getty Images Plus

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 or spent a good part of your life in SoCal, 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? What do you love most about living in SoCal? Whether or not you are a SoCal native, you may enjoy perusing our collection of Southern California fun facts, history, and more!