California Dreaming: 29 of the Best Songs About the Golden State

Is California calling? Whether you're taking a road trip on the West Coast or you call the state your home, there's no doubt that this area is a special place. There are standout cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and scenic beaches, forests, and everything in between. What more could you ask for? We created a playlist dedicated to California because, no surprise, there are so many singers over the years who have been inspired by the location. Plug in your headphones, turn on your radio, or crank up your speakers and enjoy the music.

1. "California Girls," The Beach Boys
2. "California Dreamin'," The Mamas & The Papas
3. "Ventura Highway," America
4. "California Sun," Ramones
5. "California Paradise," The Runaways
6. "Hotel California," Eagles
7. "(More Bounce In) California," Soulkid #1
8. "California Gurls," Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
9. "California," Grimes
10. "California," Blink-182
11. "Beverly Hills," Weezer
12. "Going Back to Cali," Notorious B.I.G.
13. "California," Joni Mitchell
14. "It Never Rains in Southern California," Albert Hammond
15. "West Coast," Lana Del Rey
16. "California Stars," Billy Bragg, Wilco
17. "Queen of California," John Mayer
18. "Save Me, San Francisco," Train
19. "Big Sur," The Thrills
20. "Los Angeles, I'm Yours," The Decemberists
21. "California," Phantom Planet
22. "Paradise City," Guns N' Roses
23. "Get Back," The Beatles
24. "Californication," Red Hot Chili Peppers
25. "California English," Vampire Weekend
26. "California Kids," Weezer
27. "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo," A Tribe Called Quest
28. "(I Left My Heart) In San Francisco," Tony Bennett
29. "Going to California," Led Zeppelin

Click on the Spotify playlist below to listen, or follow it on Spotify, along with our other POPSUGAR Smart Living-curated playlists.