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California Trivia

California Trivia Quizzes

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Lying along the Pacific Ocean, California is a huge and vibrant state. Mountains, valleys, forests, and beaches add glitter to the Golden State.
51 California quizzes and 714 California trivia questions.
Sub-Categories:
1.
California There Is No End to Love
  California (There Is No End to Love)   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Welcome to California! Test your knowledge about the Golden State with questions ranging from its iconic landmarks and diverse geography to historical events and cultural influences. Are you ready to discover more about this fascinating place?
Easier, 10 Qns, LeoDaVinci, Dec 23 23
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
LeoDaVinci editor
Dec 23 23
426 plays
2.
  Cities & Towns of the Great State of California   great trivia quiz  
Collection Quiz
 15 Qns
Can you identify the municipalities that can be found in the U.S. state of California?
Very Easy, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Dec 23 23
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Very Easy
jcmttt gold member
Dec 23 23
657 plays
3.
  California Missions    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about the geography and history of the California missions. The names of all 21 missions are within the answer choices for these questions.
Difficult, 10 Qns, saluton, Mar 29 15
Difficult
saluton
876 plays
4.
Great California Landmarks and Where to Find Them This quiz is about formal and informal landmarks in California, from south to north. I hope you enjoy!
Easier, 10 Qns, PootyPootwell, Jan 30 21
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
PootyPootwell gold member
Jan 30 21
953 plays
5.
  On the "California" Road Again   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Have you been to California? Do you know it, I mean really know it? I've been throughout the state and I'm hoping to teach you at least one new thing about the state. Enjoy the quiz!
Easier, 10 Qns, linkan, Nov 26 22
Easier
linkan gold member
Nov 26 22
341 plays
6.
I Like California
  I Like California    
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
California is a large and beautiful state. Take this quiz and see how much you know about this magnificent state.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jul 29 18
Average
dcpddc478
Jul 29 18
549 plays
7.
  Exploring California   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is another in a series about the fifty U.S. states. Let's have a look around California. Grab your hiking boots and water bottle. Or, you could just use your computer mouse or trackpad.
Easier, 10 Qns, CmdrK, Jun 11 22
Easier
CmdrK gold member
Jun 11 22
939 plays
8.
  A Slightly Different View of California   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I have visited California several times with my family. As you will see from the questions, we don't always visit all the usual tourist places - only some.
Average, 10 Qns, Nannanut, Feb 02 14
Average
Nannanut
3517 plays
9.
  Exploring Tourist Spots in the Golden State   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Match the popular California tourist attraction with the city in which it is located.
Average, 10 Qns, MaceoMack, Apr 19 16
Average
MaceoMack
518 plays
10.
  Southern California Tourist Trip   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Have fun as you take a trip around Southern California with me!
Average, 15 Qns, routesixtysix, Oct 20 11
Average
routesixtysix
3317 plays
trivia question Quick Question
At this campground, located in Felton, you can take a ride on an 1880 steam train through the redwoods of Santa Cruz county. What's its name?

From Quiz "Some California Fun"




11.
  Random Trivia About "The Golden State"   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How is your knowledge of California trivia? Test your knowledge of strange, unusual, and interesting trivia about the great state of California. Enjoy.
Tough, 10 Qns, MaceoMack, Apr 27 18
Tough
MaceoMack
Apr 27 18
627 plays
12.
  California's Alps: The Sierra Nevada   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Among the many natural wonders of California, the Sierra Nevada mountain range ranks as one of the most spectacular. Many well-kown vacation destinations, such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, are located in these mountains.
Average, 10 Qns, lompocjoe, Jan 09 24
Average
lompocjoe
Jan 09 24
1903 plays
13.
  San Francisco Bay Area--Locations and Landmarks   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most visited locations in the world. As a Bay Area native, I thought it might be fun to refresh the memories of both natives and visitors of some of the locations and landmarks in this beautiful region.
Average, 10 Qns, jabb5076, Mar 08 12
Average
jabb5076 gold member
803 plays
14.
  Places to be in So Cal    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I grew up in beautiful Southern California, USA. There are so many interesting spots in this area so let's see how well you know your way around this fantastic corner of the country.
Average, 10 Qns, scheimer, May 18 20
Average
scheimer
May 18 20
1059 plays
15.
  California Highway 1 North   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
California Highway 1 mostly hugs the scenic Pacific Coast from south of Los Angeles to Leggett, about 200 miles north of San Francisco. This quiz follows a drive starting at roughly the mid-point, heading north.
Average, 10 Qns, OldOne, Feb 23 14
Average
OldOne
1934 plays
16.
  California--The Golden State    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Welcome to California--The Golden State!
Average, 15 Qns, Morrigan716, Jan 03 17
Average
Morrigan716 gold member
3271 plays
17.
  Quirky Little Livermore   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a quiz about my current town of residence, Livermore, CA. Livermore is a little bit of an oddball town. Come and test your knowledge about the weird place I call home!
Average, 10 Qns, frenchnerd, Aug 09 06
Average
frenchnerd
520 plays
18.
  The Real Orange County    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Seen the show? Now meet the real Orange County. Have fun!
Average, 15 Qns, routesixtysix, Jul 17 21
Average
routesixtysix
Jul 17 21
1157 plays
19.
  Name the County Seat    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
I name the county and you choose the city which is the seat to that county.
Average, 20 Qns, kego520, Jul 25 03
Average
kego520
1750 plays
20.
  Some California Fun    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here's a quiz on some fun places in California you may or may not know about. I not only had fun at these places, but even found most to be very interesting and educational. Hope you do too!
Average, 10 Qns, Tigress31, Mar 14 11
Average
Tigress31
3055 plays
21.
  Mountains of California   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
California is home to mountains of all shapes, sizes and histories. I have visited all of these mountains and have climbed to most of their tops. I'll give a little information on each one and you pick its name.
Average, 10 Qns, scalar, Oct 21 15
Average
scalar
1407 plays
22.
  Racetrack Playa   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I discovered Racetrack Playa during a course in Global Information Systems (GIS). I was hooked by the mystery of the place. Hopefully you will also find it interesting!
Average, 10 Qns, celvet, May 27 18
Average
celvet
May 27 18
139 plays
23.
  City of Santa Clarita   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All about the wonderful city of Santa Clarita, CA in Northern Los Angeles County
Average, 10 Qns, ajoker13, Feb 08 13
Average
ajoker13
523 plays
24.
  Modesto and Its General Area    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
The San Joaquin Valley is home to Modesto, known now for people like Gary Condit and Laci Peterson. But there's more to it than high-profile murders. Continue on to learn more about this agricultural hot-spot and some surrounding areas.
Average, 15 Qns, lancershaft, Dec 28 22
Average
lancershaft
Dec 28 22
732 plays
25.
  Modesto, California - Not Such a Bad Place    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Modesto, California has received a bit of a bad rap lately due to some unfortunate illegal activities. I'd like to put a positive spin on the place I call home. Enjoy and learn something good about Modesto!
Average, 10 Qns, flamingo516, Aug 27 05
Average
flamingo516
560 plays
26.
  Northern California    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a short quiz on random facts about Northern California cities and things found in Northern California. If you're not from there (and possibly even if you are) it will be very tough.
Difficult, 10 Qns, speerman, Sep 07 06
Difficult
speerman
1568 plays
27.
  Marin County, California    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Marin County, California, where I grew up, lies just north of San Francisco. It's a beautiful place with an fascinating history and equally interesting present.
Tough, 10 Qns, janshannon, Jan 19 11
Tough
janshannon
951 plays
28.
  The Golden State    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz covers various topics about the State of California.
Average, 10 Qns, jessesky1969, Dec 29 11
Average
jessesky1969
2503 plays
Related Topics
  California Famous People [People] (3 quizzes)

  San Francisco 49ers [Sports] (16 quizzes)

  California Sports [Sports] (3 quizzes)

  Mixed California [General] (2 quizzes)

  San Francisco Giants [Sports] (13 quizzes)

  California History [History] (18 quizzes)


California Trivia Questions

1. Racetrack Playa is what type of place?

From Quiz
Racetrack Playa

Answer: A dried lake bed with rocks

Playa means "beach" in Spanish, but has changed to mean a dried up lake bed in English. In this case, the lake bed contains not only dried up and cracked mud, but some special rocks that have a mystery associated with them.

2. Saints be praised! Which California county is the largest county in the United States?

From Quiz Exploring California

Answer: San Bernardino

Although some of Alaska's boroughs and census areas are larger, San Bernardino (Saint Bernard) County comprises 20,105 sq mi/32,355 sq km in southern California. The county is larger than any of the nine smallest U.S. states and the 71 smallest countries. It was established in 1853.

3. Which former President of the United States served two terms as California's governor?

From Quiz Random Trivia About "The Golden State"

Answer: Ronald Wilson Reagan

Years before being elected the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan served as California's 33rd Governor from 1967 until 1975. Reagan, a native of Tampico, Illinois, started his California experience in 1937, when he traveled to the state with the Chicago Cubs baseball team as one of their play by play announcers. A movie "screen test" resulted in Reagan being hired as a contract player for Warner Brothers Studio. During his acting career, Reagan was featured in more than 60 films, with two of the most referenced movies being "Knute Rockne All American" (1940) and the comedy "Bedtime for Bonzo" (1951). Reagan also played roles in over 15 television series, most notably his role as host and series star in several episodes of "Death Valley Days" (1964). Reagan's political interest prior to becoming the state governor included holding several positions in the Screen Actor's Guild, the labor union for motion picture industry, and serving as the president of the union organization from 1947 to 1952, and then again from 1959-1960. Reagan and his wife Nancy resided on a sprawling 200 acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, California. Reagan's final resting place is in Simi Valley, California, on the grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. One interesting side note is that while serving as President of the United States, residents of the Santa Ynez Valley and parts of Santa Barbara County always knew when the President was visiting his ranch. Residents noted that some electrically powered items, such as automatic garage doors, short-wave radios, and television reception would be disrupted, or suddenly cease to operate. Powerful radio signals from the space satellite used by the President for communications purposes overwhelmed and in some cases short circuited other electrical waves as the satellite was being honed to the President's location.

4. East Bay communities like Walnut Creek, Alamo, and Danville see which 'devilish' mountain due east of them?

From Quiz San Francisco Bay Area--Locations and Landmarks

Answer: Mt. Diablo

Mount Diablo (which means Devil Mountain in Spanish) is a popular East Bay hiking destination. Mt. Hamilton, in the South Bay, is the highest elevation in the region. Mission Peak is also in the East Bay (but farther south) and Mt. Tamalpais is in Marin County in the North Bay.

5. This island/peninsula is located in Newport Beach, Orange County. Once you cross over to the peninsula via ferry, you can ride a ferris wheel, eat at Ruby's on the pier, or casually walk along the beach. What is the name of this "island"?

From Quiz Places to be in So Cal

Answer: Balboa

Balboa Island/Peninsula is a beautiful coastline spot in Orange County. You can cross the harbor on the ferry on foot, bicycle, or even in the car for a small fee. Once you get across, all kinds of fun things are available from romantic dinner cruises to family fun at the beach or in the arcade.

6. Although rich in film, cattle, and tourist history, the Santa Clarita Valley didn't gain city status until what year?

From Quiz City of Santa Clarita

Answer: 1987

This very young city is now ranked in the top 20 of cities to live in in the United States. The population in 2007 is 177,418.

7. What northern California city is home to a Hershey's chocolate factory?

From Quiz Northern California

Answer: Oakdale

Oakdale is home to one of only three Hershey's chocolate factories in North America. The whole southeast end of town smells like chocolate!

8. Livermore is located in what section of the San Francisco Bay Area?

From Quiz Quirky Little Livermore

Answer: The East Bay

Livermore is located in what is called the "Tri-Valley Area" of the East Bay. The Tri-Valley Area is comprised of the Livermore Valley, the Amador Valley and the San Ramon Valley. It is home to the cities of Livermore, Plesanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville and Sunol. Livermore is a good hour's drive from San Francisco, but "The City" is easily accessible via our subway system, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

9. Start with the highest mountain in California. At nearly 15,000 feet, it is also the highest peak in the lower 48 states. It is actually in two counties: Inyo and Tulare.

From Quiz Mountains of California

Answer: Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney is a fairly easy climb, with some hikers making the round trip in one day. Its elevation can make for hard breathing at the top.

10. Every time we travel to the US, the first port of call is south of Los Angeles. Demands are always made by the younger family members to visit the city that is "home by the river". Where are we heading?

From Quiz A Slightly Different View of California

Answer: Anaheim

Anaheim was given its name by early German settlers who combined "Ana" from the nearby Santa Ana River and "heim" which is German for home. We of course are off to Disneyland.

11. Starting on Highway 99, heading north from Bakersfield, we hit a large city known for its raisins and home to a Cal State University where quarterback David Carr spent his college days. What is the name of this city?

From Quiz Modesto and Its General Area

Answer: Fresno

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of grapes grown in California are used to make raisins, not wine. Selma, a small suburb just north of Fresno is known as the "Raisin Capital of the World."

12. What is the name of the coastal town on Highway 1 famous as home to author Henry Miller, the 60's-inspired Esalen, and dramatic forest and shore scenery?

From Quiz California Highway 1 North

Answer: Big Sur

When you travel through Big Sur, it appears as if almost no one lives there. You may need a guide book to find the side roads that lead to the beaches. The areas is said to be home to aging Beatniks.

13. This tribe, known for their beautiful baskets, were most likely the original settlers of Marin County.

From Quiz Marin County, California

Answer: Miwok

The Miwoks lived in Marin County and the area to the north. The mild climate allowed them to feast on deer, fish, shellfish, berries, nuts and roots. The main staple of their diet, however, was a paste made from acor ns.

14. Where is the Owens Valley?

From Quiz The Golden State

Answer: Eastern California

The towns in the Owens Valley include: Big Pine, Bishop, Independence and Lone Pine.

15. Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa. Where can you find these islands?

From Quiz On the "California" Road Again

Answer: Channel Islands National Park

You can hire a boat to take you out to the islands. You're welcome to spend the night, camping out there also. Just a small fee and a little permit and you're headed to peace and quiet from the bustling California life. Two of the islands, San Nicolas and San Clemente, are run by the Navy and not by the National Park. Santa Catalina is another island and is off the coast; it has the most residents with over 4000. One island that I didn't mention is Santa Barbara Island, which is also run by the National Park.

16. Racetrack Playa is located in which United States National Park?

From Quiz Racetrack Playa

Answer: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has portions in both Nevada and California. The Racetrack (as it is often called) is in California.

17. America's permanent national Christmas tree lives in California. It is over 300 ft/91 m tall. Which species is it?

From Quiz Exploring California

Answer: giant sequoia

Named the General Grant tree, after President U.S. Grant, the giant sequoia is the second largest tree in the world. It is in the General Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park and was named the national tree in 1925.

18. California abounds with sports fans, especially baseball fans. How many Major League Baseball Clubs called California their home in 2012?

From Quiz Random Trivia About "The Golden State"

Answer: five

California is home to two American League (AL), and three National League (NL) baseball franchises. Northern California is represented by the San Francisco Giants (NL) and the Oakland Athletics (AL), who play home games at "AT&T Park" and the "Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum", respectively. Southern California is represented by the Los Angeles Dodgers (NL), and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (AL), playing their home games at "Dodger Stadium" and "Angel Stadium of Anaheim", respectively. In the southernmost portion of the state, the San Diego Padres (NL) play in "Petco Park".

19. In 1989, what important sporting event taking place in San Francisco was due to begin, but ended up postponed because of the Loma Prieta earthquake?

From Quiz San Francisco Bay Area--Locations and Landmarks

Answer: Baseball World Series

The two teams in the 1989 World Series were the Oakland A's and the San Francisco Giants. The players were warming up for the start of game three when the quake hit. The fans in Candlestick Park didn't even realize the significance of the quake until about half an hour later, when TV footage began to broadcast the damage. Because the World Series that year involved the Bay Area's two professional baseball teams, many people left work early to see the game. This meant that traffic was much lighter than normal when the quake hit at around 5:15 pm, likely resulting in far fewer casualties.

20. What is the name of the huge outdoor shopping district located in the city of Irvine and bordering Interstate 5? It is one of the most popular shopping spots in Orange County with dozens of stores, dining areas, and a large movie theater.

From Quiz Places to be in So Cal

Answer: Irvine Spectrum

Just about anything you need can be found at the Irvine Spectrum if you are willing to part with enough of your cash. The location is quite large, complete with a parking structure, a shuttle for visitors forced to park very far away, and even valet parking to accomodate those who wish to use it. The Spectrum is marked by a huge, colorfully-illuminated obelisk at its main front entrance.

21. This man was born in Scotland in 1838 and moved with his family to Wisconsin as a teenager. In his later years, he became a fierce protector of the Sierra Nevadas and in 1892, founded the Sierra Club. What was his name?

From Quiz California's Alps: The Sierra Nevada

Answer: John Muir

Few people did more to preserve California's wilderness areas than John Muir. His greatest 'gift' to the state was Yosemite National Park.

22. What landmark in Sacramento, California is the chain music retailer Tower Records named after?

From Quiz Northern California

Answer: The Tower Theater

The first Tower Records is right across the street from the Tower Theater. Also at that intersection are Tower Liquors, Tower Books, and Tower Video.

23. Livermore is home to what large facility that employs a large portion of the population and whose main job is to test nuclear weapons?

From Quiz Quirky Little Livermore

Answer: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL, or, "The Lab" as Livermore residents call it) is one of the largest nuclear weapons testing facilities in the country. They don't actually blow huge weapons up, but they run diagnostics to make sure they will function properly. The lab is home to a huge (too big, in my opinion) store of radioactive material. Also, the lab is one of the forerunners in research in the fields of chemistry and biology.

24. Modesto is the birthplace of which famous writer and movie director?

From Quiz Modesto, California - Not Such a Bad Place

Answer: George Lucas

George was born in Modesto on May 14, 1944. He was raised on a walnut ranch along with his three siblings. After graduating from Downey High School he attended Modesto Junior College before deciding to attend the University of Southern California film school. "American Graffiti" is based on the local tradition of cruising McHenry Blvd in Modesto but it was actually filmed in Petaluma.

25. This beautiful, usually snow-covered volcano, whose height is 14,162 feet is actually the fifth highest peak in California. It can be seen from all over the northern part of the state.

From Quiz Mountains of California

Answer: Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is a hard and often dangerous climb, with sudden weather changes quite common. It is the highest point in Siskiyou County.

26. Orange County is not just about surfing, shopping and amusement parks. There are some nationally recognized museums too. Orange County's largest museum in 2004 is named what?

From Quiz The Real Orange County

Answer: The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art

The Bowers Museum, located in Santa Ana is Orange County's largest museum. Started in 1936 by the Bowers family, it was first devoted to the history of Orange County. It closed in the mid-1980's with the understanding that it would reopen with a new agenda and purpose. It reopened in 1992 as a cultural museum dedicated to promoting understanding between cultures through art. It is now one of the largest museums in the United States with this goal.

27. The mission in San Diego was the first founded. Where was the second?

From Quiz California Missions

Answer: Carmel

The official name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. There are missions in Los Angeles and San Francisco but none in San Jose.

28. What is California's state motto?

From Quiz California--The Golden State

Answer: Eureka

"Eureka" means "I Have Found It".

29. What's the name of the place that is located in Santa Cruz and is sure to blow one's mind with its unexplained gravitational pull?

From Quiz Some California Fun

Answer: Mystery Spot

There have beeen many theories on the unexplained gravity pull there. For me, I don't really know what to believe. All I do know is that I honestly felt very dizzy and couldn't walk without holding on to the railing.

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Last Updated Mar 18 2024 2:07 PM
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