Last Updated on June 4, 2023
California is one of those travel destinations that feels almost unreal until you experience it for yourself. From endless miles of coastline to rugged mountains and expansive deserts, California is an incredibly diverse state that draws visitors from all over the world. Also known as The Golden State, California is full of naturally beautiful landscapes, towns, and attractions that make it a dream destination for photographers.
Before you can share those beautiful California photos with the world, you need to come up with the perfect Instagram caption that complements your photos without overpowering them. This list of the Top 130 California Instagram Captions and Quotes is full of ideas to get you inspired and take your Instagram to the next level.
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What Makes California so Great?
One of the reasons California is such a popular travel destination for tourists is the state offers a ton of variety in things to do and see. Whether you love watching movies, going hiking, or enjoying a delicious meal with a glass of wine, you can do it all – and more! – in California. Simply put, there is no shortage of activities and attractions to experience throughout the beautiful state of California, which is why so many people return to the state over and over again.
Top 130 California Instagram Captions and Quotes
Whether you are looking for the perfect way to caption a stunning sunset with a California quote, or a funny California caption for a weekend away with friends, we have 130 of the best California Instagram captions and quotes ready for your next photo!
Best California Instagram Captions
You really can’t go wrong with a trip to California, and you also can’t go wrong with one of these caption ideas! These are some of the best California Instagram captions that you can pair with any of your California photos.
- California, you’ll always have my heart.
- Officially a California girl.
- Living the dream in California.
- There’s no place like California.
- Everything is better in California.
- The sun shines brighter in California.
- California, here I come!
- Happiness is a sunny day in California.
- California on my mind.
- California isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling.
Best California Instagram Quotes
Since California is such a well-known destination throughout the world, it should come as no surprise that many celebrities and public figures have spoken about what the state means to them. Use one of these California Instagram quotes to help your photos really stand out.
- “We only have two kinds of weather in California, magnificent and unusual.” -James M. Cain
- “Everything is just better in California – the wine, the food, fruits and vegetables, the comforts of living. Even the instrumentalists are generous and curious. Everything is wonderful.” -Beth Anderson
- “There is science, logic, reason; there is thought verified by experience. And then there is California.” -Edward Abbey
- “I just realized some things make me happier, and the good weather in California makes me happier.” -Bianca Balti
- “When I came to California, it was the mecca of the world. Every young person on the planet wanted to be there.” -Joni Mitchell
- “When California was wild, it was the floweriest part of the country.” -John Muir
- “Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” -Theo James
- “Nature. That’s the one thing that tips the balance in terms of living here in California. Within minutes, I can be in a desert, at the ocean, in a park, and that’s the most nourishing food for my soul.” -Lara Pulver
- “I love driving; driving along the California coastline is the best drive in the world.” -Al Jardine
- “Secretly, I think everyone who makes fun of California really does want to be in California.” -Zooey Deschanel
Best California Quotes from Songs
Over the years, countless musicians have written songs paying homage to The Golden State. Song lyrics are always a great Instagram caption idea, and these are the best California quotes from songs that we recommend using.
- “California knows how to party.” -2Pac and Dr. Dre, “California Love”
- “You look so Seattle, but you feel so LA.” -Fall Out Boy, “Irresistible”
- “I’ve got a pocketful of sunshine.” -Natasha Bedingfield, “Pocketful of Sunshine”
- “I’m your biggest fan, California, I’m coming home.” -Joni Mitchell, “California”
- “You could travel the world, but nothing comes close to the golden coast.” -Katy Perry, “California Gurls”
- “California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.” -The Mamas & The Papas, “California Dreamin’”
- “Hey here’s to you California, beautiful haze of suburbia, living in the perfect weather, spending time inside together.” -Blink 182, “California”
- “Made up my mind to make a new start, going to California with an aching in my heart.” -Led Zeppelin, “Going to California”
- “It’s understood that Hollywood sells Californication.” -Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Californication”
- “Hello, can you hear me? I’m in California dreaming about who we used to be.” -Adele, “Hello”
California Living Instagram Captions
Anyone who has lived or spent time in California can attest to the fact that life there feels special in an almost indescribable way. These Instagram captions about California living perfectly capture what it’s like to call California home.
- Living that California life.
- Life in California is beautiful.
- Eat. Sleep. Breathe. California.
- Living my best life in California.
- Sunsets, palm trees, and California life.
- You haven’t lived until you’ve died in California.
- Living the California dream.
- Life is better by the ocean.
- I need some California in my life.
- Life’s a beach in California.
Best Los Angeles California Instagram Captions
One of the best-known cities in California is Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels. If you have the opportunity to visit LA, make sure to share your photos with one of these Los Angeles, California Instagram captions. Want even more Los Angeles Instagram caption ideas? Check out our list of the Top 112 Los Angeles Instagram Captions and Quotes. If you’re looking for the best Los Angles Instagram Spots for your photos
- Just here to get my star!
- Living the dream in the city of angels.
- If you can’t go to heaven, LA is the next best thing.
- Sunsets are better in Los Angeles.
- You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a plane ticket to Los Angeles.
- If found, return to Los Angeles.
- A bad day in LA is better than a good day anywhere else.
- Endless summer in LA.
- Feeling starstruck everywhere I go.
- Los Angeles, I’m yours.
Best San Francisco California Instagram Captions
Another top destination in California is the city of San Francisco, home to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Pay homage to this colorful town with some of the best San Francisco, California Instagram captions listed below.
- I fell in love and his name is San Fran.
- I will never get over you, San Francisco.
- You can leave San Francisco but it will never leave you.
- Follow your heart, even if it leads you all the way to San Francisco.
- There’s no place like San Francisco.
- Life is better by the Bay.
- Somewhere between living and dreaming, there’s San Francisco.
- In a San Fran state of mind.
- Let’s run away to San Francisco.
- San Francisco is always a good idea.
Best San Diego California Instagram Captions
San Diego is a gorgeous coastal town home to beautiful beaches, parks, and a number of world-renowned museums. We’ve compiled some of the best San Diego, California Instagram captions for you to use when sharing photos of “America’s Finest City.”
- San Diego is my therapy.
- Going to San Diego, be back never.
- There’s no problem that San Diego can’t solve.
- Never underestimate the power of a day in San Diego.
- I’d rather be in San Diego.
- San Diego is calling and I must go.
- The world is my oyster and San Diego is my home.
- I just can’t help falling in love with San Diego.
- Living the San Diego life.
- Sun, sand, and San Diego.
Funny California Quotes for Instagram
If you want your California photos to leave an impression, try sharing them with a funny California quote for Instagram. There are all kinds of puns, jokes, and hilarious quotes about California, and we rounded up some of the best.
- Seas-ing the day in California.
- “California is a fine place to live – if you happen to be an orange.” -Fred Allen
- I sea you, California!
- “In California everyone goes to a therapist, is a therapist, or is a therapist going to a therapist.” -Truman Capote
- California is my sand-tuary.
- “Whether they’re for good or bad, all trends in the United States start in California.” -Steve Schmidt
- I need to un-wine in California.
- “California is an Italy without its art.” -Oscar Wilde
- Every day is beach day in California.
- “The only grounds for divorce in California are marriage.” -Cher
Short California Captions for Instagram
When sharing photos of a state as beautiful as California, you don’t need to say much to stand out from the crowd. These short California captions for Instagram are great options if you want to keep your word count at a minimum.
- My soul lives in California.
- All I need is a California sunset.
- Home is where the heart is, and mine is in California.
- Palm trees and ocean breeze.
- You had me at California.
- Dear California, I love you.
- Always say yes to California.
- California is all I’ve ever wanted.
- Making memories in California.
- Happiness is a week in California.
Short California Quotes for Instagram
If you’re coming up short (pun intended) on caption ideas, consider using a quote, like one of these short California quotes for Instagram.
- “California is always in my mind.” -David Hockney
- “I love California. It definitely represents wild freedom.” -Jenny O.
- “My heart cried out for you, California.” -Joni Mitchell
- “She stood there bright as the sun on that California coast.” -Bob Seger
- “Californians try anything once.” -T.J. MacGregor
- “If they can’t do it in California, it can’t be done anywhere.” -Taylor Caldwell
- “Move to California. Malibu is paradise.” -David Geffen
- “All scenery in California requires distance to give it its highest charm.” -Mark Twain
- “Everyone in California is from somewhere else.” -Wright Morris
- “California is full of homesick people.” -Judy Van Der Veer
One Word California Instagram Captions
There are so many ways to describe California, and these are some of the top words that come to mind when thinking of The Golden State that also make great one-word California Instagram captions!
- Beachy
- Carefree
- Sunshine
- Golden
- Sandy
- Vacation
- Paradise
- Adventure
- Escape
- Travel
Two Word California Instagram Captions
To keep things short and sweet, play around with using just two words to caption your California photos. Here are some suggestions of two-word California Instagram captions to get you inspired!
- California vibes
- High tide
- Beach bum
- Chasing sunsets
- Stay golden
- Best coast
- Ocean breeze
- California girl
- Sun daze
- Endless sunshine
Three Word California Instagram Captions
Short Instagram captions are becoming increasingly popular, and you can’t go wrong with a three-word California Instagram caption.
- High on life
- Dreaming of California
- The Golden State
- City of angels
- Peace, love, California.
- California, be mine.
- Dream of Californication
- Living the life
- Seize the day
- Never stop exploring
California Instagram Captions and Quotes
This list of the Top 130 California Instagram Captions and Quotes is full of ideas on how to caption your California photos, regardless if you spent your time at the beach, in the desert, or on a mountain. California is one of those places with endless opportunities to explore, which means you’re guaranteed to score some awesome photos whether it’s your first or fifteenth visit to the state!
It can be challenging to create a caption that’s just as amazing as your photos, so we created this list for anyone needing some inspiration on how to caption your California photos on Instagram. We hope you find this guide helpful, and make sure to check out our list of the 365 Best Travel Captions for Instagram if you need even more caption and quote ideas.
