Four years ago I landed in Los Angeles, California relieved of the job search process and excited to begin my professional career. As a high school student I dreamed of moving to the West Coast, and today that is my reality. Although my journey has not gone according to plan, it has been full of amazing experiences, memories and lessons. As I celebrate my “Caliversary,” I’m sharing some highlights of my time in “SoCal.” Many of them can be added to your to do list for your next trip to the Golden State. 

My favorite memories have been during visits from my family, with my cousins here and through fulfilling work experiences at United Way and TGR Foundation. Although I’m not close to seeing or doing everything on my California Bucket List, here are 10 experiences I’ve enjoyed most since my move. Each year after my “Caliversary” I update the list with recent experiences.

1. Dancing the night away at a SoCal Country Club

Before the pandemic moved everyone to social distancing and remote living, I had a blast being lost on the dance floor at The Ranch Saloon in Anaheim, CA. Although I only knew three dances, including two that I learned during the same night, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my friends and look forward to increasing my boot collection and known line dance routines.  

I’ve learned several dances since and plan to join my fellow line dance enthusiasts on the dance floor when it’s safe again. Some of my favorites are Bambalam, American Kids, We are Tonight and Heartache on the Dance Floor.

2. Rock climbing at Hangar 18 

Climbing walls is harder than you think. Although I had participated in partner rock climbing during grad school, when my brother came to visit for my 25th Birthday, he experienced rock climbing for the first time, and I took a shot at bouldering- free climbing without support from a partner or security belts. It was the first time I experienced complete body soreness, including my armpits. My cousin, Lexi, and I went back so she could conquer the wall as well.

3. Experiencing a new level of athletics

As an employee of Tiger Woods’ foundation, I had the opportunity to attend The Genesis Open, and and golf elevated as it transitioned to The Genesis Invitational. Although I am not a major golf fan and knew little about the sport prior to my role at TGR Foundation, feeling the atmosphere of the Riviera Country Club, hearing the roar and seeing Tiger’s swing in action is always special. Knowing the impact that it makes for underserved students makes it even more rewarding to be a part of. This year some of my friends were able to come out to the course as well.

Meeting Katherine Bailess, a fellow Southerner and star of VH1 and BET’s hit series, Hit the Floor was an awesome experience that extended beyond a hello and a photo. We chatted for a while exchanged social media handles and of course ended our 15 minutes of friendship with a photo. She’s still one of my besties in my mind. ;)

While I have been to several high school, college and professional football, basketball, baseball games and track meets, after moving to the West Coast I joined the crowds for the inaugural season of the Clippers’ G-League Team, the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario, the opening minor league baseball game of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a Dodgers affiliate and attended several Ontario Fury indoor professional soccer games. In addition, I was able to visit the Dodgers and the Angels stadiums for a private tour, learn from communications and business representatives and experience my first MLB game.

4. Going full speed on California’s largest race track 

I enjoy opportunities to meet industry veterans and peers, but adding a once-in-a-lifetime experience is icing on the cake. After a spring PRSA networking mixer members took a lap around the Auto Club Speedway racetrack in Fontana with a professional driver feeling the rush and fulfilling the need for speed.

5. Basking in QT and the beauty of SoCal Beaches

Visits to Mission, Venice, Corona del Mar, Victoria and Newport Beaches were all unique and relaxing. From the intimacy and small town feel of Corona Del Mar and Victoria Beach to the sights, tastes and sounds of Mission Beach in San Diego and Venice Beach, each beach trip was a treat. 
This year as my oldest brother and sister visited to celebrate my birthday, we had our first family beach day of our adult lives at Laguna Beach and enjoyed sunbathing, wave catching, card games and more. 

6. Floating with family and friends in CA Beach Cities

When my dad and sister visited Orange County to celebrate his 56th Birthday, he was mostly interested in “sight-seeing” so the Fun Zone Boat Tour was just what the Captain ordered. In addition to breathtaking views on the water, we were able to spend quality time together and learn about celebrity homes, architecture and more.  I also had a great experience on a duffy ride in Newport Beach as I celebrated my friend Nikole’s birthday.

7. Pairing wine with food, tours, laughs and good times

Trips to the Malibu Wine Safaris and the Wilson Creek Winery gave me opportunities to expand my palette for wines while celebrating my friends’ birthdays and enjoying great experiences, learning about history of the winery and friends of the land and learning about the perfect pairings for wine tastings. They are both experiences that I would recommend.  

8. Kayaking in Newport Beach

Budgets and strategic plans are much more appealing in route to the beach. During my first planning retreat as a fundraising executive at IEUW, our team went kayaking. Although I cannot swim, the activity revealed trust levels and created a bonding experience between the ladies of the resource development team at the time. Thankfully I barely felt a drop of water and we made it back to dry land safely.

9. Hiking treasure trails

My first hike in California happened at Bonita Falls, and although the path wasn’t clear the waterfalls were. The trail was less than 3 miles round trip, and it was worth every step. I felt like I was on top of the world as I drove to Laguna Beach for a hike with my Rooted sisters and later took in awesome views of Red Rock Canyon at at hiking trail less than ten miles from my temporary Irvine home. 

10. Taking in views from Downtown Los Angeles

California has beautiful scenery from snowcapped mountains and blue skies lined with palm trees to the beauty of nature among hiking trails and beaches. When you’re in the city however, an aerial view  is a must see and OUE Skyspace has it all set with fun facts about the state as you make your way to the top and explore angles while you’re there. Save your money on the slide.

Have you visited CA or lived in the state? Have you shared any of my favorite experiences or things to do? What have you done in CA that I should add to my list. Share below. 

Hugs & Handshakes,

Jasmine C. Tate