I grew up in Solvang, just north of Santa Barbara. Santa Ynez Valley, known for wine, tourists, cows, and celebrities. (The latter two could easily be combined.)
Now I'm living in Port Hueneme with my husband. He's a Seabee in the Navy here. Port Hueneme is just north of Camarillo/Thousand Oaks, and about 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara.
As for major cities in Southern California, I've been to most of them. I've driven up the 101 all the way to Oregon, and up the 5 to the same destination. Been to Disneyland and California Adventure, Sea World, Knotts, Magic Mountain (or Six Flags as it's now called), and Universal Studios.
I've been to many beaches, though I hate the beach. (I know, born and raised here, and I hate the beach. WTF, right?)
I've been through earth quakes, El Nino, mud slides, wild fires, basically everything California has to offer!

What are your California experiences?