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Quizzes > Geography

California trivia questions: test your Golden State knowledge

Quick, free California quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Radwa YehiaUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for California trivia quiz on a sky blue background

This California trivia quiz helps you test your knowledge of the Golden State, from coastlines and deserts to cities, pop culture, and history. Want more practice? Explore our California geography quiz and San Francisco 49ers trivia for a deeper challenge and fresh facts. Start now and see how many you get right.

What is the capital city of California?
Los Angeles
Sacramento
San Francisco
San Diego
Sacramento has served as California’s capital since 1854, selected for its central location during the Gold Rush era. It is home to the California State Capitol building and the state legislature. The city functions as the administrative and political hub of California today.
Which flower is designated as the official state flower of California?
Daisy
Rose
Tulip
Golden Poppy
The California poppy, known as the Golden Poppy, was adopted as the state flower in 1903 because of its brilliant gold color and widespread presence. It blooms in vibrant fields each spring, symbolizing the Golden State’s beauty. The flower’s resilience in dry climates reflects California’s natural diversity.
What is California’s official nickname?
Golden State
Sunshine State
Empire State
Garden State
California is called the "Golden State" in reference to the Gold Rush of 1848 and its golden poppy fields. The nickname captures both the state’s history and its optimistic spirit. It was officially adopted in the 1960s and appears on license plates and state documents.
Which major California city is situated on a bay of the same name and is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge?
Sacramento
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
San Francisco is located on a natural harbor called San Francisco Bay and is globally recognized for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The bay location shaped its maritime heritage and urban development. It’s one of the most visited cities in California.
What is the highest mountain in California?
Mount Diablo
Mount Whitney
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Shasta
Mount Whitney stands at 14,505 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in California and the contiguous United States. It is located in the Sierra Nevada range, within Sequoia National Park. The summit is popular with hikers and climbers each year.
In what year did California officially become a state of the United States?
1800
1850
1865
1776
California was admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850, as the 31st state, under the Compromise of 1850. Its rapid population growth during the Gold Rush accelerated the push for statehood. Since then, the state has become the most populous in the U.S.
Which U.S. President was born in California?
Ronald Reagan
Barack Obama
Bill Clinton
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California, in 1913 and became the 37th President of the United States. While Ronald Reagan served as governor of California, he was born in Illinois. Nixon remains the only president born in California.
Which of these is the largest lake entirely within California by surface area?
Clear Lake
Lake Tahoe
Mono Lake
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea covers about 343 square miles, making it the largest lake entirely within California’s borders. Lake Tahoe is larger but straddles the border with Nevada. Mono Lake and Clear Lake are smaller inland lakes.
Which U.S. National Park is NOT located in California?
Sequoia
Yellowstone
Yosemite
Joshua Tree
Yellowstone National Park spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, but none of it is in California. Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia National Parks are all located within California’s borders.
Which California county leads in agricultural revenue, producing a large share of the nation’s fruits and vegetables?
Orange County
Santa Clara County
Marin County
Fresno County
Fresno County is California’s top agricultural producer, known for crops like grapes, almonds, and citrus. It consistently ranks first in the state and nationally for total farm revenue. The region’s Central Valley soils and climate support a huge variety of produce.
Which port in California is the busiest in terms of container shipments?
Port of Los Angeles
Port of Oakland
Port of Long Beach
Port of San Diego
The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in the United States, handling millions of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. It is located in San Pedro Bay and operates in close partnership with the adjacent Port of Long Beach. Together, they form the nation’s largest port complex.
What reptile is designated as the official state reptile of California?
Desert Tortoise
Horned Toad
Garter Snake
Alligator Lizard
The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) was named California’s state reptile in 1972. It inhabits arid regions of Southern California and is protected due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. The tortoise can live more than 50 years.
The California Gold Rush began in which year?
1850
1848
1849
1847
Gold was first discovered at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, in January 1848, igniting the Gold Rush. The following year, 1849, saw the peak influx of 'forty-niners.' This event transformed California’s economy and accelerated its path to statehood.
Which religious order was responsible for founding the historic California missions?
Jesuit
Benedictine
Dominican
Franciscan
The Franciscan order, led by Father Junípero Serra, established 21 missions along the California coast between 1769 and 1823. These missions aimed to convert Indigenous peoples and expand Spanish territory. Many mission buildings still stand as historic landmarks.
In which year did the Free Speech Movement start at the University of California, Berkeley?
1970
1960
1964
1968
The Free Speech Movement formally began in October 1964 when students protested for the right to free political speech on campus. Led by Mario Savio, it marked a turning point in student activism nationwide. UC Berkeley remains associated with this historic movement.
How many Spanish missions were established along the California coast?
23
21
15
18
Between 1769 and 1823, Franciscan missionaries founded 21 missions from San Diego to Sonoma. These missions formed El Camino Real, the historic mission trail. Today, many of the mission churches and structures are preserved as landmarks.
What is designated as the official state fossil of California?
Woolly Mammoth
Saber-toothed cat (Smilodon californicus)
Pterodactyl
Trilobite
The saber-toothed cat Smilodon californicus, known from the La Brea Tar Pits, was designated California’s state fossil in 1973. Its well-preserved remains provide key insights into Pleistocene ecosystems. The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles are a world-famous paleontological site.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Iconic California Landmarks -

    After completing the quiz, you'll be able to pinpoint famous and hidden landmarks across the Golden State, from the Golden Gate Bridge to lesser-known natural wonders.

  2. Recall Key Historical Milestones -

    Test and reinforce your knowledge of pivotal events that have shaped California's history, including the Gold Rush, statehood, and major cultural movements.

  3. Recognize Notable Californians -

    Learn to match influential figures - such as innovators, entertainers, and political leaders - with their contributions and origins in California.

  4. Differentiate Regional Cultures -

    Develop an understanding of the distinct cultural, culinary, and geographical characteristics that set Northern, Central, and Southern California apart.

  5. Apply California Trivia Strategies -

    Hone your approach to trivia questions about California by leveraging context clues, memory techniques, and quick-recall methods to boost your quiz performance.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Geographic Regions & Landmarks -

    Delve into California trivia by mapping its three core regions - Coastal, Sierra Nevada, and Central Valley - using the mnemonic "CVC" (Coast-Valley-Cascade). Recognize key landmarks like Death Valley (lowest point in North America) and Mount Whitney (highest in the contiguous U.S.), as documented by the National Park Service. Spotting these extremes boosts your regional recall for any california trivia challenge.

  2. Spanish Missions & Colonial History -

    Review the chain of 21 missions founded between 1769 and 1823 along El Camino Real by memorizing the phrase "San Diego Starts, Sonoma Stops." The California State Library outlines each mission's founding date and purpose. This timeline technique helps you ace trivia questions about early Californian society and architecture.

  3. Famous Natives & Cultural Icons -

    Highlight Californians who shaped industries: film pioneer Charlie Chaplin, tech innovator Steve Jobs, and political leader Ronald Reagan. Group them by decade and use the acronym "JCR" (Jobs-Chaplin-Reagan) for a quick memory hook. Biographies from university archives enrich your answers with background details.

  4. National Parks & Natural Wonders -

    Memorize the nine California national parks - Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and others - using the acronym "YSKJJ&MP" (Yosemite-Sequoia-Kings-Joshua Tree-&-Mojave-Pinnacles). The National Park Service website lists unique features like giant sequoias and desert dunes. This consolidated list ensures you'll breeze through any trivia questions about state parks.

  5. Economic Engines & Key Industries -

    Recall California's "TAG" trifecta: Tech (Silicon Valley), Agriculture (Central Valley), and Glamour (Hollywood). Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and California Department of Food & Agriculture validate the state's leading GDP sectors. Linking each letter to its region cements your grasp of California's economic trivia.

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