10 Things for Conservatives to Love (and Do) in California
I love California. Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that it is one of my favorite places. I can never grow tired of sunny Southern California afternoons, palm tree lined roads, year-round outdoor dining or magnificent sunsets. However, my conservative friends are not so enamored. Quite often I hear things like: “It’s so liberal.” “California should fall into the ocean.” and “They are crazy out there.” While California is definitely liberal, and the culture is different than that of the East Coast, this state of 840 miles of coastline offers something for everyone—including die hard conservatives.
Here are ten things conservatives can enjoy in the land of liberalism.
#10 The Nixon Museum
(Image Courtesy of http://nixonfoundation.org/_px/_image_slider/1405448242_slider_events_960x520.jpg)
Though his presidency ended mired in the Watergate scandal President Nixon did accomplish several things during his nearly two terms as President. Nixon is also credited by some as helping move the South from a Democratic to a Republican stronghold. The Nixon Library and Museum houses records, artifacts and memorabilia from Nixon’s life, as well as his final resting place. Admission is $11.95 for adults.
#9 Anaheim and Silicon Valley
(Image by Shannon Mann)
Welcome to the “happiest place on Earth!” Once land of orange and citrus gloves galore, Anaheim has grown into a bustling city that boasts tremendous amounts of sunshine, shopping and sightseeing. Ranked number three in the best cities for conservatives, Anaheim is a haven in a land of liberals. Home to the original Disneyland, Anaheim is also conveniently located within driving distance to many of Southern California’s best tourist attractions. If Anaheim is not your cup of tea, Silicon Valley ranked 13 on the same list. Though the San Francisco area is known to be one of the most liberal in the nation, the surrounding areas are also home to a plethora of Libertarians.
#8 The People
(Image courtesy of http://www.ppic.org/main/publication_quick.asp?i=1007)
Get to know the locals. While it is true that California is traditionally liberal, this is also a state that sent two Republicans to the White House. They have Republican representatives in Congress, and have had Republican governors. Talk to locals and you will find there are a great deal more conservatives than you think. California is a huge state and the further inland you go the more conservative it gets.
#7 Saddleback Church
(Image courtesy of http://saddleback.com/Frontend/saddleback.com/images/visit/about/newhere/top.jpg)
Recognize this church? It’s the home church of Rick Warren, and it’s in the heart of Southern California. However, it’s not the only Saddleback. Warren’s church has grown to plant 10 local churches and four international locations. Despite criticism from the media Warren has remained consistent in his opinions and statements on conservative Christian values. Saddleback is Southern Baptist in denomination and is one of the top 10 biggest churches in the US.
#6 The Galaxy, the Lakers and the Kings
(Image by Anthony Mann)
Boycotts are a common practice for some when trying to prove a point, however, buycotting works as well. AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) owns several sports teams across the US and Europe, including the LA Galaxy (soccer), the Lakers (basketball) and the Kings (hockey), and the company routinely gives to Republican and conservative causes. Don’t want to feel like your money is going to further liberal or progressive causes? Catch a Galaxy, Lakers, or Kings game, you’ll have a blast!
#5 Stay at a Marriot
(Image courtesy of http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/ctdvi-marriotts-desert-springs-villas-ii/)
Another good way to enjoy all California has to offer is to stay at a Marriot. With over 300 locations you are bound to find one that is right for you. With miles of coast land, mountain ranges, deserts, valleys and woodlands, California’s geography offers something for everyone. You can waterski and snow ski in the same day. And with 27 national parks you are bound to find something historic and/or outdoorsy to entertain. The bonus of staying at a Marriot? You are supporting a company that has supported Republican presidential candidates.
#4 Last Man Standing
(Image courtesy of http://renewcanceltv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/lastmanstanding2.jpg)
It can be difficult to find shows on TV that are conservative. The majority of Hollywood is liberal and the entertainment they produce has become progressively progressive. However, there are a few shows that lean conservative in message of value. One is Last Man Standing starring Tim Allen, and it’s one you can go see filmed. While his daughter and her fiancé (on the show) support liberal causes Mike Baxter makes no bones about his views on all things liberal including Obama. Want a laugh? Go see a taping of Last Man Standing. Tickets are available for free during tapings, but you need to sign up for them: https://tvtickets.com/fmi/xsl/shows/browserecord.xsl?&Show=last+man
#3 Biola, Pepperdine, and Thomas Aquinas Universities and College
(Image courtesy of http://theinstrumentalist.com/UserFiles/Pepperdine.jpg)
In an era where colleges and universities are becoming more progressive it’s nice to know that conservative institutions of higher learning exist. Three of the top 20 conservative colleges are in California. Biola University, Pepperdine University and Thomas Aquinas College are ranked numbers 3, 16 and 18 respectively. These colleges all boast conservative values while educating students on the principles of individual responsibility, freedom and liberty. The kicker—all three are located near the more liberal coastline.
#2 Camp Pendleton and the Naval Installations In/Around San Diego
(Image by Shannon Mann)
Supporting the military should never be political. These men and women, and the families they leave behind, work every day to support, protect, and defend the freedoms we all enjoy and hold dear. When it comes to seeing military life up close there are few places like the San Diego area. A drive down the PCH/HWY 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and you will cut right through Camp Pendleton before arriving in San Diego, home to several naval bases and training centers. Both areas offer visitor passes to bases when threat levels are low. However, if they are not you can still see some action by stopping off at overlooks along the PCH, or visiting the Naval museums in and around San Diego. Here are a few: http://coronadovisitorcenter.com/, http://www.midway.org/exhibits-and-activities, and http://www.visitoceanside.org/travel-tips/camp-pendleton/
#1 The Ronald Reagan Museum
(Image courtesy of http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/blogs/totalbuzz.ocregister.com/reagan-library.jpg)
Last, but by no means least, what conservative trip to California would be complete without learning more about every conservatives favorite President—Ronald Reagan. And what better way to do that than by visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Here you can view a life-size replica of the oval office, step aboard a retired Air Force One, and learn about the man who ended the Cold War, bolstered the military and the economy, and revised the Republican Party.
