Yo, homie! Want to visit Cali... but virtually and way more explosive?
Ever dreamt of cruising down the Californian coast with the wind in your hair (or what's left of it after a particularly epic stunt jump), sunshine on your face (or the soothing glow of your monitor), and barely any chance of getting tangled with the real-life LAPD (unless you really mess up in-game)? Then welcome, my friend, to the wacky world of Grand Theft Auto!
But hold up. You might be wondering, "California? In GTA? That ain't right, cuz!" And you'd be right... kinda.
San Andreas: The Not-Quite-Golden State
See, in the world of GTA, they don't like to be completely, you know, literal. They take inspiration from real places and crank the craziness up to eleven. So, instead of California, we've got San Andreas. This fictional state is basically California's wilder, fictional cousin. Think beaches, babes, and Hollywood glitz... but with a healthy dose of gang warfare, high-speed chases, and enough explosions to rival a Michael Bay movie marathon.
Los Santos: Tinseltown with Trouble
The heart of San Andreas (and the place that'll probably remind you most of California) is definitely Los Santos. This sprawling metropolis is basically a loving tribute (or maybe a hilarious send-up) to Los Angeles. You've got your glitzy Vinewood sign, a movie industry obsessed with churning out blockbusters (some, ahem, more nonsensical than others), and enough celebrity parodies to keep you chuckling for hours.
San Fierro and Las Venturas: Joining the San Andreas Party
San Andreas isn't a one-city show, though. We've also got San Fierro, which nicks all the coolest bits of San Francisco – think steep hills, bridges that would make even the bravest driver sweat, and a whole lotta bohemian vibes. And then there's Las Venturas, a neon-drenched desert paradise (or is that a paradox?) that's clearly inspired by the one-and-only Las Vegas. Swap the casinos for gambling halls with even more outlandish names, and you've got the picture.
So, to answer your question directly...
There is no "California" in GTA, per se. But if you're looking for the sunny state turned up to eleven, with a hefty dose of criminal activity (hey, it's GTA!), then San Andreas is your ticket to a virtual vacation you won't forget (assuming you survive it, that is). Just remember, keep your eyes peeled for gangsters, avoid exploding gas stations, and maybe lay off the rampage sprees – unless you're feeling particularly GTA-ish, of course.
