I hope you get a chance to drive up the coast of California between Los Angeles and San Francisco, that's where the scenery is. Stop of and see the ranches/ vineyards/valleys near Lake Cachuma north of Santa Barbara too.

Have you mostly stayed in the oceanside area? That would be like being stationed in Biddeford and thinking you've seen Maine.

Surprised that you find the people in California unhelpful, what was the situation? Did you need a jumpstart or something?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMfmDTO72ww