Having grown up in San Francisco, books set in California always strike a personal chord with me. They capture the mix of dreamy landscapes and the ambitious, sometimes gritty, reality of life on the West Coast. Whether it’s a novel that evokes the foggy streets of my hometown or one that sweeps you away to the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California, these stories bring out the essence of the state I know so well.

Each book on this list taps into the unique vibe of California—from the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley to the laid-back surf culture in Santa Cruz. Some focus on the vast beauty of the wine country, while others delve into the complex, often misunderstood, lives of those chasing big dreams in L.A. What I love most about these stories is how they showcase California’s diversity—geographically, culturally, and emotionally.

Whether you’re visiting or just daydreaming, these books will give you a glimpse into what makes California so special. As someone who's walked these streets and lived this life, I highly recommend diving into these stories. They'll bring a little bit of the Golden State to wherever you are.

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Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

The story of Silicon Valley’s most notorious scam, Bad Blood exposes the rise and fall of Theranos and its delusional CEO, Elizabeth Holmes. It’s a real-life thriller where millions of dollars were lost, reputations were trashed, and no one bothered to ask if the science worked.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll in the ‘70s—this novel reads like a Rolling Stone interview you can’t put down. Told in a documentary-style format, it unravels the messy, complicated dynamics of a fictional band you'll wish was real.

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

A gripping sequel to Shanghai Girls (see below), this novel takes you through the heartache and turbulence of Mao's China. (The last few chapters of the book are a race against time.) Through family bonds, betrayal, and resilience, Lisa See delivers another emotionally charged historical fiction that makes you appreciate everything you have while reading this.

Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik

Part biography, part love letter to Los Angeles, this book delves into the wild life of Eve Babitz—artist, muse, and ultimate L.A. cool girl. If you've ever wanted to live vicariously through someone who partied with rockstars and made scandalous art, this one's for you.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

True crime at its finest, McNamara's posthumously published investigation into the Golden State Killer is both chilling and deeply personal. Her obsession with catching a serial killer might just ignite your own binge of unsolved mysteries.

If Only You by Chloe Liese

A fake dating, sports romance between a (reformed) playboy hockey player and a neurodivergent footballer at fictional Los Angeles sports teams (essentially the Kings and Angel City FC, respectively) with heart, humor, and enough slow-burn tension to make you scream, "Just kiss already!"

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows Arthur Less as he stumbles through a midlife crisis disguised as a world tour, beginning and ending in San Francisco. It’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, proving that sometimes, running away is the best way to find yourself.

Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

A cooking competition and queer romance? Yes, please. Set on a Hollywood soundstage of a Top Chef-type show, Kelly’s delightful story about a nonbinary contestant and a woman finding love in a pressure cooker environment is sweet, funny, and totally bingeable.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Set all over the Bay Area (from SF to Santa Rosa to Berkeley), in this second-chance romance wrapped in nostalgia and heartbreak, the story toggles between past and present as two childhood friends reconnect after years apart. Be prepared for plenty of feels and tears. (Even though there’s one part where you really ask why couldn’t they have had a conversation sooner…) Personally I find this to be an excellent Thanksgiving read.

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

What happens when a plus-sized fashion blogger becomes the star of a Bachelor-style dating show? A lot of drama, self-discovery, and surprisingly sharp commentary on body image and reality TV. It’s rom-com gold with a modern twist.

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

Even though I’m not big on second chance romance, Persuasion is still my favorite Jane Austen novel. And yes, as you can tell, I love Food Network cooking competition-inspired rom-coms. Thus, Austen meets modern-day culinary TV with a side of man bun in this multicultural romance. A chef and her old flame team up for a reality show filming in the Bay Area, mixing delicious dishes with unresolved emotions. It’s spicy in more ways than one.

Robin by Dave Itzkoff

A touching and tragic portrait of Robin Williams, this biography offers an in-depth look at the life of one of the most beloved and complicated comedians. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, much like Williams' own life and career.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

This is the first part in the two-part series with Dreams of Joy (see above). A gripping tale of two sisters navigating war, immigration from Shanghai to San Francisco, and cultural identity, this novel beautifully blends personal and historical drama, with an emotional punch that lingers long after.

Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl

A memoir about food, but mostly about life, Ruth Reichl serves up a delicious blend of personal stories and recipes. (And some of her mother’s recipes might leave you feeling queasy, but the descriptions are at least vivid.) While a native New Yorker, her years in Berkeley in the 1970s were just as formative for her career. It's a savory, soul-satisfying read that will make you both laugh and cry—possibly while eating.

The Castle on Sunset by Shawn Levy

This fascinating history of the Chateau Marmont is a who’s who of Hollywood scandal, offering a peek into the glamorous, scandalous, and often ridiculous lives of the rich and famous. It’s basically TMZ in book form, but classier.

The Dating Plan by Sara Desai

A fake engagement in San Francisco turns into something much more in this fun, flirty romance. Desai’s writing sparkles with humor and charm, and the chemistry between the characters is as sweet as a perfectly crafted cocktail.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

A grieving woman in Los Angeles finds love—and a new sense of purpose—through a lost dog and an unexpected romance with a rock star she first sees on YouTube and of course meets by happenstance later. As always, Abby Jimenez delivers a rom-com full of wit, heart, and emotional depth, perfect for dog lovers and hopeless romantics alike.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

When a proposal goes wrong on the jumbotron at a Dodgers game, what's a girl to do? Find love with the guy who saves her, obviously. Jasmine Guillory’s breezy, feel-good romance is as sweet and satisfying as the churros at a baseball game.

The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt

This behind-the-scenes look at the women who shaped Disney’s animated classics in the early years of Hollywood is both eye-opening and inspiring. It’s the perfect read for anyone who thought Walt Disney did it all on his own (spoiler: he didn’t).

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

A richly textured novel that spans decades and continents, Lisa See’s tale of a mother and daughter torn apart by culture and circumstance—from the Yunnan Province in China to Southern California—is as intricate and beautiful as the tea it’s centered around.

Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

A marriage of convenience between a veteran-turned-winemaker and a Napa Valley nepo baby that quickly spirals into steamy, emotional chaos? All that and more. Bailey’s latest romance is packed with sharp dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of angst to keep you hooked.

Favorite Travel Reads: Set in California