California Best Dating Sites

“California dreaming on such a winter’s day…” So many of us wish we were in LA right now! But if you actually live in the Golden State, you know that the sun doesn’t shine as bright if there’s no special someone beside you. As the holidays approach, our days are getting really busy. If you didn’t manage to find somebody to Netflix and chill during the fall months, you still have some time to go on a couple of dates before the winter gets in its full swing.

Many of you emailed us for some best dating sites in California recommendations in different states. Today, we’d like to start in California. We went through dozens of options and compiled a list of top 10 dating sites/ apps you can try to find a perfect match. Whether you’re looking for a serious relationship or a one-night stand, this post will be super helpful. If you’re ready, let’s dive in!

1. Dating-in-California.com

Overview

This website was designed to help singles in California find each other. Unlike other online dating sites, this one focuses on the specific cities across the state. Whether you live in Los Angeles or Santa Rosa, be sure you’ll find local singles on this website. Due to the advanced matchmaking system, it’s very easy to connect with people who not only share your interests but actually live close to you.

This site might not have a modern interface, but you should definitely give it a try if you’re looking for a serious relationship. California is pretty diverse, and clearly, the developers of this dating site couldn’t overlook this fact. That’s why it targets people of different ages, races, and religions. Besides, it’s one of the few LQBTQ-friendly places where you can meet someone ready for commitment.

You can join the network for free, which is a great plus. It has a nice interface, probably not the best you’ve ever seen, but it gets the job done. But most importantly, it connects real people looking for love specifically in California. So if you’re living in the Golden State, go ahead and create your account.

1. DoULike

Overview

DoULike is an online dating platform that allows you to find matches easily. It’s one of those top dating sites in California that have been around for a while (DoULike is here since 2005). In other words, it’s a proven online dating choice. Here’s how it works. As you browse through various accounts, you let the system know who you like and who you don’t like. Based on your choices, the algorithm starts showing you accounts you are most likely to fancy. All those people that you “liked” in the system will see your account next time they log in, and if they like you back - voila! We’ve got a match! Very simple. Send them a message and start getting to know each other.

DoULike also has many useful filters you can use to find people of a certain age, living in a certain area, being of a particular race or religion, and even based on sexual preferences. It easily is one of the best online dating sites out there. There are also dedicated apps for both iOS and Android, which makes the whole online dating thing fell like a game. You should try this one. Besides, creating an account is free of charge.

1. Coffee Meets Bagel

Overview

Coffee Meets Bagel is known as one of the best free dating sites for serious relationships.

Unlike many other dating apps, Coffee Meets Bagel is something different. First of all, there’s no swiping. Users receive curated matches every day at noon. This approach was designed to help people establish meaningful connections and really get to know the other person without the need for empty small talks.

CMB wants to help you find somebody who will spark a genuine interest in you. That is why the app encourages you to ask the right person out as soon as possible so that you two don’t have to waste your time texting each other. Overall, CMB is a pretty interesting dating space. Although, statistics say that the users of CMB are mostly women. Those who are really into this whole coffee and bagel thing should consider premium membership as it unlocks more opportunities.

1. HER

Overview

It’s generally hard to find good dating websites, but LGBTQ people struggle with it even more. HER is one of the biggest and most reputable apps created to help lesbian, bisexual, and queer women find a partner. HER team is based in San Fransisco. It’s a reputable and secure app that was featured in such authoritative publications as Vogue, ELLE, The Guardian, Refinery29, and more. As with most other apps, you can use a free and premium (paid) subscription.

HER is more than a regular dating app. As it is mentioned on the website, HER founders believe that dating should be fun. That’s why you can also use it to browse through various events hosted by the community. All in all, if you were looking for a trustworthy, secure, and entertaining space for meeting new people who share your sexual preferences, we can’t think of a better place, especially if you live in San Francisco.

1. Zoosk

Overview

Zoosk is different from many other dating sites as it used to be one of the first apps created by Facebook back in 2007. The differences show up at the registration stage. Instead of asking users to fill in the lengthy questionnaires, it integrates their social media accounts and copies all the information from there. With more than 40 million active members on Zoosk at the moment, you get the real chances to find love.

Zoosk is perfect for international dating. It supports 25 languages and works in 80 countries. Also, unlike many other online dating spaces, the male to female ration on Zoosk is almost 50:50 (more specifically, 48% of male and 52% of female users). Zoosk is LGBTQ-friendly, which we know many of you will appreciate. Start for free to see if you like it and upgrade to a paid membership later. Zoosk dating site (and dating app) might be perfect for you.

1. Adult Friend Finder

Overview

Looking for an open-minded partner to have fun with? Adult Friend Finder is one of the top dating sites where users are looking for a partner (or partners) for the night. This website is known as one of the largest sex and swinger communities in the world. The users are pretty serious and straightforward about their intentions. Since membership fee is a great pervert-protection measure,  there are no free membership options

If you want to find someone for building a long-term relationship with, Adult Friend Finder is not for you. This online space is not about anything serious, but rather about one night stands or regular hookups. A website provides lots of personalization options, which lets you find exactly the person you’re looking for. You don’t have to share any personal information or fill in a bio. Adult Friend Finder is nothing like a traditional dating site, but it’s the right place for the right people.

1. Elite Singles

Overview

We all know that life gets more hectic as we get older. When the career gets in the way, there is no time for partying, let alone wasting time for casual dates. This website was created to help mature people find love. Elite Singles is among the best dating websites in California for singles aged 30-55. The platform positions itself as a dating site for “educated and successful professionals”, which can be interpreted as a place for those who don’t have time to mess around.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a Harvard graduate to create an account. However, you do have to be ready to invest some time and commit. This idea transcends to you immediately as you create your profile. You’ll need to spend at least 30 minutes to complete an extensive personality assessment, but at least you can be sure that everyone who crossed this line is really serious with their intentions. Give it a try!

1. Match.com

Overview

Match.com is one of the best free online dating sites that have several options for unpaid membership. This is one of the most trusted platforms as it’s been around since 1995! Yep, it’s older than some of our readers. Match.com belongs to old-school dating websites that used to set an example to others. Right now, it remains a strong competitor to lots of modern dating apps.

Some stats say that Match.com connects around 200k people every year. One thing that makes it stand out is the control the platform grants to the users. There are several modes to choose from when browsing for matches. You can check out other profiles in “incognito mode” or sit back and wait for someone to contact you on “zen mode”. Sounds great, isn’t it?

1. eHarmony

Overview

The next dating site on our list is also an old-school player. eHarmony has been helping people find love since 2000. It has connected more than 2 million people over these years, as the website says. To get started on eHarmony, you’ll be asked by the platform to complete a compatibility quiz and answer some extra questions to help the algorithm find a perfect match for you.

Many “younger” dating apps don’t require these steps because their algorithms learn as they go. Yet again, it takes them longer to find a perfect match. eHarmony might not be the best dating site out there, the reviews are mixed, but it’s still worth giving a shot. There’s an app for Android and iOS. Try it because you never know where your love is.

1. Bumble

Overview

The last dating site on our list is the place to be for independent women who want to maintain control in their search for a perfect match. Bumble works like a regular swiping app, except that it only lets guys contact you after you express your interest in them first. So if you’re sick and tired of random “how r u?” messages, Bumble is for you.

This app only has a mobile version, which may be a drawback or advantage, depending on what ‘s important to you. But generally, it’s a good-looking user-friendly dating app. You can tell it was developed by co-founders of Tinder. On the whole, if you’re a guy who doesn’t mind girls taking the lead or an empowered woman who knows exactly what she wants from this life, go ahead and download Bumble. The app is free, but you can upgrade it later to get some premium features.

Conclusion