What are the fictional cities in grand theft auto san andreas based on?

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas features three major fictional cities, each loosely based on a major Californian or Nevada city. Los Santos mirrors Los Angeles in its sprawling layout, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic beach and freeway scenes. San Fierro takes inspiration from San Francisco, evident in its hilly terrain, cable‑car system, and distinct bay area vibe. Las Venturas reflects Las Vegas with its casino district, neon lighting, and desert surroundings. The game designers incorporated recognizable elements from these real cities to create immersive, yet stylized, environments.