VLOS - simply means "visual line of sight." Very different for each pilot and their flying conditions; so for you it may be 500 feet while for another it may be 1/4 mile. Adding strobes may help extend that range some - but very doubtful to 1/2 mile or more unless in lower light where the strobe would be more visible.
DJI makes a product for someone to use. Your automobile can go 120 mph, but do you drive it that fast - LEGALLY. No, because rules are implemented for safety or so they say. The US has the FAA and they govern all things airspace related. Some countries have no such rules or more lax than the US, so they can legally fly their drone as far as the drone will go and hopefully have enough battery to come back home. In the FAA's infinite wisdom, they came up with VLOS for RC / UAV craft to fly under. Again, VLOS is very dependent on pilot and flying conditions - so a person with great eyesight can supposedly fly in a flat zone with no obstacles about 1/4 - 1/2 mile. No way you can do that when flying around a lot of trees or obstacles and REMAIN in VLOS. It does help to have a spotter right there with you, so they can fully watch the drone every second of flight, while the pilot can monitor the screen for whatever they are videoing / picture taking.
The FAA's TRUST TEST explains it some. It is also a requirement for ALL drone pilots to take the test and have the Cert document on your person when flying.
I'm sure there are many areas in CA that you could go fly in and not be a safety issue and fly outside of VLOS. But, that is your call if you want to do that. If you do, don't brag about it. Many do and you can see the posts that reflect the VLOS question.
I have both the Mini and
Air2 and I can't see either a 1/4 mile away - which I typically never fly anyway unless with other drone guys who help spot for me. The Mini is smaller, so harder to see for sure.
Suggest buying strobes if you want to see your drone better and with more VLOS. Many posts on this subject and yes, the better ones do cost far more than some cheap ones.