One of the most amazing things about studying abroad in San Francisco is how easy it is to get out of the city and explore everything California has to offer. California is so diverse, Over the past few months, I’ve spent my weekends discovering some of the most unforgettable places: Yosemite, Sausalito, Big Sur, Monterey, and Los Angeles.
My first big trip was to Yosemite National Park, and it truly was everything I imagined. Yosemite National Park is one of California’s most famous natural landmarks, located about four hours east of San Francisco. As soon as I entered the valley, I was surrounded by giant cliffs, pine forests, waterfalls and beautiful lookout points. Popular spots to visit include Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point, which offers one of the best views in the park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, camping, and photography. In spring, the waterfalls are at their strongest, while summer is ideal for hiking and rock climbing. Yosemite is a great destination for a weekend trip if you want to experience nature and take a break from city life.
Another fun trip more suited for a daytrip is just across the Golden Gate Bridge, only half an hour from campus, Sausalito, a small seaside town that feels like a hidden gem. People often rent bikes and have fun riding all the way to the town. Sausalito’s colorful hillside homes, cozy cafés, and calm marina make it the perfect place to slow down after a busy week. You can see the city skyline from there, and the ferry journey back is also amazing and definitely a must-see.
Further down the coast, a few hours’ drive south, lies Big Sur, one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in California, located along Highway 1 between Monterey and San Simeon. The drive along Highway 1 is an adventure in itself with endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Every way seems to reveal a new postcard-worthy scene. The area is known for its dramatic cliffs, winding ocean roads, and incredible views of the Pacific. Famous stops include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach, known for its unique purple sand. Big Sur is popular for hiking, camping, and photography, with trails that lead through redwood forests and along cliffs.
Not far from Big Sur is Monterey, another coastal town full of history and character. I loved walking along Cannery Row, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and watching sea otters play in the harbor. The 17-Mile Drive, which passes through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, offers one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Monterey has a peaceful, small-town vibe which is a fun getaway from the busy city of SF.
And finally, there’s Los Angeles, California’s biggest and most famous city. The six-hour drive might sound long, but its definitely worth it. LA has everything: beaches, art, fashion, film, and sunshine. Fun things to do are the Santa Monica Pier, exploring Venice Beach with its street performers and skate park, going to Malibu, and hiking up to the Hollywood sign for the iconic view. LA feels like a different kind of energy, more fast-paced, more glamorous, but still laid-back in its own way. It is interesting to me how two big cities in California can differ so much, but each fun in its own way.
Studying abroad in San Francisco has given me so much more than an academic experience. It’s given me the chance to explore a whole new part of the world, to see places I’d only ever seen in pictures, and to feel at home in a completely different culture. Each weekend trip has been its own adventure, reminding me how beautiful and diverse California really is.