Going to San Francisco in the Middle of Finals Week

Or, essentially, doing the road trip from LA - SF you've always wanted to do in the back of your head but have never gotten the chance to.

San Francisco is downright freezing- in December, at least. That's something they really don't tell you in the brochures, but do enough research (or have enough common sense that you're heading north during December of course it's gonna be cold) and remember to bring an extra sweater or two. Or, of course, buy one that reads "SAN FRANCISCO" in the biggest, most obnoxious letters possible, so everyone can know that you went somewhere they didn't. Also be sure it properly encompasses the adventures that are yet to come.

San Francisco Overall

There's a lot to see if you go to San Francisco, so be sure to have at least an outline of what you want to do. Mine looked a little something like this:

• breakfast

• trolly

• touristy thangz

  • lombard street

• bridge/bridge hike

• lunch

• twin peaks lookout

• china town

Literally copy and pasted from my notes, as you can see apart from the immaculate grammar and stellar vocabulary, there's a fair amount of things to fit into 2 nights and 3 days. That being said, a lot of things on the list didn't require an immense amount of research, and we actually managed to do everything in its entirety.

I think if you're going to San Francisco (especially if you're going to drive there from LA), the journey is half - or even just - as important as the destination. On the way up, take the PCH (pacific coast highway) for a scenic route, or if you're not as invested in that, take the 5 and GO TO KETTLEMAN CITY. PLEASE. I don't even know how to describe it man, it's like this old western vibe? And it's really sick? I felt like I travelled through time and we found it completely on accident.

The way back was just as cool, too- we wanted to go to Alcatraz so we didn't get to take the PCH back (the sacrifices we go through to save time :( -) but we got really sketchy Chinese food from this little store off the 5 that we're half convinced didn't even happen because the whole experience was just so weird and surreal.

Overall the timing of going to San Francisco probably could have been better executed, but all in all we'd say the trip was beyond worth it, especially during finals week of first semester! It's important to see new things and travel new places, even more so if they've been on a 'to-go' list for awhile.

That was my first time in San Francisco, and honestly made me regret rejecting the University of San Francisco's offer back in April when I was still choosing colleges. In the end 9/10, the only point off would be for the bitter, unforgiving cold. Love you Collin, can't wait to see what awesome place we're going to go next >:) !