1. Real Mexican Food

I don’t know about the rest of the country, but the North East is a barren wasteland for real Mexican food— not that it’s bad, it simply just doesn’t exist. Everyone knows that the bay area has the best Mexican food— and I’m not talking about just Chipotle.

2. Beautiful Views

You can’t top the Golden Gate Bridge. I mean look at her— she’s a beaut.

3. In-n-Out

Everyone, even non-Californians, know that In-N-Out is undeniably the best fast food— and let me tell you: the hype is real! There’s just something about their thick, creamy milkshakes and savory animal-style fries that hits home.

4. Giants Games

Across the board, the bay area has top-notch athletics: the Warriors, the 49ers, even the Oakland A’s are all pretty good. Giants games, though, are a summer must, and a great excuse to party.

5. Hiking Whenever and Wherever

I think this is the biggest thing I miss about the bay. The bay area boasts a handful of world-renown spots including the Muir Woods Trail, The Marin Headlands, and Stinson Beach. There’s never any reason to be bored when you can just hop in your car and explore one of the most scenic places in the country.

6. The Pacific Ocean

The Atlantic is cool and all— yeah it’s pretty warm, and the Jersey shore is kinda fun— but nothing beats the Pacific. You’re telling me the ocean isn’t supposed to be cold?

7. Temperate Summers

Though San Francisco is rarely what one might call traditionally warm, I never fully appreciated the weather until I spent a summer on the East coast. No humidity, and the freedom to wear either shorts or pants, are pretty huge, especially compared to the sweltering heat elsewhere in the country.

8. Fresh Fruit

The bay area embodies the farm to fork mentality. When you live so close to where all the produce comes from, it inevitably will be fresh. Fresh fruit is immeasurably better than the sad, little fruit salads you’ll find in the dining halls.

9. Highway 1

Such a beautiful, scenic drive. One summer, I want to drive the 1 all the way up the coast.

10. Karl the Fog

Though people normally moan and groan about the fog, bay area kids love it. Karl, as the fog is colloquially called, is a San Francisco staple, and a near permanent feature of the landscape. I know I definitely miss Karl a whole semester on the East coast.