This year I jetted off to southern California to attend college. The transition from the city of Seattle to the small town of Redlands was a large adjustment. I longed for skyscrapers and the familiarity of nearby look out spots. However, after a few weeks had passed I began to understand the appeal of living in California. In fact, I was confused as to why anyone would live in Seattle and endure the weather when they could wake up to 70 degrees almost everyday. Home for the summer I am now missing the warmth of the golden state and the memorable sites I visited on road trips to San Francisco, LA and more.

1. Lands End

This is a beautiful spot which overlooks the San Francisco bridge. It is necessary to bundle since the wind is incredibly powerful and it's cold due to the proximity to the water. After winding through the wilderness one can come across this hidden look out, rest upon a huge tree branch and gaze out at the aqua water.

2. Joshua Tree

Since I grew up in the Northwest, I am accustomed to being surrounded by trees. It was odd to no longer be 30 minutes away from a good hike or a mountainside of evergreens. After a few trips to Joshua Tree, I began to appreciate the desert. It is incredible that visitors are allowed to park and wander wherever they please. My friends and I would spend hours in the sun, water coloring and playing guitar. The joshua trees inspire quirky art and the desolate terrain makes you feel as though you’re on the set of "Cars" or "The Land Before Time."

I visited the Los Angeles County Museum of Art multiple times this year and loved it each time. My favorite exhibition was on Frank Gehry. They displayed over 15 of his 3D museum, home and building mock ups. Then presented photos of the final outcome next to each piece. The museum offers a wide array of art from old paintings to rotating exhibits such as ones on sexuality, Robert Mapplethorpe’s clothing and more. Examples of the art can be seen below.

4. De Young Museum

While in San Francisco, my friends and I stopped by the De Young Museum. It is incredibly expansive, with multiple buildings and huge gardens sprinkled with structures. I would recommend spending the entire day there since there is so much to cover. My friends and I went to the Oscar de la Renta exhibit and spent multiple hours in it, analyzing each piece. Pictured below are dresses made for celebrities. Sarah Jessica Parker sported the signed gown and Taylor Swift sauntered down the red carpet in the decadent pink dress.