Introduction: exciting field trips out of the city

The San Francisco offers endless things to do. There is no eminent need to leave the city, except to experience even more! California seems to be the perfect State, reaching from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra mountain range. In between there are countless hills, valleys, forests and a huge plain. I realised, that there is more to see than first anticipated. So I left the city for multiple individual short trips.

To the south: high-tech and scenic routes

Driving from San Francisco to the south is quite an experience. For example, when riding the bicycle along the Bay, passing by some of the most prestigious high-tech cities: Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Mountain View. Their downtowns itself are rather unspectacular, but the atmosphere is unique. Soon, this bike trail will connect the entire Bay Area. The outer route along the Pacific Ocean is even more scenic; packed with wild nature, steep cliffs and sandy beaches. Carmel-by-the-Sea with its galleries and historic houses is a true charm. Unfortunately, the water was far too cold for me to swim.

To the north: over the hills and through the forests

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge opens the door to the beautiful north. This is where the Russian River wriggles through the hills of French vineyards (pinot noire). Together with a dear friend, I was exploring all the exciting places around Santa Rosa. From the hill tops, we overlooked California’s bread basket and saw volcano Mount Konocti. We hiked through the redwood forests and danced at the first festival of the summer. I was astonished by the diversity and beauty of this small area.

Sierras: being a snowboard instructor

Snowboarding in the USA was very high on my bucket list. Because of all other activities, I nearly missed out on it. But then I met the perfect companionship to drive to the mountains. Two times I could join a group of enthusiastic Chinese. Together we drove to the Sierras and stayed in a cosy cabin. They cooked authentic food and I taught them how to snowboard. Due to the warm temperature, the snow was extremely slushy. I improvised with borrowed and rented equipment. It was so much fun, I want to go again!

Yosemite: follow the trails of the bear

This natural wonder I also nearly missed. Only on the last weekend before leaving did I make it. My awesome friend with a convertible car blessed me with a fulminant farewell. The drive itself was already a pleasure, feeling the wind in our hair: yeehaa! In the national park, we first hiked on paved paths until we took the detour to follow the bear’s trail. The only thing missing was a camping fire, creepy stories and roasted marshmallows. Nevertheless, a great trip to remember.

Sacramento: from gold rush to politics

Everybody told me, there is nothing to see in Sacramento. I did not listen to them and set out to explore the capital of California anyways. Since the city holds many governmental departments, on a Saturday, the empty streets remind of a zombie movie. However, there are some noteworthy attractions. In the Capitol and Old Sacramento, I learned about the gold rush and history of California. Where else than in the Crocker art museum could I gaze at original masterpieces of Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei? But also other American artists surprised me with their critical paintings.

Summary: endless places to explore and enjoy

I might repeat myself, but California astonished me over and over again. Even though I have heard a lot about this State, I have never dreamt about this diversity. I can only compare it with Central Europe, where you drive from the sea through hills and forests to the mountains. Here you have everything compressed in one State, accessible on wide roads. I have by far not seen everything, but it was enough to leave with a full bag of memories.

A big thanks to everybody who shared these wonderful moments with me.