Why the Bay Is Better than Anywhere Else

Ah, Berkeley. Right in the heart of the Bay Area. Some of us have lived here our entire lives; others have made the transition from the East Coast just a few months ago, only to find things are so much weirder around here (but you like it). Regardless of where you are from or how long you’ve been here, by now, you’ve surely picked up on a few Bay Area quirks. Here are a few reasons why where we live is “hella” cooler than anywhere else (and yes, I went there).

The best music scene

In a land dominated by the twenty-something hipster, you’re bound to be exposed to some of the best, most underground tunes and venues around. Forget deserts; we hold concerts on a goddamn floating island.

Recommended: Outside Lands, Hardly Strictly, Treasure Island Music Festival, The Regency Ballroom, The Greek Theatre, The Independent, The Fillmore

The best LGBTQ community

You honestly can’t find a more kickass place for queer people than in the Bay Area. Why, even here at Cal, we have so many different communities and resources, and whatever you identify with, you’re sure to find a safe space.

Recommended: San Francisco Pride, a stroll down The Castro

In-N-Out

You haven’t lived until you know what “number two, animal style” means.

The weather

When the sun’s out and the breeze is lightly ruffling the trees, there’s honestly nothing more amazing than taking a nap on Memorial Glade.

Bikes are a thing

And, so is public transit…

Big shoutout to BART for making spontaneous San Fran (mis)adventures possible. If you’re from other parts of the Bay Area, Caltrain and Muni are both great as well.

Just remember: Google Maps will never be right about when the bus comes. So plan accordingly.

The most amazing views

There are so many ocean landscapes and mountain peaks to explore, and they make for the most breath-taking views. Go check them out.

Recommended: The Big C, Highway 1 (along Santa Cruz especially), Corona Heights

Not to mention the beaches

Since we’re right up there against the ocean, it only makes sense that we also have the best beaches (and the weather to accompany our trips there). Whether you want to catch the sunset after a day in the city, or spend the entire day hopping on amusement rides, you’re sure to find a spot on the coastline.

Recommended: Santa Cruz (make sure you check out the Boardwalk), Half Moon Bay, Pacifica

Lots of art

As a culturally diverse group of individuals, we are always looking for new ways to express ourselves. Art of all forms can be found both behind brick walls and out on the streets.

Recommended: BAM/PFA, San Jose Museum of Art, the streets of Oakland

Napa Valley for wine

Or if you’re not of legal age quite yet, you could always check out the art galleries, listen to some smooth jazz, or play a whole lotta golf.

And Gilroy for garlic

Consider taking a stop at Gilroy Gardens while you’re at it. It’s got a mushroom ride, circus trees, and swinging ships in the shape of bananas.

Of course, if you’re not into that, you could always check out the shopping outlets, or Casa de Fruta, where you can browse various fruit stands or sample some sweets.

The best technology

If you’re looking to get into a tech startup or work for a booming business upon graduation, you’re in the right place my friend. Everyone around here is looking for new experiences and to try (or invent) the next big thing. No matter who you connect with, chances are, they’re bound to have a hand in finance, startups, or tech. Google, Yahoo, Facebook – it’s all headquartered here. We’re just down the street from SoMa (also known as South of Market St., or “Startup Central”) and Silicon Valley is just around the corner.

And you can’t forget about us!

We go to the top public university in the world, you guys. Just let that soak in (and man, would ya look at that view).

(Written with help from Buzzfeed)

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