Leaving San Francisco can be tough. No matter where you travel, a part of your heart will always remain in Fog City. Some of the more spectacular things (the Golden Gate Bridge!), will always have you thinking about San Francisco, but you may be surprised by how much you will miss Karl the Fog, too. If you have to move away from San Francisco, you’ll likely be overcome with nostalgia for our City by the Bay more than a few times. Here are 12 things you will inevitably think about once you’ve left this great city.
1. The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most recognizable bridge in the world, and San Franciscans and Bay area locals can never tire of this awesome icon. For many, the Golden Gate Bridge is the symbol of San Francisco.
2. Every Neighborhood's Distinct Personality
When you leave the city, you'll realize how much the city offers in such a small area. Every neighborhood has its eclectic style and distinct people, yet all influence each other in some way. For example, within blocks, you can experience Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Financial District!
3. The San Francisco Bay
As simple as it may seem, the beauty and uniqueness of the San Francisco Bay is undeniable. One fun fact, the waterway entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean is called the Golden Gate.
4. The Beaches
Believe it or not, many San Franciscans often frequent the local beaches from Ocean Beach to Baker Beach. Once you leave, you'll miss the beautiful wackiness of the beaches. Pictured above, you can see Baker Beach.
5. Any Reason to Party and Celebrate
San Franciscans know how to party. Just think about all of the outdoor festivals in SF starting with Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Stern Grove, OutsideLands, Bay to Breakers, and much more!
6. Public Parks and Green Space
There is a plethora of options for green space from Golden Gate Park to the Presidio and more. What other city can boast a park as beautiful as the Presidio? With only 49 square miles to work with, San Francisco has managed to squeeze in over 220 parks throughout the city.
7. World-Class Food
You'll hear about the food of San Francisco constantly, and trust us. The range of cuisine in SF is extensive and creative. Take your pick because you'll find almost as much as you can in much bigger cities like New York City.
8. The Temperate Weather
If you move to most states you'll experience oppressive summers or winters where temperatures dip below freezing. But, in San Francisco the weather is usually temperate and mild. Of course, you might get a really warm or cold day, but this is not the norm.
9. Mission Style Burritos
The Mexican food in SF is unique and revolutionary, so you'll surely miss it. The Mission burrito became popular during the 1960s in the Mission District of SF. It is distinguished from other burritos by its large size and inclusion of extra rice and other ingredients.
10. The Fog
The fog in San Francisco has a name --- Karl the Fog. When you leave the city, you may realize the marine layer was part of what you missed. San Francisco would not be the same without it. Perhaps it freaks you out when there is not fog!?
11. Culture, Music, and Art
Live music, art, theater, and literary events are happening daily all over San Francisco. In particular, the San Francisco Symphony is a well regarded and performs in the stately Davies Symphony Hall.
12. The Incredible Selection of Coffee
San Francisco helped foster the American coffee industry, and better yet artisanal coffee is appreciated and supported. San Franciscans take coffee seriously, just visit Ritual Coffee, Blue Bottle, Peets, Philz, or just go to any diner for a good cup of Joe.
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