San Francisco
San Francisco is a major city in California located on the West Coast of the United States. Known for its steep hills, fog, and iconic Golden Gate Bridge, it is a cultural and financial center with a unique blend of historic charm and cutting-edge innovation.
Overview
- Population: ~815,000 (metro over 4.5 million)
- Founded: 1776 by Spanish colonists
- Nicknames: The City by the Bay, SF, Fog City
- Geography: Situated on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay
Landmarks and Attractions
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
- Chinatown – the oldest in North America
- Lombard Street – the “crookedest street”
- Painted Ladies and Golden Gate Park
Economy
San Francisco has a high-tech and finance-driven economy:
- Close ties to Silicon Valley
- Strong presence of startups, venture capital, and global tech firms
- Tourism and hospitality play a major role
- Also a center for biotech, design, and green innovation
Culture and Identity
- Progressive, diverse, and LGBTQ+ inclusive
- Historic center of 1960s counterculture, Beat poets, and hippie movements
- World-class food scene: sourdough bread, seafood, global fusion
- Major arts and theater institutions, including SF Symphony and SF Ballet
Transportation
- Iconic cable cars and Muni Metro system
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connects the wider metro
- Walkable and bike-friendly, though very hilly
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Fun Facts
- The Golden Gate Bridge is not actually golden — it's painted "International Orange"
- Home to the first-ever fortune cookie
- The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed over 80% of the city