San Francisco – commonly known as “The City by the Bay”—is one of the most majestic cities in America, a city full of beauty, culture and history. From its roots as a pioneer town built by the Gold Rush, to being at the center of technological and cultural innovation, San Francisco has evolved into an epic journey.
HISTORY OF THE CITY
The history of San Francisco is rich and dramatic. The region was originally inhabited for thousands of years by the Ohlone people. Spanish pioneers began to come into contact with the Coyote Valley area in the late 18th century. It was established as a mission and presidio in 1776, and named for Saint Francis of Assisi. But the city itself didn’t start booming until 1848 and the California Gold Rush, when thousands of people arrived in search of treasure. Overnight San Francisco grew from a drowsy little village into a roaring, northern city.
The city had its share of challenges, including a disastrous earthquake and fire in 1906 that leveled much of its infrastructure. But San Francisco re-built itself and grew stronger, maintaining it’s organic architectural styles and culture. Today, it is a testament to perseverance and creativity.
POPULATION
The people of San Francisco are a rich tapestry of culture, race and experience. The city proper had about 815,000 residents in recent estimates, making it one of the most densely populated cities in America. The population is extremely cosmopolitan with substantial Asian, Hispanic, African American and European communities. It’s part of the rich cultural tapestry that makes up this city, impacting cuisine, festivals and neighborhoods.
LANGUAGE
What’s the first language of San Francisco? Yet, because the city is so diverse, you can hear dozens of other languages spoken walking down the street. The second most spoken language is Spanish, since there is a large Hispanic population. You’ll also find a good deal of Asian languages, including Chinese (especially Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog and Vietnamese. This polyglot ambience contributes to the cosmopolitan and open spirit of the city.
CURRENCY AND ELECTRICAL CURRENT
The currency in San Francisco is the U.S. dollar (USD) as it is throughout the United States. For out-of-towners, it’s worth noting that the cash culture is prevalent — but cards are so widely accepted all over the city.
San Francisco, as in the rest of USA, operates on 120 volts and 60 Hz of AC electricity. Power outlets are Type A and B: travelers will need a Type A or B adapter, and a voltage converter if coming from countries with higher voltage.
CLIMATE
San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate and is known for its mild, wet winters and dry summers. But this city’s unique geography—sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, with many hills that make for different microclimates—can result in very unpredictable weather.
One of the climate’s most famous attributes is the summer fog, which drifts in from the ocean, chilling the city and occasionally obliterating sights including the Golden Gate Bridge. The temperatures generally go from the mid-50’s to the mid-70’s F (about 13-24°C) in all four seasons. Such a temperate environment allows for pleasurable visits to San Francisco any time of year, but plan on dressing in layers because there can be some drastic change in temperatures throughout the day.
TYPICAL FOOD
The local food culture of San Francisco is heavily influenced by its multicultural population and its proximity to fresh ingredients. The city is famous for its sourdough bread, brought here during the Gold Rush days and a staple every visitor should try. The seafood-inspired menu is equally emphasized; clam chowder in a bread bowl abound at Fisherman’s Wharf, for example.
The city is also home to a range of international fare, including traditional Chinese dim sum in Chinatown and Mexican taquerias in the Mission District. San Francisco is a leader in the farm-to-table movement, so you’ll see many restaurants focusing on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
TRANSPORTATION
A good public transportation system makes it easy to move around San Francisco. The city’s historic cable cars, which have been in use since the late 1800s, are a perennial hit with tourists as well as people who call San Francisco home. They are a delightful way to explore the city, which is famously hilly.
Most of the city’s public transit system is operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni), which runs both buses and light rail. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) links San Francisco with other neighboring cities as well as the airport allowing swift travel throughout the region.
For drivers, parking may be difficult and expensive much of the time because of demand in high-density areas of the city. Many residents choose to bike or walk, particularly in neighborhoods such as the Mission or North Beach, which have easy access to amenities.
SAFETY
San Francisco, like most big cities, has neighborhoods with different levels of perceived safety. The city is relatively just as safe for travelers, particularly in well-trodden tourist destinations by day. But be aware that in some areas property crime and homelessness can be a problem.
The city and its police department continue to expand efforts to enhance public safety, such as neighborhood patrols and community programs. Visitors are warned to remain alert to their surroundings and not show off valuables – use busy, well-lit streets after dark.
MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
San Francisco is home to so many attractions that millions go there every year. The Golden Gate Bridge is, without question, the city’s most iconic feature: The towering spectacle of engineering offers stunning views across the bay. Nearby, the sprawling Golden Gate Park contains gardens, museums and recreational areas.
Alcatraz Island, site of the notorious former federal prison, is a five-ten minute ferry boat ride from The Embarcadero. Guests can marvel at the prison cells and hear about the building’s dramatic past.
You also can’t miss Fisherman’s Wharf, famous for its seafood restaurants, street performers and the frolicking sea lions basking on the docks. For a sampling of the local culture, neighborhoods such as Chinatown, the Mission District and Haight-Ashbury offer colorful street art, cool shops and a chance to explore the city’s multicultural roots.
Other popular attractions are the Exploratorium science museum, SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) and Coit Tower which, when climbed to the top, has great views of the silhouette of the city.
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS
Innovation and technology San Francisco is a key hub of innovation, or as some say – the doorstep to Silicon Valley. Hundreds of tech companies and startups have headquarters — or at least offices — in the city, which informs its economy and culture.
It’s a place with progressive ideals, an activist soul — one long associated (positively) with the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and where social justice fights continue to be fought. This spirit is epitomized in enormous, annual happenings such as the Pride Parade, which ranks among the largest worldwide.
Finally you mention some remarkable things about San Francisco Sleepy is the city’s geography. The city’s hills produce striking views and one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, while the bay and ocean offer endless venues for outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking and biking.
San Francisco is a city of opposites—old and new, obvious natural greatness and urban grittiness, the merging of diverse cultures under a singular identity. Whether you’re walking its historic streets, eating your way through its varied cuisine, or just enjoying the sweeping vistas of the bay from every direction, San Francisco is both steeped in history and alive with spectacle.
