San Francisco


San Francisco

  • About San Francisco

    San Francisco, in California, is a quirky US city famous for its steep rolling hills and stunning panoramic views. There are 42 hills in total making up entire neighborhoods in some cases like Pacific Heights or Telegraph Hill and public parks like Twin Peaks and Buena Vista Park.

    San Francisco charms also stem from its sea borders consisting of the Pacific Ocean and the heart stopping San Francisco Bay.

    Other famous landmarks include the citys cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

    This combination of a superb urban setting with the city's legendary music and cultural scene and you can understand why San Francisco remains an important draw for visitors from all over the world.

  • Weather

    San Francisco has a reputation for being cool in terms of its climate as well its music and arts scene. The weather is strongly influenced by cool currents from the Pacific Ocean and the city experiences foggy summers and rainy winters.

    It may come as a shock for some who think all of California is scorching hot. Temperatures in the summer typically do not range above 75F and it can reach freezing point in winter.

  • Getting There

    There are three main airports in the San Francisco Bay Area:

    • San Francisco International Airport, 8 miles South of San Francisco in San Mateo County
    • Oakland International Airport, 20 miles East of San Francisco
    • San Jose International Airport in the Silicon Valley, 44 miles South of San Francisco.

  • Did You Know?

    With 17,000 people per square mile, San Francisco is the second most densely populated American city after New York - which has 26,000 people per square mile.

  • Attractions

    Lombard Street

    One of the most twisting streets in America which can be viewed on the Powell and Hyde cable car line.

    20th Street

    At Vermont Avenue the steepest street in San Francisco with a 31.5% gradient.

    The Painted Ladies

    Historic terrace houses in superb condition at Steiner Street by Alamo Square.

    San Francisco Wharf

    About half a dozen blocks along the waterfront which conjure up a picture post card image of San Francisco.

    Alcatraz Island

    This decommissioned Prison Island in San Francisco Bay is one of the citys most popular sights. A tour guide will take you inside the prison itself.

    Angel Island

    Bay island that housed Asian immigration camp known as the Ellis Island of the West. Now a park.

    Chinatown

    About eight blocks long along two main streets, Grant and Stockton, San Franciscos Chinatown is a great experience.

    Golden Gate Park

    Golden Gate Park is a big urban play area with windmills, bison, museums and a carousel.

    Golden Gate Bridge

    An incredible engineering feat as well as a powerful symbol of the city. Can be seen from many points in San Francisco but the best experience is to drive across it or visit on foot.

    Coit Tower

    Art Deco Telegraph Hill is a former signaling point for sailing ships and is dedicated to the San Francisco Fire Brigade. It looks like a fire nozzle.

    Twin Peaks

    Offers tremendous view of San Francisco and the Bay.

    Treasure Island

    A man-made island between San Francisco and Oakland offers great views of the San Francisco and Oakland city skylines.

    Mission District

    Includes the Mission Dolores Church, one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco. The area offers superb views and is home to some of San Franciscos hippy counter culture.

    Presidio

    Former military post, founded in 1776, which closed in 1994 and is now a park. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

  • Key Facts

    • Full Name - San Francisco
    • Population - 800,000
    • Time Zone - GMT -8
    • Languages - English, Spanish, Native American
    • Currency - US Dollar