San Francisco California

Fun-seeking travelers in search of excitement and memorable experiences should head out west to the city by the bay, better known as San Francisco, California. Tourists flock to this city nestled on the coast of northern California for the boundless options in dining, entertainment, attractions and shopping. The city is widely known for its famous landmarks, steep rolling hills, Victorian architecture and, last but not least, those iconic cable cars.

A Brief History of San Francisco, California

San Francisco was founded in 1776 and takes its name from the Spanish missionary St. Francis of Assisi. The city experienced a sharp increase in development and investment during the California Gold Rush. In 1906, San Francisco suffered a catastrophic earthquake and fire that nearly succeeded in wiping the city off the map. More than 400,000 people were left homeless as large stretches of the city’s buildings were either completely destroyed or uninhabitable. It is miraculous that San Francisco was able to bounce back and become one of the major metropolitan cities of the U.S. that it is today. Economically the city is strong and relies heavily on the technology sector, banking and tourism.

San Francisco -- Geography and Climate

San Francisco, California is unique in that it sits on a peninsula and includes several islands -- Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island, Angel Island and Alcatraz Island. The city is known for its steep hills, the best known of these is the one block stretch of Lombard Street, which features some of the most spine-tingling turns you are every likely to see. Because of San Francisco’s unique location, the climate can vary to a large degree from one area of the city to another. Many San Franciscans note how some neighborhoods seem to have their own distinctive microclimates. The temperature stays quite level all year long, but the nights can be very cool. So be sure to bring that extra sweater or light jacket, you may never know when you might need it!

Attractions in San Francisco, California

San Francisco has some of the most famous landmarks in the country. The Golden Gate Bridge is a major draw for tourists. There is a walking path on either side of the bridge featuring amazing views of the bay. Fisherman’s Wharf is also another popular tourist destination and there are many fine San Francisco restaurants and shops that are sure to keep you busy all day. Probably the most iconic image one conjures up of San Francisco is that of the cable car. So why not take a ride on one -- it’s a great and inexpensive way to take in the various architectural styles of the city. It's probably not a bad idea to soak up the nightlife so check out San Francisco nightlife: 5 Hottest Bars.

San Francisco, California is sure to meet all of your expectations and more. Just make sure you do a little planning first. Knowing what you want to see and do will save you a lot of time and guarantee that you’ll get the most out of your dream vacation!

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