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This article is about the city in California. For other uses, see San Francisco (disambiguation).
City and County of San Francisco
—  Consolidated city-county  —
San Francisco from the Marin Headlands, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the foreground

Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): The City by the Bay
Frisco (deprecated)[1][2][3]
The City That Knows How (antiquated)[4]
Baghdad by the Bay[5]
The Paris of the West[6]
Motto: Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra
(Spanish for "Gold in Peace, Iron in War")
Location of San Francisco, California
City and County of San Francisco is located in the USA
City and County of San Francisco
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 37°46′45.48″N 122°25′9.12″W / 37.7793°N 122.4192°W / 37.7793; -122.4192Coordinates: 37°46′45.48″N 122°25′9.12″W / 37.7793°N 122.4192°W / 37.7793; -122.4192
Country United States
State California
Founded June 29, 1776
Incorporated April 16, 1850[7]
Founder Lieutenant José Joaquin Moraga and Father Francisco Palóu
Named for Saint Francis of Assisi
Government
 - Type Mayor-Council
 - Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)
 - Board of Supervisors
 - State Assembly Fiona Ma (D)
Tom Ammiano (D)
 - State Senate Mark Leno (D)
Leland Yee (D)
 - U.S. House Nancy Pelosi (D)
Jackie Speier (D)
Area
 - Consolidated city-county 231.92 sq mi (600.7 km2)
 - Land 46.7 sq mi (121 km2)
 - Water 185.2 sq mi (479.7 km2)  79.8%
 - Metro 3,524.4 sq mi (9,128.2 km2)
Elevation 52 ft (16 m)
Highest elevation 925 ft (282 m)
Lowest elevation 0 ft (0 m)
Population (2008)[8][9][10]
 - Consolidated city-county 808,976
 - Density 17,323/sq mi (6,688.4/km2)
 - Urban 3,228,605
 - Metro 4,203,898
 - Demonym San Franciscan
Time zone Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8)
 - Summer (DST) Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7)
ZIP Code 94101–94112, 94114–94147, 94150–94170, 94172, 94175, 94177
Area code(s) 415
Website www.sfgov.org
.The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the 12th most populous city in the United States, with a 2008 estimated population of 808,976.[9] The only consolidated city-county in California,[11] it encompasses a land area of 46.7 square miles (121 km2)[12] on the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula, making it the second-most densely populated large city (greater than 200,000 population) in the United States.^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [13] .San Francisco is also the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the larger San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.4 million people.^ More > > Where Do People Like Me Go In San Francisco?
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [14]
In 1776, the Spanish established a fort at the Golden Gate and a mission named for Francis of Assisi on the site.[15] The California Gold Rush in 1848 propelled the city into a period of rapid growth, increasing the population in one year from 1,000 to 25,000,[16] and thus transforming it into the largest city on the West Coast at the time. After three-quarters of the city was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire,[17] San Francisco was quickly rebuilt, hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition nine years later. During World War II, San Francisco was the port of embarkation for service members shipping out to the Pacific Theater.[18] After the war, the confluence of returning servicemen, massive immigration, liberalizing attitudes, and other factors led to the Summer of Love and the gay rights movement, cementing San Francisco as a center of liberal activism in the United States.
Today, San Francisco is a popular international tourist destination,[19] renowned for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture and its famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the cable cars, and Chinatown. The city is also a principal banking and finance center, and the home of over 30 international financial institutions,[20] helping to make San Francisco fifteenth in the world's list of cities by GDP and eighth in the United States.[21]

Contents

History

Main article: History of San Francisco
The earliest archaeological evidence of inhabitation of the territory of the city of San Francisco dates to 3000 BC.[22] People of the Ohlone language group occupied Northern California from at least the 6th century.[23] Though their territory had been claimed by Spain since the early 16th century, they would have relatively little contact with Europeans until 1769, when, as part of an effort to colonize Alta California, an exploration party led by Don Gaspar de Portola learned of the existence of San Francisco Bay.[24]
Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores)
Seven years later, in 1776, an expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza selected the site for the Presidio of San Francisco, which Jose Joaquin Moraga would soon establish. Later the same year, the Franciscan missionary Francisco Palóu founded the Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores).[15] The Yelamu tribal group of the Ohlone, who had had several villages in the area, were among the enslaved at the mission and would convert to the Catholic faith.
Upon independence from Spain in 1821, the area became part of Mexico. Under Mexican rule, the mission system gradually ended and its lands began to be privatized. In 1835, Englishman William Richardson erected the first independent homestead,[25] near a boat anchorage around what is today Portsmouth Square. Together with Alcalde Francisco de Haro, he laid out a street plan for the expanded settlement, and the town, named Yerba Buena, began to attract American settlers. Commodore John D. Sloat claimed California for the United States on July 7, 1846, during the Mexican-American War, and Captain John B. Montgomery arrived to claim Yerba Buena two days later. Yerba Buena was renamed San Francisco the next year,[26] and Mexico officially ceded the territory to the United States at the end of the war. Despite its attractive location as a port and naval base, San Francisco was still a small settlement with inhospitable geography.[27]
Portsmouth Square in 1851
The California Gold Rush brought a flood of treasure seekers. .With their sourdough bread in tow,[28] prospectors accumulated in San Francisco over rival Benicia,[29] raising the population from 1,000 in 1848 to 25,000 by December 1849.[16] The promise of fabulous riches was so strong that crews on arriving vessels deserted and rushed off to the gold fields, leaving behind a forest of masts in San Francisco harbor.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
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 [30] .California was quickly granted statehood, and the U.S. military built Fort Point at the Golden Gate and a fort on Alcatraz Island to secure the San Francisco Bay.^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 Silver discoveries, including the Comstock Lode in 1859, further drove rapid population growth.[31] With hordes of fortune seekers streaming through the city, lawlessness was common, and the Barbary Coast section of town gained notoriety as a haven for criminals, prostitution, and gambling.[32]
Many San Francisco entrepreneurs sought to capitalize on the wealth generated by the Gold Rush. .Among the winners were the banking industry which saw the founding of Wells Fargo in 1852 and the Bank of California in 1864. The development of the Port of San Francisco established the city as a center of trade.^ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco .
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 ^ Wells Fargo Center for the Arts .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 Catering to the needs and tastes of the growing population, Levi Strauss opened a dry goods business and Domingo Ghirardelli began manufacturing chocolate. Immigrant laborers made the city a polyglot culture, with Chinese railroad workers creating the city's Chinatown quarter. The first cable cars carried San Franciscans up Clay Street in 1873. The city's sea of Victorian houses began to take shape, and civic leaders campaigned for a spacious public park, resulting in plans for Golden Gate Park. San Franciscans built schools, churches, theaters, and all the hallmarks of civic life. The Presidio developed into the most important American military installation on the Pacific coast.[33] By the turn of the century, San Francisco was a major city known for its flamboyant style, stately hotels, ostentatious mansions on Nob Hill, and a thriving arts scene.[34]
"Not in history has a modern imperial city been so completely destroyed. San Francisco is gone." – Jack London after the 1906 earthquake and fire[35]
.At 5:12 am on April 18, 1906, a major earthquake struck San Francisco and northern California.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 As buildings collapsed from the shaking, ruptured gas lines ignited fires that would spread across the city and burn out of control for several days. With water mains out of service, the Presidio Artillery Corps attempted to contain the inferno by dynamiting blocks of buildings to create firebreaks.[36] More than three-quarters of the city lay in ruins, including almost all of the downtown core.[17] Contemporary accounts reported that 498 people lost their lives, though modern estimates put the number in the several thousands.[37] More than half the city's population of 400,000 were left homeless.[38] Refugees settled temporarily in makeshift tent villages in Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, on the beaches, and elsewhere. Many fled permanently to the East Bay.
The Palace of Fine Arts at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition
Rebuilding was rapid and performed on a grand scale. Rejecting calls to completely remake the street grid, San Franciscans opted for speed.[39] Amadeo Giannini's Bank of Italy, later to become Bank of America, provided loans for many of those whose livelihoods had been devastated. The destroyed mansions of Nob Hill became grand hotels. City Hall rose again in splendorous Beaux Arts style, and the city celebrated its rebirth at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915.[40]
In ensuing years, the city solidified its standing as a financial capital; in the wake of the 1929 stock market crash, not a single San Francisco-based bank failed.[41] .Indeed, it was at the height of the Great Depression that San Francisco undertook two great civil engineering projects, simultaneously constructing the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, completing them in 1936 and 1937 respectively.^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 It was in this period that the island of Alcatraz, a former military stockade, began its service as a federal maximum security prison, housing notorious inmates such as Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Franklin Stroud, The Birdman of Alcatraz. San Francisco later celebrated its regained grandeur with a World's Fair, the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939–40, creating Treasure Island in the middle of the bay to house it.
During World War II, the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard became a hub of activity, and Fort Mason became the primary port of embarkation for service members shipping out to the Pacific Theater of Operations.[18] The explosion of jobs drew many people, especially African Americans from the South, to the area. After the end of the war, many military personnel returning from service abroad and civilians who had originally come to work decided to stay. The UN Charter creating the United Nations was drafted and signed in San Francisco in 1945 and, in 1951, the Treaty of San Francisco officially ended the war with Japan.
The USS San Francisco steams under the Golden Gate Bridge in 1942, during World War II.
Urban planning projects in the 1950s and 1960s saw widespread destruction and redevelopment of west side neighborhoods and the construction of new freeways, of which only a series of short segments were built before being halted by citizen-led opposition.[42] The Transamerica Pyramid was completed in 1972,[43] and in the 1980s the Manhattanization of San Francisco saw extensive high-rise development downtown.[44] .Port activity moved to Oakland, the city began to lose industrial jobs, and San Francisco began to turn to tourism as the most important segment of its economy.^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
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 The suburbs experienced rapid growth, and San Francisco underwent significant demographic change, as large segments of the white population left the city, supplanted by an increasing wave of immigration from Asia and Latin America.[45][46] Over this period, San Francisco became a magnet for America's counterculture. Beat Generation writers fueled the San Francisco Renaissance and centered on the North Beach neighborhood in the 1950s.[47] Hippies flocked to Haight-Ashbury in the 1960s, reaching a peak with the 1967 Summer of Love.[48] In the 1970s, the city became a center of the gay rights movement, with the emergence of The Castro as an urban gay village, the election of Harvey Milk to the Board of Supervisors, and his assassination, along with that of Mayor George Moscone, in 1978.[49]
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused destruction and loss of life throughout the Bay Area. .In San Francisco, the quake severely damaged structures in the Marina and South of Market districts and precipitated the demolition of the damaged Embarcadero Freeway and much of the damaged Central Freeway, allowing the city to reclaim its historic downtown waterfront.^ South San Francisco .
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During the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, startup companies invigorated the economy. Large numbers of entrepreneurs and computer application developers moved into the city, followed by marketing and sales professionals, changing the social landscape as once-poorer neighborhoods became gentrified. When the bubble burst in 2001, many of these companies folded, and their employees left, although high technology and entrepreneurship continue to be mainstays of the San Francisco economy.[50]

Geography

The San Francisco Peninsula
San Francisco is located on the West Coast of the United States at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula and includes significant stretches of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay within its boundaries. Several islands—Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and the adjacent Yerba Buena Island, and a small portion of Alameda Island, Red Rock Island, and Angel Island are part of the city. Also included are the uninhabited Farallon Islands, 27 miles (43 km) offshore in the Pacific Ocean. The mainland within the city limits roughly forms a "seven-by-seven-mile square," a common local colloquialism referring to the city's shape, though its total area, including water, is nearly 232 square miles (600 km2).
Cars navigate Lombard Street to descend Russian Hill.
San Francisco is famous for its hills. There are more than 50 hills within city limits.[51] Some neighborhoods are named after the hill on which they are situated, including Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, and Russian Hill. Near the geographic center of the city, southwest of the downtown area, are a series of less densely populated hills. Twin Peaks, a pair of hills resting at one of the city's highest points, forms a popular overlook spot. .San Francisco's tallest hill, Mount Davidson, is 925 feet (282 m) high and is capped with a 103 foot (31 m) tall cross built in 1934.[52] Dominating this area is Sutro Tower, a large red and white radio and television transmission tower.^ More > > Amnesia 853 Valencia (at 20th St. San Francisco Dark red, hypnotic light helps this tiny bar live up to its name, and its tall stage features...
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The nearby San Andreas and Hayward Faults are responsible for much earthquake activity, although neither physically passes through the city itself. It was the San Andreas Fault which slipped and caused the earthquakes in 1906 and 1989. Minor earthquakes occur on a regular basis. The threat of major earthquakes plays a large role in the city's infrastructure development. The city has repeatedly upgraded its building codes, requiring retrofits for older buildings and higher engineering standards for new construction.[53] However, there are still thousands of smaller buildings that remain vulnerable to quake damage.[54]
San Francisco's shoreline has grown beyond its natural limits. Entire neighborhoods such as the Marina and Hunters Point, as well as large sections of the Embarcadero, sit on areas of landfill. Treasure Island was constructed from material dredged from the bay as well as material resulting from tunneling through Yerba Buena Island during the construction of the Bay Bridge. Such land tends to be unstable during earthquakes; the resultant liquefaction causes extensive damage to property built upon it, as was evidenced in the Marina district during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.[55]

Climate

Fog is a regular feature in San Francisco during the spring and summer.
A quotation incorrectly attributed to Mark Twain is "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."[56][57] San Francisco's climate is characteristic of the cool-summer Mediterranean climate[58] of California’s coast with mild, wet winters and dry summers.[59] Since it is surrounded on three sides by water, San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean which tends to moderate temperature swings and produce a remarkably mild climate with little seasonal temperature variation. Temperatures exceed 75 °F (24 °C) on average only 28 days a year.[60] The dry period of May to October is mild to warm, with average high temperatures of 64–70 °F (18–21 °C) and lows of 51–56 °F (11–13 °C). The rainy period of November to April is cool with high temperatures of 56–64 °F (13–18 °C) and lows of 46–51 °F (8–11 °C). On average, there are 67 rainy days a year, and annual precipitation averages 20.4 inches (518.16 mm).[60] Snow is extraordinarily rare, with only 10 instances recorded since 1852.[61]
The highest recorded temperature at the official National Weather Service office was 103 °F (39 °C) on July 17, 1988, and June 14, 2000. The lowest recorded temperature was 27 °F (−3 °C) on December 11, 1932.[62]
The combination of cold ocean water and the high heat of the California mainland create the city's characteristic fog that can cover the western half of the city all day during the spring and early summer. The fog is less pronounced in eastern neighborhoods, in the late summer, and during the fall, which are the warmest months of the year. Due to its sharp topography and maritime influences, San Francisco exhibits a multitude of distinct microclimates. The high hills in the geographic center of the city are responsible for a 20% variance in annual rainfall between different parts of the city. They also protect neighborhoods directly to their east from the foggy and cool conditions experienced in the Sunset District; for those who live on the eastern side of the city, San Francisco is sunnier, with an average of 260 clear days, and only 105 cloudy days per year.
Climate data for San Francisco (downtown, 1971-2000)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 58.1
(14.5)		 61.4
(16.3)		 62.5
(16.9)		 64.5
(18.1)		 65.4
(18.6)		 67.7
(19.8)		 68.2
(20.1)		 69.2
(20.7)		 71.3
(21.8)		 70.4
(21.3)		 64.1
(17.8)		 58.6
(14.8)		 65.1
(18.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 52.3
(11.3)		 55.0
(12.8)		 55.9
(13.3)		 57.3
(14.1)		 58.4
(14.7)		 60.5
(15.8)		 61.3
(16.3)		 62.4
(16.9)		 63.7
(17.6)		 62.5
(16.9)		 57.5
(14.2)		 52.7
(11.5)		 58.3
(14.6)
Average low °F (°C) 46.4
(8)		 48.5
(9.2)		 49.2
(9.6)		 50.1
(10.1)		 51.4
(10.8)		 53.2
(11.8)		 54.4
(12.4)		 55.6
(13.1)		 56.1
(13.4)		 54.6
(12.6)		 50.8
(10.4)		 46.7
(8.2)		 51.4
(10.8)
Precipitation inches (mm) 4.72
(119.9)		 4.15
(105.4)		 3.40
(86.4)		 1.25
(31.8)		 0.54
(13.7)		 0.13
(3.3)		 0.04
(1)		 0.09
(2.3)		 0.28
(7.1)		 1.19
(30.2)		 3.31
(84.1)		 3.18
(80.8)		 22.28
(565.9)
Avg. precipitation days 11.4 10.8 11.2 6.2 3.3 1.4 0.4 0.9 2.1 4.1 8.7 9.6 70.1
Source: NCDC [63] March 2010

Cityscape

San Francisco panorama from Twin Peaks

Neighborhoods

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America.
Main article: Neighborhoods in San Francisco
See also: List of tallest buildings in San Francisco
.The historic center of San Francisco is the northeast quadrant of the city bordered by Market Street to the south.^ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco .
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 ^ South San Francisco .
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 .It is here that the Financial District is centered, with Union Square, the principal shopping and hotel district, nearby.^ Union Square/ Financial District .
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 .Cable cars carry riders up steep inclines to the summit of Nob Hill, once the home of the city's business tycoons, and down to Fisherman's Wharf, a tourist area featuring Dungeness crab from a still-active fishing industry.^ Unleashed (53) A brutal dog attack in Nob Hill has revived the city's battle over canine control.
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 ^ Unleashed A brutal dog attack in Nob Hill has revived the city's battle over canine control.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 Also in this quadrant are Russian Hill, a residential neighborhood with the famously crooked Lombard Street, North Beach, the city's Little Italy, and Telegraph Hill, which features Coit Tower. Nearby is San Francisco's Chinatown, established in the 1860s. The Tenderloin is frequently described as the worst neighborhood in the city by tourist guides.[64]
The Mission District was populated in the 19th century by Californios and working-class immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy and Scandinavia. In the 1910s, a wave of Central American immigrants settled in the Mission and, in the 1950s, immigrants from Mexico began to predominate.[65] Recent years have seen rapid gentrification primarily along the Valencia Street corridor which is strongly associated with modern hipster sub-culture. Haight-Ashbury, famously associated with 1960s hippie culture, later became home to expensive boutiques[66] and a few controversial chain stores,[67] although it still retains some bohemian character. Historically known as Eureka Valley, the area now popularly called the Castro is the center of gay life in the city.[68]
The Mission District is known for its colorful murals. This 2002 design by Precita Eyes' Martin Travers was applied to a security gate.
The city's Japantown district suffered when its Japanese American residents were forcibly removed and interned during World War II. The nearby Western Addition became established with a large African American population at the same time. The "Painted Ladies," a row of well-restored Victorian homes, stand alongside Alamo Square, and the mansions built by the San Francisco business elite in the wake of the 1906 earthquake can be found in Pacific Heights. The Marina to the north is a lively area with many young urban professionals.[69]
.The Richmond, the vast region north of Golden Gate Park that extends to the Pacific Ocean, has a portion called "New Chinatown" but is also home to immigrants from other parts of Asia and Russia.^ Golden Gate Park .
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 .South of Golden Gate Park lies the Sunset with a predominantly Asian population.^ Golden Gate Park .
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 [70] The Richmond and the Sunset are largely middle class and, together, are known as The Avenues. These two districts are each sometimes further divided into two regions, the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset can refer to the more Western portions of their respective district and the Inner Richmond and Inner Sunset can refer to the more Eastern portions. Bayview-Hunters Point in the southeast section of the city is one of the poorest neighborhoods and suffers from a high rate of crime, though the area has been the focus of controversial plans for urban renewal.
The South of Market, once filled with decaying remnants of San Francisco's industrial past, has seen significant redevelopment. The locus of the dot-com boom during the late 1990s, by 2004 South of Market began to see skyscrapers and condominiums dot the area (see Manhattanization). .Following the success of nearby South Beach, another neighborhood, Mission Bay, underwent redevelopment, anchored by a second campus of the University of California, San Francisco.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 Just southwest of Mission Bay is the Potrero Hill neighborhood featuring sweeping views of downtown San Francisco.

Beaches and parks

See also: List of parks in San Francisco
The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park
San Francisco is unique in that a few of its parks and nearly all of its beaches within city limits form part of the regional Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is one of the most visited units of the National Park system in the United States, with over 13 million visitors a year. It is also one of the largest urban parks in the world. The beaches and parks that form the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco include Ocean Beach runs along the Pacific Ocean shoreline and is frequented by a vibrant surfing community; Baker Beach which is located in a cove west of the Golden Gate and part of the former military base, the Presidio. Within the Presidio is Crissy Field, a former airfield that was restored to its natural salt marsh ecosystem. The GGNRA also administers Fort Funston, Lands End, Fort Mason, and Alcatraz. The National Park Service also separately administers the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park—a fleet of historic ships and waterfront property around Aquatic Park.
There are more than 200 parks maintained by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.[71] The largest and best-known city park is Golden Gate Park,[72] which stretches from the center of the city west to the Pacific Ocean. Once covered in native grasses and sand dunes, the park was conceived in the 1860s and was created by the extensive planting of thousands of non-native trees and plants. .The large park is rich with cultural and natural attractions such as the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden.^ San Francisco Conservatory of Music .
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 Lake Merced is a fresh-water lake surrounded by parkland and near the San Francisco Zoo, a city-owned park which houses more than 250 animal species, many of which are designated as endangered.[73] The only park managed by the California State Park system located principally in San Francisco, Candlestick Point was the state's first urban recreation area.[74]

Culture and contemporary life

Main article: Culture of San Francisco
See also: San Francisco in popular culture
San Francisco is characterized by a high standard of living.[75] The great wealth and opportunity generated by the Internet revolution continues to draw many highly educated and high-income workers and residents to San Francisco. Lower-income neighborhoods consequently have become increasingly gentrified, and many of the city's traditional business and industrial districts have experienced a renaissance driven by the redevelopment of the Embarcadero, including the neighborhoods South Beach and Mission Bay. The city's property values and household income have escalated to among the highest in the nation,[76][77][78] allowing the city to support a large restaurant and entertainment infrastructure. Because the cost of living in San Francisco is exceptionally high, many middle class families have decided they can no longer afford to live within the city and have left.[79]
Boutiques along Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights
Although the centralized commerce and shopping districts of the Financial District and the area around Union Square are well-known around the world, San Francisco is also characterized by its culturally rich streetscapes featuring mixed-use neighborhoods anchored around central commercial corridors to which residents and visitors alike can walk. Because of these characteristics, San Francisco was rated "most walkable" city by the website Walkscore.com.[80][81] Many neighborhoods feature a mix of businesses, restaurants and venues catering to the daily needs of the community while also drawing in visitors. Some neighborhoods are dotted with boutiques, cafes and nightlife such as Union Street in Cow Hollow, and 24th Street in Noe Valley. Others are less so, such as Irving Street in the Sunset, or Mission Street in the Mission. This approach especially has influenced the continuing South of Market neighborhood redevelopment with businesses and neighborhood services rising alongside high-rise residences.[82]
The rainbow flag, symbol of LGBT pride, originated in San Francisco; banners like this one decorate streets in The Castro.
The international character San Francisco has fostered since its founding is continued today by large numbers of immigrants from Asia and Latin America. With 39% of its residents born overseas,[83] San Francisco has numerous neighborhoods filled with businesses and civic institutions catering to new arrivals. In particular, the arrival of many ethnic Chinese, which accelerated beginning in the 1970s, has complemented the long-established community historically based in Chinatown throughout the city and has transformed the annual Chinese New Year Parade into the largest event of its kind outside China.[84]
Following the arrival of writers and artists of the 1950s—who established the modern coffeehouse culture—and the social upheavals of the 1960s, San Francisco became an epicenter of liberal activism, with Democrats and Greens dominating city politics. Indeed, San Franciscans have not provided a Republican presidential candidate more than 20% of the vote since the 1988 election.[85] The city's large gay population has created and sustained a politically and culturally active community over many decades, developing a powerful presence in San Francisco's civic life. A popular destination for gay tourists, the city hosts San Francisco Pride, an annual parade and festival.

Entertainment and performing arts

The lobby of the War Memorial Opera House, one of the last buildings erected in Beaux Arts style in the United States
.San Francisco's War Memorial and Performing Arts Center hosts some of the most enduring performing-arts companies in the U.S. The War Memorial Opera House houses the San Francisco Opera, the second-largest opera company in North America[86] as well as the San Francisco Ballet, while the San Francisco Symphony plays in Davies Symphony Hall.^ More > > Yank Sing Rincon Center, 101 Spear (at Mission), San Francisco One of San Francisco's best dim sum houses offers dozens of little dishes, which include (in...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 The Herbst Theatre stages an eclectic mix of music performances, as well as public radio's City Arts & Lectures.
The Fillmore is a music venue located in the Western Addition. .It is the second incarnation of the historic venue that gained fame in the 1960s under concert promoter Bill Graham, housing the stage where now-famous musicians such as the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane first performed, fostering the San Francisco Sound.^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 Beach Blanket Babylon is a zany musical revue and a civic institution that has performed to sold-out crowds in North Beach since 1974.
The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) has been a force in Bay Area performing arts since its arrival in San Francisco in 1967, regularly staging productions. San Francisco frequently hosts national touring productions of Broadway theatre shows in a number of vintage 1920s-era venues in the Theater District including the Curran, Orpheum, and Golden Gate Theatres.
The red brick and central circular structure of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as seen from Yerba Buena Gardens. The Art Deco-style PacBell Building (1925) rises behind the museum.

Museums

Main article: List of museums in San Francisco
The Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) houses 20th century and contemporary works of art. It moved to its current building in the South of Market neighborhood in 1995 and now attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually.[87] The Palace of the Legion of Honor holds primarily European antiquities and works of art at its Lincoln Park building modeled after its Parisian namesake. It is administered by Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which also operates the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. The de Young's collection features American decorative pieces and anthropological holdings from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Prior to construction of its current copper-clad structure, completed in 2005, the de Young also housed the Asian Art Museum which, with artifacts from over 6,000 years of history across Asia, moved into the former public library next to Civic Center in 2003.
Opposite the Music Concourse from the de Young stands the California Academy of Sciences, a natural history museum which also hosts the Morrison Planetarium and Steinhart Aquarium. Its current structure, featuring a living roof, is an example of sustainable architecture and opened in 2008. The Palace of Fine Arts, built originally for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, has since 1969 housed the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum.

Media

Main article: Media in San Francisco
.The major daily newspaper in San Francisco is the San Francisco Chronicle, which is currently Northern California's most widely circulated newspaper.^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [88] The Chronicle is most famous for a former columnist, the late Herb Caen, whose daily musings attracted critical acclaim and represented the "voice of San Francisco." The San Francisco Examiner, once the cornerstone of William Randolph Hearst's media empire and the home of Ambrose Bierce, declined in circulation over the years and now takes the form of a free daily tabloid.[89][90] Sing Tao Daily claims to be the largest of several Chinese language dailies that serve the Bay Area.[91] .Alternative weekly newspapers include the San Francisco Bay Guardian and SF Weekly.^ More > > , More > > Palace of Fine Arts 3301 Lyon (at Bay), San Francisco This iconic landmark, the last remaining part of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, includes...
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 ^ The Worst-Run Big City in the U.S. The Truth About Bruce The Bay Guardian's Predatory Lawsuit SF Weekly Appeals the Bay Guardian's Big Payday to a Higher Court Fallout More > > Music > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 San Francisco Magazine and 7x7 are major glossy magazines about San Francisco. The national newsmagazine Mother Jones is also based in San Francisco.
.The San Francisco Bay Area is the sixth-largest TV market[92] and the fourth-largest radio market[93] in the U.S. The city's oldest radio station, KCBS (AM), began as an experimental station in San Jose in 1909. KALW was the city's first FM radio station when it signed on the air in 1941. All major U.S. television networks have affiliates serving the region, with most of them based in the city.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 There also are several unaffiliated stations, and BBC, CNN and ESPN have regional news bureaus in San Francisco. The city's first television station was KPIX, which began broadcasting in 1948.
Public broadcasting outlets include both a television station and a radio station, both broadcasting under the call letters KQED from a facility near the Potrero Hill neighborhood. KQED-FM is the most-listened-to National Public Radio affiliate in the country.[94] San Francisco–based CNET and Salon.com pioneered the use of the Internet as a media outlet.

Sports

Main article: Sports in San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) are the longest-tenured major professional sports franchise in the city. The team began play in 1946 as an All-America Football Conference (AAFC) league charter member, moved to the NFL in 1950 and into Candlestick Park in 1971. The 49ers won five Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and 1990s behind coach Bill Walsh and stars Joe Montana, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice.
A Muni light rail vehicle passes AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.
.Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants left New York for California prior to the 1958 season.^ San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 .Though boasting stars such as Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Barry Bonds, and making three appearances in the World Series, the club has yet to win a world championship while based in San Francisco.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
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 ^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 The Oakland Athletics swept the Giants in the 1989 World Series, after Game 3 in San Francisco was infamously pre-empted by the Loma Prieta earthquake. The Giants play at AT&T Park which was opened in 2000, a cornerstone project of the South Beach and Mission Bay redevelopment.[95]
Kezar Stadium near the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, former home of the 49ers, hosts the semiprofessional San Francisco Bay Seals of the United Soccer League's developmental league.
At the collegiate level, the Dons of the University of San Francisco compete in NCAA Division I, where Bill Russell guided the program to basketball championships in 1955 and 1956. The San Francisco State Gators and the Academy of Art University Urban Knights compete in Division II. AT&T Park hosts college football's annual Emerald Bowl.
The Bay to Breakers footrace, held annually since 1912, is best known for colorful costumes and a celebratory community spirit.[96] .The San Francisco Marathon is an annual event that attracts more than 7,000 participants.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Naan 'n' Curry 336 O'Farrell (at Mason), San Francisco In addition to standards like chicken tikka masala (butter chicken), look for more unusual...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [97] The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon has, since 1980, attracted 2,000 top professional and amateur triathletes for its annual race.[98] The Olympic Club, founded in 1860, is the oldest athletic club in the United States. Its private golf course, situated on the border with Daly City, has hosted the U.S. Open on four occasions. The public Harding Park Golf Course is an occasional stop on the PGA Tour.
.With an ideal climate for outdoor activities, San Francisco has ample resources and opportunities for amateur and participatory sports and recreation.^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 There are more than 200 miles (320 km) of bicycle paths, lanes and bike routes in the city,[99] and the Embarcadero and Marina Green are favored sites for skateboarding. Extensive public tennis facilities are available in Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park, as well as at smaller neighborhood courts throughout the city. Boating, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are among the popular activities on San Francisco Bay, and the city maintains a yacht harbor in the Marina District. San Francisco residents have often ranked among the fittest in the U.S.[100]

Economy

Alcatraz receives 1.5 million visitors per year.[101]
See also: List of companies headquartered in San Francisco
Tourism is the backbone of the San Francisco economy. Its frequent portrayal in music, film, and popular culture has made the city and its landmarks recognizable worldwide. It is the city where Tony Bennett "left his heart," where the Birdman of Alcatraz spent many of his final years, and where Rice-a-Roni[102] was said to be the favorite treat. .San Francisco attracts the third-highest number of foreign tourists of any city in the U.S.[19] and claims Pier 39 near Fisherman's Wharf as the third-most popular tourist attraction in the nation.^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [103] More than 16 million visitors arrived in San Francisco in 2007, injecting nearly $8.2 billion into the economy—both all-time high figures for the city.[104] With a large hotel infrastructure and a world-class convention facility in the Moscone Center, San Francisco is also among the top-ten North American destinations for conventions and conferences.[105]
The legacy of the California Gold Rush turned San Francisco into the principal banking and finance center of the West Coast in the early twentieth century. .Montgomery Street in the Financial District became known as the "Wall Street of the West," home to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Wells Fargo corporate headquarters, and the site of the now-defunct Pacific Coast Stock Exchange.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 .Bank of America, a pioneer in making banking services accessible to the middle class, was founded in San Francisco and in the 1960s, built the landmark modern skyscraper at 555 California Street for its corporate headquarters.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 Many large financial institutions, multinational banks and venture capital firms are based in or have regional headquarters in the city. .With over 30 international financial institutions,[20] seven Fortune 500 companies,[106] and a large support infrastructure of professional services—including law, public relations, architecture and design—also with significant presence in the city, San Francisco is designated as one of the ten Beta World Cities.^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [107] The city ranks eighteenth in the world's list of cities by GDP and ninth in the United States.[21]
.San Francisco's economy has increasingly become tied to that of its Bay Area neighbor San Jose and Silicon Valley to its south, sharing the need for highly educated workers with specialized skills.^ South San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [108] San Francisco has been positioning itself as a biotechnology and biomedical hub and research center. The Mission Bay neighborhood, site of a second campus of UCSF, fosters a budding industry and serves as headquarters of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the public agency funding stem cell research programs statewide. As of 2009, there were 1,800 full-time biochemists and biophysicists employed in San Francisco, with an annual mean wage of $92,620. [109].
Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and self-employed firms make up 85% of city establishments.[110] The number of San Franciscans employed by firms of more than 1,000 employees has fallen by half since 1977.[83] City government has made it intentionally difficult for national big box and formula retail chains to expand in the city; the Board of Supervisors has used the planning code to limit the neighborhoods in which formula retail establishments can operate,[111] an effort affirmed by San Francisco voters.[112]

Government

Main articles: Government of San Francisco and Politics of San Francisco
San Francisco—officially known as the City and County of San Francisco—is a consolidated city-county, a status it has held since 1856.[113] It is the only such consolidation in California.[11] The mayor is also the county executive, and the county Board of Supervisors acts as the city council. Under the city charter, the government of San Francisco is constituted of two co-equal branches. The executive branch is headed by the mayor and includes other citywide elected and appointed officials as well as the civil service. The 11-member Board of Supervisors, the legislative branch, is headed by a president and is responsible for passing laws and budgets, though San Franciscans also make use of direct ballot initiatives to pass legislation.
San Francisco City Hall
The members of the Board of Supervisors are elected as representatives of specific districts within the city.[114] Upon the death or resignation of mayor, the President of the Board of Supervisors assumes that office, as did Dianne Feinstein after the assassination of George Moscone in 1978.
Because of its unique city-county status, local government exercises jurisdiction over property that would otherwise be located outside of its corporation limit. San Francisco International Airport, though located in San Mateo County, is owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco. San Francisco also has a county jail complex located in San Mateo County, in an unincoporated area adjacent to San Bruno. San Francisco was also granted a perpetual leasehold over the Hetch Hetchy Valley and watershed in Yosemite National Park by the Raker Act in 1913.[11]
In 2006, the Board of Supervisors passed the Healthy San Francisco program, which subsidizes medical care for certain uninsured residents.[115] The municipal budget for fiscal year 2007–2008 was just over $6 billion.[116]
San Francisco serves as the regional hub for many arms of the federal bureaucracy, including the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the U.S. Mint. Until decommissioning in the early 1990s, the city had major military installations at the Presidio, Treasure Island, and Hunters Point—a legacy still reflected in the annual celebration of Fleet Week. .The State of California uses San Francisco as the home of the state supreme court and other state agencies.^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 .Foreign governments maintain more than seventy consulates in San Francisco.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Naan 'n' Curry 336 O'Farrell (at Mason), San Francisco In addition to standards like chicken tikka masala (butter chicken), look for more unusual...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [117]

Demographics

Population by year[118][119]
.The estimated population of San Francisco in the year 2008 was 808,976.[9] As of January 1, 2009 the California Department of Finance estimated the population at 845,559.[120] With over 17,000 people per square mile, San Francisco is the second-most densely populated major American city (among cities greater than 200,000 population).^ Bibliographies NNDB has added thousands of bibliographies for people, organizations, schools, and general topics, listing more than 50,000 books and 120,000 other kinds of references.
  • Los Angeles, CA 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.nndb.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

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  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 [13] San Francisco is the traditional focal point of the San Francisco Bay Area and forms part of the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont Metropolitan Statistical Area and the greater San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland Combined Statistical Area (CSA) whose population is over seven million, making it the fifth largest in the United States as of the 2000 Census.[121]
Like many larger U.S. cities, San Francisco is a minority-majority city, as non-Hispanic whites comprise less than half of the population. The 2006–2008 American Community Survey estimated that 45.1% of the population was made up of non-Hispanic whites.[122] Asians of any nationality make up 31.3% of the population with those of Chinese birth or descent constituting the largest single ethnic group in San Francisco at about one-fifth of the population. Hispanics of any race make up 14.0% of the population. San Francisco's African American population has declined in recent decades, from 13.4% in 1970 to 7.3%.[122] The current percentage of African Americans in San Francisco is similar to that of the state of California;[122] conversely, the city's percentage of Hispanic residents is less than half of that of the state. Native San Franciscans form a relatively small percentage of the city's population: only 37.7% of its residents were born in California, while 25.2% were born in a different U.S. state. More than a third of city residents (35.6%) were born outside the United States.[122]
According to the 2005 American Community Survey, San Francisco has the highest percentage of gay and lesbian individuals of any of the 50 largest U.S. cities, at 15.4%.[123] San Francisco also has the highest percentage of same-sex households of any American county, with the Bay Area having a higher concentration than any other metropolitan area.[124]
.San Francisco ranks third of American cities in median household income[125] with a 2007 value of $65,519.[122] Median family income is $81,136,[122] and San Francisco ranks 8th of major cities worldwide in the number of billionaires known to be living within city limits.^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [126] Following a national trend, an emigration of middle class families is contributing to widening income disparity[79] and has left the city with a lower proportion of children, 14.5%, than any other large American city.[127]
The city's poverty rate is 11.8% and the number of families in poverty stands at 7.4%, both lower than the national average.[128] The unemployment rate stands at 10.1% as of August 2009.[129] Homelessness has been a chronic and controversial problem for San Francisco since the early 1980s. The city is believed to have the highest number of homeless inhabitants per capita of any major U.S. city.[130][131] Also, the rates of violent and property crime, reported for 2006 as 875 and 4,958 incidents per 100,000 residents respectively,[132] are higher than the national average.[133], with the city 93rd on the FBI's 2009 City Crime Rate Rankings.[134]

Education

Colleges and universities

The Mission Bay campus of UCSF
See also: List of colleges and universities in San Francisco
.The University of California, San Francisco is part of the University of California system but is solely dedicated to graduate education in health and biomedical sciences.^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 It is ranked among the top-five medical schools in the United States.[135] and operates the UCSF Medical Center, ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the country[136] UCSF is a major local employer, second in size only to the city and county government.[137] A 43-acre Mission Bay campus was opened in 2003, complementing its original facility in Parnassus Heights. It contains research space and facilities to foster biotechnology and life sciences entrepreneurship and will double the size of UCSF's research enterprise.[138] The University of California, Hastings College of the Law, founded in Civic Center in 1878, is the oldest law school in California and claims more judges on the state bench than any other institution.[139]
.San Francisco State University is part of the California State University system and is located near Lake Merced.^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [140] The school has close to 30,000 students[141] and awards undergraduate and master's degrees in more than 100 disciplines.[140] The City College of San Francisco, with its main facility in the Ingleside district, is one of the largest two-year community colleges in the country. It has an enrollment of about 100,000 students and offers an extensive continuing education program.[142]
Founded in 1855, the University of San Francisco, a private Jesuit university located on Lone Mountain, is the oldest institution of higher education in San Francisco and one of the oldest universities established west of the Mississippi River.[143] Golden Gate University is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university formed in 1901 and located in the Financial District. It is primarily a post-graduate institution focused on professional training in law and business, with smaller undergraduate programs linked to its graduate and professional schools.
With an enrollment of 13,000 students, Academy of Art University is the largest institute of art and design in the nation.[144] .Founded in 1871, the San Francisco Art Institute is the oldest art school west of the Mississippi.^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [145] The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the only independent school of music on the West Coast, grants degrees in orchestral instruments, chamber music, composition, and conducting. The California Culinary Academy, associated with the Le Cordon Bleu program, offers programs in the culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality and restaurant management.

Primary and secondary schools

Public schools are run by the San Francisco Unified School District as well as the State Board of Education for some charter schools. .Lowell High School, the oldest public high school in the U.S. west of the Mississippi,[146] and the smaller School of the Arts High School are two of San Francisco's magnet schools at the secondary level.^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 .Just under 30% of the city's school-age population attends one of San Francisco's more than 100 private or parochial schools, compared to a 10% rate nationwide.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

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  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Yank Sing Rincon Center, 101 Spear (at Mission), San Francisco One of San Francisco's best dim sum houses offers dozens of little dishes, which include (in...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [147] Nearly 40 of those schools are Catholic schools managed by the Archdiocese of San Francisco.[148][149] .The largest private school in San Francisco, Cornerstone Academy, is a Christian school.^ California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, CA Cha Cha Cha San Francisco, CA Top Recommenders .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area

Roads and highways

The Oakland Bay Bridge connects downtown San Francisco with Yerba Buena Island and the East Bay.
Because of its unique geography—making beltways somewhat impractical—and the results of the freeway revolts of the late 1950s,[150] San Francisco is one of the few American cities that has opted for European-style arterial thoroughfares instead of a large network of freeways. This trend continued following the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, when city leaders decided to demolish the Embarcadero Freeway, and voters approved demolition of a portion of the Central Freeway, converting them into street-level boulevards.[150]
Interstate 80 begins at the approach to the Bay Bridge and is the only direct automobile link to the East Bay. .U.S. Route 101 extends Interstate 80 to the south along the San Francisco Bay toward Silicon Valley.^ South San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 .Northbound, 101 uses arterial streets Van Ness Avenue and Lombard Street to the Golden Gate Bridge, the only direct road access from San Francisco to Marin County and points north.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 Highway 1 also enters San Francisco at the Golden Gate Bridge, but diverts away from 101, bisecting the west side of the city as the 19th Avenue arterial thoroughfare, and joining with Interstate 280 at the city's southern border. Interstate 280 continues this route along the central portion of the Peninsula south to San Jose. Northbound, 280 turns north and east and terminates in the South of Market area. .State Route 35, which traverses the majority of the Peninsula along the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains, enters the city from the south as Skyline Boulevard, following city streets until it terminates at its intersection with Highway 1. State Route 82 enters San Francisco from the south as Mission Street, following the path of the historic El Camino Real and terminating shortly thereafter at its junction with 280. The cross-country Lincoln Highway's western terminus is in Lincoln Park.^ South San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 Major east–west thoroughfares include Geary Boulevard, the Lincoln Way/Fell Street corridor, and Market Street/Portola Drive.
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in San Francisco, with about 40,000 residents commuting to work regularly by bicycle.[151]

Public transportation

Main article: San Francisco Municipal Railway
A cable car descending Nob Hill
.Many people in San Francisco use public transportation, nearly a third of commuters in 2005.[152] Public transit solely within the city of San Francisco is provided predominantly by the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni).^ More > > Where Do People Like Me Go In San Francisco?
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 The city-owned system operates both a combined light rail and subway system (the Muni Metro) and a bus network that includes trolleybuses, standard diesel motorcoaches and diesel hybrid buses. The Metro streetcars run on surface streets in outlying neighborhoods but underground in the downtown area.[153] Additionally, Muni runs the highly visible F Market historic streetcar line, which runs on surface streets from Castro Street to Fisherman's Wharf (through Market Street),[153] and the iconic San Francisco cable car system,[153] which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.[154]
Commuter rail is provided by two complementary agencies. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is the regional rapid transit system which connects San Francisco with the East Bay through the Transbay Tube. .The line runs under Market Street to Civic Center where it turns south to the Mission District, the southern part of the city, and through northern San Mateo County, to the San Francisco International Airport, and Millbrae.^ More > > Yank Sing Rincon Center, 101 Spear (at Mission), San Francisco One of San Francisco's best dim sum houses offers dozens of little dishes, which include (in...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ South San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 [153] The Caltrain rail system runs from San Francisco along the Peninsula down to San Jose.[153] The line dates from 1863, and for many years was operated by Southern Pacific.
The Transbay Terminal serves as the terminus for long-range bus service (such as Greyhound) and as a hub for regional bus systems AC Transit (Alameda County), SamTrans (San Mateo County), and Golden Gate Transit (Marin and Sonoma Counties).[155] Amtrak also runs a shuttle bus from San Francisco to its rail station in Emeryville.[156]
A small fleet of commuter and tourist ferries operate from the Ferry Building and Pier 39 to points in Marin County, Oakland, and north to Vallejo in Solano County.[153]

Airports

San Francisco International Airport
Main article: San Francisco International Airport
.San Francisco International Airport (SFO), though located 13 miles (21 km) south of the city in San Mateo County, is under the jurisdiction of the City and County of San Francisco.^ South San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 .SFO is primarily near the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno, but also borders the most southern part of the city of South San Francisco.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 SFO is a hub for United Airlines, its largest tenant,[157] and the decision by Virgin America to base its operations out of SFO[158] reversed the trend of low-cost carriers opting to bypass SFO for Oakland and San Jose. SFO is an international gateway, with the largest international terminal in North America.[159] The airport is built on a landfill extension into the San Francisco Bay. During the economic boom of the late 1990s, when traffic saturation led to frequent delays, it became difficult to respond to calls to relieve the pressure by constructing an additional runway as that would have required additional landfill. Such calls subsided in the early 2000s as traffic declined, and, in 2006, SFO was the 14th busiest airport in the U.S. and 26th busiest in the world, handling 33.5 million passengers.[160]

Seaports

The Ferry Building along the Embarcadero
Main article: Port of San Francisco
The Port of San Francisco was once the largest and busiest seaport on the West Coast. It featured rows of piers perpendicular to the shore, where cargo from the moored ships was handled by cranes and manual labor and transported to nearby warehouses. The port handled cargo to and from trans-Pacific and Atlantic destinations, and was the West Coast center of the lumber trade. The 1934 West Coast Longshore Strike, an important episode in the history of the American labor movement, brought the port to a standstill. The advent of container shipping made pier-based ports obsolete, and most commercial berths moved to the Port of Oakland. A few active berths specializing in break bulk cargo remain alongside the Islais Creek Channel.
Many piers remained derelict for years until the demolition of the Embarcadero Freeway reopened the downtown waterfront, allowing for redevelopment. The centerpiece of the port, the Ferry Building, while still receiving commuter ferry traffic, has been restored and redeveloped as a gourmet marketplace. The port's other activities now focus on developing waterside assets to support recreation and tourism.

Notes

  1. ^ San Francisco Examiner, April 3, 1918. Don't Call It Frisco. Judge Mogan Rebukes Angeleno for Using Slang in His Petition for Divorce. "No one refers to San Francisco by that title except people from Los Angeles."
  2. ^ Sullivan, James (October 14, 2003). "Frisco, that once-verboten term for the city by the bay, is making a comeback among the young and hip. Herb Caen is spinning at warp speed.". Datebook (San Francisco: San Francisco Chronicle): p. D-1. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/10/14/DD67721.DTL&type=travelbayarea. Retrieved June 12, 2008. 
  3. ^ Many tourists refer to San Francisco as "Frisco." However, some locals discourage this. Samuel D. Cohen writes that many credit "Friscophobia" to newspaper columnist Herb Caen, whose first book, published in 1953, was "Don't Call it Frisco" after a 1918 newspaper article of the same name. Caen was considered by many to be the recognized authority on what was, and what was not, beneath the city's dignity, and to him, Frisco was intolerable. Cohen, Sam (September 11, 1997). "Locals Know best: only tourists call it 'Frisco'". Golden Gater Online. San Francisco State University. http://www.journalism.sfsu.edu/www/pubs/gater/fall97/sept11/Frisco.html. Retrieved July 13, 2008.. 
  4. ^ San Francisco Public Library (March 29, 2005). "PPIE: The City That Knows How". Amusing America. San Francisco Public Library, Online Exhibitions. http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/news/onlineexhibits/amusing/ppie.htm. Retrieved June 14, 2008. 
  5. ^ Caen, Herb (1949). Baghdad-by-the-Bay. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday. LC F869.S3 C12. ISBN 978-0891740476. OCLC 31060237. 
  6. ^ YouTube (1939). "1939 San Francisco in Color!!!". UnknownWW2InColor. UnknownWW2InColor (Ramano-Archives). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jHvTZ1RL4I. Retrieved June 5, 2009. 
  7. ^ "Incorporation Dates of California Cities". http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/20457.IncorpDateLO.doc. Retrieved November 24, 2009. 
  8. ^ "Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007" (XLS). US Census Bureau. March 27, 2008. http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2007/CBSA-EST2007-01.xls. Retrieved June 11, 2008. 
  9. ^ a b c "Population up in every Bay Area county in 2008". San Francisco Chronicle. Hearst Communications. March 19, 2009. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/19/MN2U16IBT9.DTL&tsp=1. Retrieved March 19, 2009. 
  10. ^ "Table 2. Annual Estimates of the Population of Combined Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007" (XLS). US Census Bureau. March 27, 2008. http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2007/CBSA-EST2007-02.xls. Retrieved June 12, 2008. 
  11. ^ a b c "Board of Supervisors - Does San Francisco have a City Council?". SFGov SF311. http://www.sfgov.org/site/sf311_index.asp?id=55765. Retrieved June 16, 2008. 
  12. ^ "San Francisco County, California QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06075.html. Retrieved November 26, 2009. 
  13. ^ a b After New York City, only for cities with greater than 200,000 population. Otherwise it is not 2nd."2000 Census: US Municipalities Over 50,000: Ranked by 2000 Density". Demographia. http://www.demographia.com/db-2000city50kdens.htm. Retrieved August 23, 2007. 
  14. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population of Combined Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008". US Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-02.xls. Retrieved June 30, 2008. 
  15. ^ a b Edward F. O'Day (October 1926). "The Founding of San Francisco". San Francisco Water. Spring Valley Water Authority. http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/founding.html. Retrieved February 14, 2009. 
  16. ^ a b Richards, Rand (1992). Historic San Francisco: A Concise History and Guide. Heritage House. ISBN 1-879367-00-9. OCLC 214330849. 
  17. ^ a b Montagne, Renée (April 11, 2006). "Remembering the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake". People & Places (National Public Radio). http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5334411. Retrieved June 13, 2008. 
  18. ^ a b "Port of Embarkation Essay—World War II in the San Francisco Bay Area". A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary:. US Department of the Interior. August 28, 2007. http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/wwIIbayarea/embarkation.htm. Retrieved June 13, 2008. 
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  22. ^ Stewart, Suzanne B. (November 2003). "Archaeological Research Issues For The Point Reyes National Seashore - Golden Gate National Recreation Area" (PDF). Sonoma State University - Anthropological Studies Center. p. 100. http://www.sonoma.edu/asc/projects/pointreyes/overview2.pdf. Retrieved June 12, 2008. 
  23. ^ Levy, Richard (1978). "Costanoan". in William C. Sturtevant and Robert F. Heizer. Handbook of North American Indians. 8. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. pp. 486. ISBN 0-16-004578-9. 
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  28. ^ Sourdough bread was a staple of western explorers and miners of the 19th century. It became an iconic symbol of San Francisco, and is still a staple of city life today.Tamony, Peter (October 1973). "Sourdough and French Bread". Western Folklore (Western States Folklore Society) 32 (4): 265–270. doi:10.2307/1498306. 
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  32. ^ "The miners came in forty-nine, / The whores in fifty-one, / And when they got together / They produced the native son." Wiley, Peter Booth (2000). National trust guide- San Francisco: America’s guide for architecture and history travelers. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. pp. 237–238. ISBN 9780471191209. OCLC 44313415. 
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  34. ^ Wiley, Peter Booth (2000). National trust guide- San Francisco: America’s guide for architecture and history travelers. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. pp. 44–55. ISBN 9780471191209. OCLC 44313415. 
  35. ^ London, Jack (May 5, 1906). "The Story of an Eyewitness by Jack London". Collier's, the National Weekly (The Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco). http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist5/jlondon.html. Retrieved August 29, 2006. 
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  37. ^ "Casualties and Damage after the 1906 earthquake". Earthquake Hazards Program - Northern California. US Geological Survey. January 25, 2008. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/1906/18april/casualties.php. Retrieved June 13, 2008. 
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  39. ^ Wiley, Peter Booth (2000). National trust guide- San Francisco: America’s guide for architecture and history travelers. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. pp. 56–62. ISBN 9780471191209. OCLC 44313415. 
  40. ^ Wiley, Peter Booth (2000). National trust guide- San Francisco: America’s guide for architecture and history travelers. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. pp. 9. ISBN 9780471191209. OCLC 44313415. 
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  47. ^ Wiley, Peter Booth (2000). National trust guide- San Francisco: America’s guide for architecture and history travelers. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. pp. 240–242. ISBN 9780471191209. OCLC 44313415. 
  48. ^ "American Experience: Summer of Love: Film Description". Website for American Experience documentary on the Summer of Love. PBS. March 14, 2007. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/love/filmmore/fd.html. Retrieved June 17, 2008. 
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  50. ^ Ted Egan (April 3, 2006). "City and County of San Francisco: An Overview of San Francisco’s Recent Economic Performance" (PDF). Report prepared for Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. ICF Consulting. http://www.sfeconomicstrategy.org/site/uploadedfiles/moed/economic_strat/ExecutiveSummary_EconomicPerformanceReview.pdf. Retrieved June 19, 2008. "Another positive trend for the future is San Francisco’s highly entrepreneurial, flexible and innovative economy...San Francisco’s very high reliance on small business and self-employment is typical of other dynamic, fast-growing, high-technology areas across the country." 
  51. ^ Graham, Tom (November 7, 2004). "Peak Experience". San Francisco Chronicle (Hearst Communications): p. PK-23. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/11/07/PKGJ99K7KD1.DTL. Retrieved June 13, 2008. 
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  58. ^ Also known as Dry-Summer Subtropical (Köppen climate classification Csb)
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  86. ^ The San Francisco Opera is second in size only to New York City's Metropolitan Opera
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References

  • De La Perouse, Jean Francois; Yamane, Linda Gonsalves; Margolin, Malcolm (1989). Life in a California Mission: Monterey in 1786: The Journals of Jean Francois De La Perouse. Heyday Books. ISBN 0-930588-39-8. OCLC 20368802. 
  • Hansen, Gladys (1995). San Francisco Almanac: Everything you want to know about the city. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0-8118-0841-6. OCLC 30702907. 
  • London, Jack (May 5, 1906). "The Story of an Eyewitness by Jack London". Collier's, the National Weekly. 
  • Richards, Rand (1991). Historic San Francisco: A Concise History and Guide. Heritage House. ISBN 1-879367-00-9. OCLC 214330849. 
  • Ungaretti, Lorri (2005). San Francisco's Richmond District. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-3053-0. OCLC 62249656. 
  • Wiley, Peter Booth (2000). National trust guide San Francisco: America’s guide for architecture and history travelers. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. ISBN 0-471-19120-5. OCLC 44313415. 

Further reading

San Francisco Bay Area portal
  • Asbury, Hubert (1989). The Barbary Coast: An Informal History of the San Francisco Underworld. Dorset Press. ISBN 0-88029-428-0. OCLC 22719465. 
  • Bronson, William (2006). The Earth Shook, the Sky Burned. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0-8118-5047-1. OCLC 65223734. 
  • Cassady, Stephen (1987). Spanning the Gate. Square Books. ISBN 0-916290-36-0. OCLC 15229396. 
  • Dillon, Richard H. (1998). High Steel: Building the Bridges Across San Francisco Bay. Celestial Arts (Reissue edition). ISBN 0-88029-428-0. OCLC 22719465. 
  • Ferlinghetti, Lawrence (1980). Literary San Francisco: A pictorial history from its beginnings to the present day. Harper & Row. ISBN 0-06-250325-1. OCLC 6683688. 
  • Hartman, Chester (2002). City for Sale: The Transformation of San Francisco. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-08605-8. OCLC 48579085. 
  • Holliday, J. S. (1999). Rush for Riches: Gold Fever and the Making of California. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-21402-1. OCLC 37545551. 
  • Lotchin, Roger W. (1997). San Francisco, 1846–1856: From Hamlet to City. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 0-252-06631-6. OCLC 35650934. 
  • Margolin, Malcolm (1981). The Ohlone Way: Indian Life in the San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area. Heydey Books. ISBN 0-930588-01-0. OCLC 4628382. 
  • Maupin, Armistead (1978). Tales of the City. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-096404-9. OCLC 29847673. 
  • Thomas, Gordon and Witts, Max Morgan (1971). The San Francisco Earthquake. Stein and Day. ISBN 0-8128-1360-X. OCLC 154735. 

External links

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San Mateo County

Travel guide

Up to date as of January 14, 2010
(Redirected to San Francisco article)

From Wikitravel

San Francisco is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.
Golden Gate Bridge from Marin County with San Francisco in background
Golden Gate Bridge from Marin County with San Francisco in background
.San Francisco [1] is a major city in California, the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its liberal community, hilly terrain, Victorian architecture, scenic beauty, summer fog, and great ethnic and cultural diversity.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco Memoirs 1835-1851: Eyewitness Accounts of the Birth of a City The sleepy village of Yerba Buena becomes the boomtown of San Francisco -- in the voices of its own residents.
  • San Francisco History Podcast – Sparkletack 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.sparkletack.com [Source type: General]

 .These are only a few of the aspects of the city that make San Francisco one of the most visited cities in the world.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ San Francisco angle » Make a comment!
  • San Francisco History Podcast – Sparkletack 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.sparkletack.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]
.San Francisco is located on a small seven-by-seven mile (11x11km) square of land at the tip of a peninsula between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast.^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Peri Cosseboom is a San Francisco history buff focused on surveying and land development.
  • San Francisco History Podcast – Sparkletack 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.sparkletack.com [Source type: General]

 ^ THIS WEEK’S PODCAST TRANSCRIPT: 1958: The Giants play the Dodgers in the first major league baseball game on the West Coast April 15, 1958 Major League Baseball in San Francisco!
  • San Francisco History Podcast – Sparkletack 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.sparkletack.com [Source type: General]

 It has a population of almost 800,000, but is the center of a metropolitan area of millions. .San Francisco is just one of the cities which makes up the entire San Francisco Bay Area.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 .San Francisco's neighbors, cities and towns to the east of the Bay Bridge, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and south of the city are all in separate counties, each with their own city government and local public transportation systems.^ It is all here in San Francisco!
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco Restaurants Your guide to all the best San Francisco food & drink spots when you visit.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

Districts

.Each district of San Francisco carries its own unique and distinct culture.^ San Francisco, CA Fostering Student's Native Language and Culture Part 2 "I am certain that once my students have bo..."
  • San Francisco Schools - San Francisco California School Ratings - Public and Private 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.greatschools.org [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco School Districts .
  • San Francisco Schools - San Francisco California School Ratings - Public and Private 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.greatschools.org [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco County Office of Education San Francisco Unified School District .
  • San Francisco Schools - San Francisco California School Ratings - Public and Private 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.greatschools.org [Source type: General]

 .This map is predominantly based on the 11 official governmental districts of San Francisco, but it has been adapted to suit the purposes of this travel guide.^ Embassy Suites Hotel San Francisco-airport/burlingame .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco Restaurants Your guide to all the best San Francisco food & drink spots when you visit.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Map of Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco, with links to neighborhood details, photos, and restaurants.

 Some districts of particular interest to travellers have been broken up into popular neighborhood groupings, while others, mainly residential districts, have been merged together.
San Francisco Districts Map
.
San Francisco Districts Map
  • Golden Gate— Fashionable neighborhoods, e.g., the Marina District, Cow Hollow, and Pacific Heights, with extensive views and historical landmarks - Fort Mason, The Presidio, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Fisherman's Wharf— A touristy waterfront neighborhood which encompasses Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, and the ferry launch to Alcatraz Island, as well as a plethora of seafood restaurants and souvenir stores.
  • Nob Hill-Russian Hill— Two ritzy neighborhoods with upscale hotels, cable cars, panoramic views and steep inclines.
  • Chinatown-North Beach— Two vibrant immigrant communities; the crowded and largest Chinatown outside of Asia next to the stylish laid back 'Little Italy', as well as Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower.
  • Union Square-Financial District— Union Square is the center of shopping, theater and art in the city, next to the many skyscrapers of downtown and Market Street.
  • Civic Center-Tenderloin— The neoclassical Civic Center next to the grit of the Tenderloin.^ Visit some of San Francisco`s famous attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge , Union Square and Fisherman`s Wharf only a cable car ride away!
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ BookIt.com San Francisco Hotels .
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     .While the 'TL' is grittier compared to its ritzier neighbors downtown, there are still plenty of interesting architecture and attractions to see here.
  • SoMa (South of Market)— A rapidly changing neighborhood of downtown that is the center of a lot of new construction, including AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.
  • Western Addition— A historic neighborhood with many Victorian homes that was once a hotbed of African-American culture.^ San Francisco Attractions Information on the top San Francisco attractions to see when you visit.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ It is all here in San Francisco!
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Visit some of San Francisco`s famous attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge , Union Square and Fisherman`s Wharf only a cable car ride away!
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     Within the area is also Japantown, the center of San Francisco's Japanese population.
  • Haight— Famous for being the home of the Hippie movement, this once bohemian area is still an eclectic treasure.
  • The Avenues— Includes both the foggy Sunset and Richmond Districts, separated by the scenic Golden Gate Park and bounded on the west by Ocean Beach.
  • Twin Peaks-Lake Merced— Covering most of southwestern San Francisco, this area is home to many of the taller hills of San Francisco and the large Lake Merced park which contains the San Francisco Zoo.
  • Castro-Noe Valley— Colorful and cohesive, the Castro is historically known for being the cultural center of the city's LGBTQ community.
  • Mission-Bernal Heights— This colorful area is home to a large Hispanic community as well as new urban artisans.
  • Southeast San Francisco— A mostly lower income residential area, this district contains several bay-side neighborhoods, many nice parks, and Candlestick Park, home of the 49ers NFL team.

Understand

History

.Prior to European settlement in the area, the peninsula that now contains San Francisco was home to the Yelamu tribe, who were part of the larger Ohlone language group which stretched south from the Bay Area to the Big Sur of California.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ It goes like this, according to the Chron's report: "I have not met one human being who says we're undertaxed in San Francisco," [Newsom] said.

 ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 .Due to San Francisco's characteristic foggy weather, the earliest European explorers completely bypassed the Golden Gate and the San Francisco Bay.^ Visit some of San Francisco`s famous attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge , Union Square and Fisherman`s Wharf only a cable car ride away!
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Travelodge San Francisco by the Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Sofitel San Francisco Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]
.The first European settlement in the area was founded by the Spaniards in 1776 as a mission community surrounding the Mission San Francisco de Asís, in what is today called the Mission Dolores in the Mission District.^ Starr King Elementary School started offering San Francisco Unified School District’s first Mandarin Immersion program the year our son entered kindergarten.

 ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

 ^ A list of events happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

 In addition to the mission, a military fort was built near the Golden Gate: the Presidio.
Upon gaining independence from Spain in 1821, the area became part of Mexico. Under Mexican rule, the mission system gradually came to an end and private ownership of land became a possibility. In 1835, an Englishman named William Richardson founded the town of Yerba Buena, the first significant settlement on the peninsula outside of the Mission Dolores area. As the new settlement gradually grew, Yerba Buena developed a street plan and became attractive to settlers.
In 1846, the United States claimed California, and in July of that year, the U.S. Navy arrived to raise the American flag above Yerba Buena. .Over the next couple of years, California officially became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War, and the name of the town was changed from Yerba Buena to San Francisco.^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ LONDON - The San Francisco 49ers will play the Denver Broncos next season at Wembley Stadium, the fourth straight year the NFL will stage a regular-season game in the British capital.

 ^ The San Francisco 49ers will play the Denver Broncos next season at Wembley Stadium, the fourth straight year the NFL will stage a regular-season game in the British capital.
.With the California Gold Rush of 1848, San Francisco began to explode in population.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Sabean has had his eye on this guy over the last few trade deadlines, so once DeRosa dropped his demand from a 3 year deal to 2, I began to get… San Francisco Giants News .

 ^ San Francisco - California's City By The Bay!
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 Waves of immigrants came to the city to seek their fortunes, including large numbers of Chinese immigrants, forming one of the largest Chinese populations outside of Asia. .During this time, many major businesses were created and flourished in San Francisco, and famous (and infamous) personalities settled in the city.^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 Of course, with all this success came problems: the rapid growth of the city outstripped any efforts at city planning, meaning proper sanitation and infrastructure were largely undeveloped, which led to a cholera outbreak in 1855. Violence and corruption were evident, and anti-immigrant violence resulted in many race riots. .For a good book on the tumultuous early history of San Francisco, read Herbert Asbury's Barbary Coast.^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ (Dexter)Read the full reviews at GayCities San Francisco and see photos, maps and reviews of Lookout Bar and other bars, hotels, events and restaurants .

 ^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]
.In the 1890's, there was a large campaign to modernize and beautify the city, the success of which led some officials to proudly call San Francisco the "Paris of the West."^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco International Airport West Days Inn .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 But in 1906, a devastating earthquake shook the city and a resulting fire leveled much of the city (in fact, almost 90% of the total damage was from the fire, and not the quake itself). .Nevertheless, officials at the time immediately set out on a plan to rebuild the city, with new parks, boulevards, the current civic center complex, and landmarks such as the Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill.^ CPMC’s plan is to build a new hospital at Cathedral Hill,” added Green.

 ^ Good thing the usually late Mayor Gavin Newsom was on time to today's unveiling of the city's new truancy center.

 .In 1915, San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific Exposition (where the Palace of Fine Arts complex is currently located) to showcase the completely rebuilt city.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

 ^ San Francisco City Hall’s back steps failed to produce any bidders.
In the wake of the Great Depression of the 1930's, San Francisco remained largely unscathed. .In fact, it was during this time that the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge were conceived and built.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge .

 It was also during this time that the Federal Government established a prison on Alcatraz Island, which would hold some of the most notorious criminals of the era.
After World War II, San Francisco continued to grow in population. .Urban planning projects at the time led to more highrises downtown (including the Transamerica Pyramid) and the destruction of many neighborhoods to build freeways (many of which were later torn down after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake).^ The next best thing to Italy is housed in an office building in downtown L.A. More...
  • Dining Out Eating Out for New Year's Eve Best New Years Eve Restaurants Los Angeles Area Gayot 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.gayot.com [Source type: General]

 .In the same period, San Francisco became a center of counterculture and the hippie movement, contributing to San Francisco's liberal outlook.^ Whereas now, we are in a prolonged period of credit contraction, especially as it relates to households and small… San Francisco News .

 ^ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Holiday Inn San Francisco - Civic Center .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 .San Francisco also became a center for homosexuals during this time, leading to the development of gay neighborhoods like the Castro.^ It looks like the last guy that I wanted the Giants to sign this winter will actually be coming to San Francisco after all.

 ^ Map of Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco, with links to neighborhood details, photos, and restaurants.

 ^ I think we’ll see some pretty extraordinary activity.” SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATIONS Attend the annual “Pulpit Exchange” at the Third Baptist… San Francisco Gay Bars .
.More recently, San Francisco has experienced a boom in business.^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

 ^ Visit San Francisco Giants news and blogs for even more news and blogs converage.

 Despite falling victim to the dot-com bubble burst in the 1990s, the city's economy largely recovered and gentrification of neighborhoods like SoMa continues.
Today San Francisco is known for its liberal outlook and remains one of America's top tourist destinations. Tourism is the city's largest industry.
Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daily highs (°F) 56 60 61 63 64 66 66 66 70 69 64 57
Nightly lows (°F) 46 48 49 50 51 53 54 54 56 55 51 47
Precipitation (in) 4.1 3.5 2.9 1.5 0.5 0.2 0 0 0.2 1.1 2.6 3.9
Check San Francisco's 7 day forecast at NOAA
.San Francisco has a mild climate, with wet, mild winters and dry summers.^ It looks like the last guy that I wanted the Giants to sign this winter will actually be coming to San Francisco after all.

 In most months, you can expect the high temperature to be in the 60s or 70s degrees Fahrenheit (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius). However, these mild temperature readings belie a unique climate not shared by other major cities in the state or country.
Summer days usually start out under fog, slowly burning off towards the ocean into a sunny albeit windy afternoon. Precipitation during the summer months is so rare that it's a news event when it happens and humidity is also very low, making for very comfortable daytime weather. At night, however, the fog and wind returns and tourists are often caught shivering in the cold.
In the winter, there is rarely any fog but sometimes heavy rain or at least some cloud cover. That being said, your odds for a calm, windless sunny day are actually higher in the winter than the summer, although of course overall temperatures are lower.
Spring and Fall are not so much seasons in themselves but rather quick transition periods with some days resembling summer patterns and others the winter. Fall in particular is a good time to visit because the summer wind & fog has mostly gone but the rainy season has not yet started.
.Within these general rules, San Francisco also has a series of microclimates created by the city's sharp topography.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 For instance, there is more fog on the western side of the city, closer to the ocean. .There can also be large variances in rainfall between different parts of the city thanks to the tall hills in the center of the peninsula (generally with more rain taking place on the western side, while the eastern side experiences more sunlight).^ More > > Fubar 7994 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. This WeHo gay bar may be on the small side, but the parties are big fun thanks to some of L.A.'s...
  • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ California Smaller Cities, Towns, and Villages (between 1000 and 6000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing, Schools, Residents, Crime, Pollution, Demographics and More .
  • California Smaller Cities, Towns, and Villages (between 1000 and 6000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing, Schools, Residents, Crime, Pollution, Demographics and More 17 September 2009 1:01 UTC www.city-data.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More California directories: Cities in California with more than 6000 residents   Cities, towns, and villages in California between 1000 and 6000 residents   .
  • California Very Small Towns and Villages (fewer than 1000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing, Schools, Residents, Crime, Pollution, Demographics and More 17 September 2009 1:01 UTC www.city-data.com [Source type: General]

Tourist Information

.San Francisco's visitor information centers offer maps, brochures and other information for tourists.^ More > > Yank Sing Rincon Center, 101 Spear (at Mission), San Francisco One of San Francisco's best dim sum houses offers dozens of little dishes, which include (in...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ BookIt.com® Travel Guides San Francisco Travel Guide Destination education and basic San Francisco travel information.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ San Francisco Attractions Information on the top San Francisco attractions to see when you visit.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]
.
  • San Francisco Visitor Information Center, 900 Market Street (next to the Cable Car turnaround at Market & Powell), ☎ +1 415 391-2000 (fax: +1 415 362-7323), [2].^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

     ^ Visit some of San Francisco`s famous attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge , Union Square and Fisherman`s Wharf only a cable car ride away!
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     .May through October: M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su and holidays 9AM-3PM. November through April: M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa and holidays 9AM-3PM. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.^ For some, tossing the Christmas tree is a New Year's Day ritual.

     .Visitor Center run by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.  edit
  • California Welcome Center, Pier 39, Building P, Second Level, ☎ +1 415 981-1280 (), [3].^ BookIt.com San Francisco Hotels .
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     ^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     One of several California Welcome Centers across the state.  edit

Talk

English is the dominant language spoken in San Francisco. .Cantonese Chinese is widely spoken by San Francisco's large Chinese population, with an increasing Mandarin-speaking minority.^ Mandarin Oriental San Francisco .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 .Spanish is also commonly spoken in San Francisco (although not as common as the rest of California), especially among the Hispanic population, many of whom live in the Mission District.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Map Search Club Sampler The Saloon 1232 Grant (at Vallejo), San Francisco Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]
Map of San Francisco
Map of San Francisco

By plane

San Francisco Bay Area Airports
.
  • San Francisco International, +1 800 435-9736, [4] (IATA: SFO) located about 10 mi (16 km) south of the city is a major international airport, one of the largest in the world and has numerous passenger amenities including a wide range of food and drink establishments, shopping, baggage storage, public showers, a medical clinic, and assistance for lost or stranded travelers and military personnel.
  • Oakland International, +1 510 563-3300, [5] (IATA: OAK) in the East Bay provides service to numerous destinations in the United States as well as Mexico.^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Embassy Suites Hotel San Francisco-airport/burlingame .
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     .It is a major hub for Southwest airlines.
  • Norman Y.Mineta San Jose International, +1 408 277-4759, [6] (IATA: SJC) in Silicon Valley, about 1 hour south of San Francisco attracts Bay Area residents who find SFO to be inconveniently distant from their homes.^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

     Only Mexicana Airlines operates international flights from here.
.Oakland and San Jose tend to offer more discount airline flights, while San Francisco Airport attracts more international flights and can be more convenient for those staying in the city.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 Private pilots should consider Oakland (ICAO: KOAK) rather than SFO, as the separate general aviation field there is more accommodating to light aircraft.
Public Airport Transportation
.San Francisco and Oakland Airports are connected to downtown SF by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) [7] system (Oakland Airport indirectly through an AirBART shuttle buses).^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 ^ Embassy Suites Hotel San Francisco-airport/burlingame .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 Although convenient, BART is showing its age, with loud screeching noises in certain track sections due to resonance effects.
Passengers arriving in SFO can walk (5 minutes from United's domestic terminal) or take a free airport shuttle (AirTrain) to the BART station (which is adjacent to the G side of the International Terminal). .The BART ride from SFO to San Francisco costs about $8 one-way and runs frequently, every 15 or 20 minutes depending on the time of day.^ San Francisco-days Inn San Carlos .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The San Francisco 49ers suddenly feel good about their QBs .

 .BART trains run through San Bruno, South San Francisco, Colma, Daly City before reaching the city of San Francisco, from where the SF MUNI [8] can take travelers anywhere in the city.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.
From Oakland Airport, passengers take a 10-15 min "AirBart" bus ride to the BART station; the cost is $3 for adults ($1 for seniors/children) exact change only; the bus runs every 10 minutes during the day. BART trains from there run directly to San Francisco and cost about $4.00.
The San Jose airport is served by a free shuttle to both VTA Light Rail and Caltrain [9] called the Airport Flyer - VTA Route #10 [10]. Passengers arriving in San Jose can use Caltrain to reach San Francisco directly (this costs $7.50 one-way). Caltrain also links with the BART system at the Millbrae intermodal station. .Be aware that public transportation within the South Bay is not as developed as around San Francisco.^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

 ^ As employees scurry to their offices, homeless people start clustering around the San Francisco Public Library.

 Also, when riding Caltrain, be sure to buy your ticket at the automated station kiosks before boarding, as they are not sold on the trains.
Private Airport Transportation
Taxis are considerably more expensive than the public transportation options. .A taxi from SFO to the city can easily cost more than $40, and over $60 from OAK. Taxi and van prices from San Jose to San Francisco are significantly higher.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
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 .Shared vans will cost around $14. If you plan to drive from a car rental area near the SFO airport to downtown San Francisco, you can take the 101 freeway.^ Our experts have selected 14 hotels in San Francisco for you.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
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 ^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

 When returning a rental car to SFO, remember to take the rental car exit, otherwise you will have to wind your way slowly back to the rental car center.

By train

Amtrak, +1 800 872-7245, [11] serves the Bay Area with long-distance and intercity trains. .San Francisco's long distance station is across the bay, outside city limits.^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Contact A-Z San Francisco, CA. Cisco Liquidators Corporate investment recovery - A-Z computer liquidators service US cities nationwide: Nationwide Computer Liquidation A-Z Computers 2004 All rights reserved.
  • A-Z San Francisco Computer Liquidators-Computer Liquidation Asset Recovery 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.spintradeexchange.com [Source type: Reference]

 ^ Travelodge San Francisco by the Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 .Passengers arrive in Emeryville or Oakland's Jack London Square Station in the East Bay and may take an Amtrak California [12] Thruway bus over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco's Amtrak stop at 101 The Embarcadero (near the Ferry Building) and usually several other downtown destinations (note that Amtrak passengers are not subjected to any extra charge for the bus).^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ (Dexter)Read the full reviews at GayCities San Francisco and see photos, maps and reviews of Lookout Bar and other bars, hotels, events and restaurants .

 Travelers on some shorter distance Amtrak routes can also transfer to BART trains at the Richmond or Oakland Coliseum stations (see below). .Alternatively, riders approaching the Bay Area from the south may transfer to Caltrain [13] at San Jose's Diridon Station for a direct ride to Fourth and King Streets in San Francisco.^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

 ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

 ^ The San Francisco Chronicle By John King December 27th, 2009 The Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s tallest and best-known tower.
Amtrak routes serving the Bay Area are:
.
  • The California Zephyr [14] runs daily between Chicago and Emeryville with connections to/from the east coast.
  • The Coast Starlight [15] runs daily between Seattle, Portland, Emeryville, and Los Angeles.^ Los Angeles-Northwest East LA .
    • Los Angeles real estate news, data and statistics, home sales and real estate listings | BlockShopper Los Angeles 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC losangeles.blockshopper.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Los Angeles-Central City East .
    • Los Angeles real estate news, data and statistics, home sales and real estate listings | BlockShopper Los Angeles 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC losangeles.blockshopper.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Los Angeles-Park East .
    • Los Angeles real estate news, data and statistics, home sales and real estate listings | BlockShopper Los Angeles 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC losangeles.blockshopper.com [Source type: General]

     To reach San Francisco, either transfer to Caltrain in San Jose or to the Amtrak bus in Emeryville.
  • The Capitol Corridor [16] runs 16 times daily (11 on weekends and holidays) between Sacramento and Emeryville, with some trains also serving San Jose. .Caltrain (see below) is the best bet to get between San Jose and San Francisco, but the most convenient transfer to San Francisco is via the Amtrak bus at Emeryville or to BART at either the Richmond station north of Emeryville or the Oakland Coliseum station for trains continuing south of Emeryville.^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     ^ The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco 18.5 Hotel Vitale 18.0 Clift Hotel 18.0 Hotel Drisco 18.0 Mandarin Oriental San Francisco 18.0 The Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa 17.5 Good Hotel 17.5 Hotel Frank 17.5 Hotel Rex 17.0 Best Western Hotel Tomo See more lists .
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     Discount BART tickets can be purchased in the cafe car.
  • The San Joaquins [17] runs 4 times daily between Bakersfield, Stockton and Emeryville. .Travelers on the San Joaquins can continue on to San Francisco via the Amtrak bus at Emeryville or by transferring to the BART at the Richmond station.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ BookIt.com® Travel Guides San Francisco Travel Guide Destination education and basic San Francisco travel information.
    • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     Discount BART tickets can be purchased in the cafe car.
There are two regional rail systems which serve San Francisco:
Caltrain, +1 510 817-1717, [18] operates a regional rail service from San Jose to its San Francisco terminal at Fourth and King. The service also runs between San Jose and Gilroy during rush hour. .Caltrain is very useful for travel between San Francisco and cities of the Peninsula, Silicon Valley or South Bay.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 .On weekdays Caltrain provides two trains per hour for most of the day but run more during commute hours, including "Baby Bullet" limited services that cruise between San Francisco and San Jose in 57 minutes; on weekends and public holidays trains run hourly, except that after 10PM only one train runs, leaving at midnight.^ San Francisco-days Inn San Carlos .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ While overall San Francisco tenants gave up 1.3 million square feet more than they leased in 2009, the city’s 49 most prominent buildings — JLL calls them the Skyline 49 — actually had about 100,000 square feet of positive absorption over the past two quarters.

 The 4th & King terminal is served by Muni Metro (see 'Get around' below) giving connections to the rest of the city. .Fares vary depending on how far you go.^ Jon Heyman tweets (I can’t tell you how much I dislike Twitter): juan uribe has agreed to deal to go back to #sfgiants, pending physical.

 Tickets must be purchased before boarding the train from ticket vending machines at any of the stations or from ticket clerks at staffed stations. Tickets are checked on the trains and anyone found without a ticket is liable to a substantial fine. Cyclists should use the designated car at the northern end of the train, and be aware that bike space is often limited during commute hours.
.Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), +1 415 989-2278, [19] provides a regional frequent rail service connecting much of the East Bay and Contra Costa County with San Francisco and the San Francisco Airport through the Transbay Tube, a tunnel underneath San Francisco Bay.^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
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 ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 ^ Embassy Suites Hotel San Francisco-airport/burlingame .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 .BART operates five routes, of which four reach San Francisco; there are three or four trains per hour on each route.^ Researching my story, I was amazed to learn that nearly one San Francisco voter in three declines to identify with any political party.

 ^ The San Francisco 49ers send three players to the Pro Bowl .

 ^ San Francisco Nightlife Learn about all the best places for the San Francisco after hours parties.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 .In the East Bay and outer parts of San Francisco BART runs mostly on elevated track; in downtown San Francisco it runs in a subway under Market Street, and several underground stations provide easy access to downtown areas and simple transfers to the Muni Metro subway.^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

 ^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

 ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

 BART also meets Caltrain at Millbrae. Bicycles are allowed on BART except between stations designated in the schedule brochure during commute hours. Fares vary depending with distance traveled, and start at $1.40 for trips within the city. .You will need to insert your ticket into barriers when entering and exiting the system.^ Rent a GPS navigation system, and you will have accurate directions, to make sure you reach your destination.
  • San Francisco Car Rental - Rent a Car in San Francisco, CA at Avis.com 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.avis.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Tickets hold a balance, deducting the appropriate price for each trip, so someone who plans to use the system several times can buy a $10 or $20 ticket and not worry about fares until the card is used up.^ For a limited time, get up to $20 Off a weekend car rental.
  • San Francisco Car Rental - Rent a Car in San Francisco, CA at Avis.com 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.avis.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Greyhound, +1 800 231-2222, [20] has frequent intercity service from San Francisco's beautiful but decaying Transbay Terminal at First and Mission streets.
  • Xe Do Hoang, +1 888 834-9336, [21] offers service between Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
Several regional bus systems serve San Francisco from the immediate suburbs:
  • AC Transit, +1 510 891-4700, [22] from Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and other East Bay cities.
  • samTrans, +1 510 817-1717, [23] from San Mateo County.
  • Golden Gate Transit, +1 415 455-2000, [24] from Sonoma and Marin counties.
  • WestCAT, +1 510 724-7993, [25] from Contra Costa County.
  • Vallejo Baylink, +1 707 643-3779, [26] (in conjunction with BayLink Ferry) from Vallejo.
San Francisco and Alcatraz from a Sausalito ferry
San Francisco and Alcatraz from a Sausalito ferry
.In many ways a boat is the ideal way to approach San Francisco.^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

 ^ Emirates is offering discount flights to many popular destinations throughout the Middle East, India, Northern and Southern Africa from San Francisco.

 The city's spectacular skyline is best appreciated from the water, and from the deck of a boat the bay and its bridges and islands can be viewed as a whole. .Cruise ships and private yachts are regular visitors to San Francisco, and passenger ferries regularly link other Bay Area cities to San Francisco.^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Travelodge San Francisco by the Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Sofitel San Francisco Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]
.Ferries run to San Francisco from Larkspur, Sausalito and Tiburon in Marin County, from Vallejo in Solano County and from Alameda and Oakland in the East Bay.^ Travelodge San Francisco by the Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Sofitel San Francisco Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Courtyard by Marriott Foster City San Francisco Bay Area .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 .In San Francisco, the ferries dock at one or both of the city's two piers at Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Building, the later of which is a very short walk from the Amtrak San Francisco bus stop as well as Embarcadero Station, where the BART and Muni trains stop, and the stop for the historic streetcars that run above ground down Market Street.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Pier 39 is offering free admission to San Francisco residents, to celebrate its nonprofit status.

 ^ Morgan Stanley to give back San Francisco buildings .

 For more information on boat connections:
  • Golden Gate Ferries, +1 415 455-2000 [27]. Serving Larkspur and Sausalito.
  • Blue and Gold Fleet, +1 415 705-8200 [28]. Serving Alameda, Angel Island, Oakland, Sausalito, Tiburon and Vallejo.
  • BayLink Ferry, +1 877 643-3779 [29]. Serving Vallejo.
  • Alameda Oakland Ferry, +1 510 522-3300 [30]. Serving Alameda and Oakland.
  • Harbor Bay Ferry, +1 510 769-5500 [31]. Serving (a different location in) Alameda.

By car

.There are four major highway approaches to San Francisco.^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
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 ^ This map shows the location of San Francisco's major museums.

 ^ Four Seasons San Francisco .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 US 101 comes up the eastern side of the SF peninsula and is the most direct route from the south, although it often backs up with traffic. .Interstate 280 is a more scenic route into the city from the same direction, but with poorer connections than 101. Interstate 80 approaches the city from the east over the San Francisco Bay Bridge.^ More Fantastic San Francisco Hotels & Resorts Check out some our most popular hotels in San Francisco, as chosen by BookIt.com guests and content supervisors.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Book your San Francisco hotel, flight and vacation package to experience this beautifully historic city.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Travelodge San Francisco by the Bay .
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 From the north, US 101 takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Get around

On foot

.Walking can be an enticing option to get from one neighborhood to another, so long as you are aware of where you are and keep your street smarts-- San Francisco is a city of friendly neighborhoods, but it is also a big city -- be aware of your surroundings and keep in mind the dangers that commonly accompany a city of San Francisco's size.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

 Streets which often go straight up and down hills may make driving difficult, but make for breathtaking views (as well as good exercise) for the pedestrian. There are many stairway walks scattered throughout the city when the streets are too steep. .You can find maps that include hiking trails, bikeways, and the grade pitch of all streets marked in varying colors by how steep each segment is, that can help you orient to city walks suitable to your ability and temperament, such as the downloadable map issued by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition [32].^ It is all here in San Francisco!
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Stay at luxurious hotels catering to your every desire, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shop San Francisco`s famous Union Square.
  • San Francisco Hotels: Book Your San Francisco California Hotel Online | BookIt.com� 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.bookit.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Loading 60,771,992 BookIt.com® San Francisco Packages FROM All Major Airports This process may take just a few seconds.
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 Note that locals rarely use the designations "street" or "avenue," even when differentiating the numbered streets and avenues. Numbered roads designated "Street" are located south of Market in Downtown, Castro, Noe Valley, and Mission. Numbered roads designated "Avenue" put you in the Richmond and Sunset districts.
Highlight walks include:
  • Chinatown. Grant from Bush to Broadway takes you through the heart of the famous district. Returning by the parallel Stockton or Powell will give you a better feeling of the day to day life of the residents, and are both good for those looking for imported commodities such as tea or herbs.
  • Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach is entirely open to pedestrians in both the Richmond and Sunset districts from the Cliff House restaurant and Sutro Baths in the north to the zoo in the south. For a shorter walk, the windmills near Lincoln at the end of Golden Gate Park offer a good base for a stroll north.
  • Telegraph Hill. Greenwich and Filbert Steps on the east side of Telegraph Hill, both strenuous and unforgettably beautiful, offer cottages and a flock of wild parrots to enjoy on the way up to the Coit Tower.
  • North Beach. Columbus runs from North Point in Fisherman's Wharf, through the grand church and famous cafés at the heart of North Beach to the landmark Transamerica pyramid, accessible to transit on nearby Market.
  • Haight Ashbury. Haight from Divisadero to Stanyan covers the shopping district famous for hippie culture; at Stanyan the street becomes a path through Golden Gate Park to a popular site (then and now) for relaxing and concerts.
  • Cow Hollow. Union Street between Gough and Fillmore is one of the finest shopping streets outside of the city center.
  • Mission. .Mission between 15th and Cesar Chavez streets provides a look at a neighborhood famous for its Latino food and culture, as well as occasional gang activity; women alone should be careful here at night.^ The anniversary bash is, well, a bash, which means plenty of activities, sounds, lights and food -- including a sound duet… .

     Parallel to Mission, Valencia Street is the artery of the many higher end boutiques and offbeat cafés starting to characterize the neighborhood, and has little of the grit of Mission St.
  • Pacific Heights. Fillmore between Pine and Broadway is lined with a good mix of shopping, views, steep slopes, and some of the city's largest and most expensive homes.
  • Fillmore. .Post from Laguna (near 38 bus stop) to Fillmore takes you through upscale shopping and restaurants in Japantown, and turning left onto Fillmore across Geary and on to Turk takes you past the internationally known jazz venue and a mix of Black and Korean owned shops.
  • Castro and Noe Valley.^ Castro/ Noe Valley .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     Market from Church to Castro St. and a left down Castro St to 19th takes you through the center of the city's famous gay mecca. Continuing up Castro St over the hill from there takes you to 24th St, the main drag of bohemian Noe Valley.
San Francisco Rail Systems
San Francisco Rail Systems
.San Francisco has one of the most comprehensive public transportation systems in the United States; in fact, the Travel and Leisure Website has ranked San Francisco as having the best public transit in the country.^ Agoda offers the best prices for hotels in United States, with 13311 Hotels ready for instant reservation via our secure online booking engine.
  • United States Hotels - Online hotel reservations for Hotels in United States 15 September 2009 6:11 UTC www.agoda.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ Researching my story, I was amazed to learn that nearly one San Francisco voter in three declines to identify with any political party.

 .Transport services within San Francisco are provided by several bodies; they are separate organizations and although they have many interchange stations, tickets are not normally transferable across the systems (except for monthly or longer period passes).^ They include costumes,… San Francisco Citizen .

 ^ Yes Virgina, there are single, "str8" Black men in San Francisco and I have enjoyed dating some although they often didn't want to go to "white events" with me...

 ^ The 49ers can get to 8-8 with a win tomorrow against a Rams team that they battered 35-0 in San Francisco earlier this season.

 The major transit systems are:
  • Muni - streetcars, metro, buses and cable cars within San Francisco city.
  • BART - regional rail services across the Bay Area.
  • Caltrain - regional rail services to San José.
.San Francisco Municipal Railway or Muni, +1 415 701-2311, [33] runs a network of local transport that covers most areas of touristic interest well.^ A list of events happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

 ^ CHONE has Uribe projected at -11 runs on offense and… SFGate: SFGate: San Francisco Giants : The Splash .

 ^ Despite making up about half of the traffic fatalities in San Francisco, pedestrians receive only a tiny portion of the federal transportation funding available.

 An all day Muni passport good on all Muni services, including Cable Cars, costs $11. Other passports and passes are available for longer periods: a 3-day pass costs $18, while a 7 day pass costs $24. The passports come in the form of scratch cards; be sure to scratch off the appropriate dates before using.
.Passports, as well as maps of the public transport system, can be purchased from the information booths at the San Francisco airport, the Cable Car ticket booth at Market and Powell, and many other locations.^ This map shows the location of San Francisco's major museums.

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ (Dexter)Read the full reviews at GayCities San Francisco and see photos, maps and reviews of Lookout Bar and other bars, hotels, events and restaurants .

 Monthly "FastPasses" can be a good investment, especially for those under 18 and over 65. They are $15 for youth and seniors and $55 for adults and offer unlimited rides on the entire system.
.A portable wallet-sized map of San Francisco, called PocketBay, and all its public transit (MUNI, BART, Caltrain) is also available at stores around the city or through their website online [34].^ Contact A-Z San Francisco, CA. Cisco Liquidators Corporate investment recovery - A-Z computer liquidators service US cities nationwide: Nationwide Computer Liquidation A-Z Computers 2004 All rights reserved.
  • A-Z San Francisco Computer Liquidators-Computer Liquidation Asset Recovery 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.spintradeexchange.com [Source type: Reference]

 Nearly all of the city's bus stops also have posted copies of this map with the location of the stop marked, a godsend for lost pedestrians.
.90 minutes of travel on the Muni system (Metro, F-line streetcar, buses) costs $2 ($0.75 for youth 5-17, disabled, and seniors 65+); be sure to get and keep a transfer ticket when you pay for your first ride; Muni inspectors may demand it at any time as proof of payment.^ [SFist]Is your Muni line safe from cuts?

 ^ All you freeloaders paying just $2 to ride the historic F Market & Wharves trolleys in San Francisco, well, here’s your wake-up call, via the SF Streetsblog.

 ^ We came down with the N-Flu (you know how it goes, sick folks ride the N to work and infect the whole Muni line).

 Cable Cars are not included in these transfers and cost $5 per ride (one way, no transfers), or $11 per day. Before 7AM and after 9PM, seniors and disabled pay $1 for cable car rides. .Muni Passports and FastPasses greatly reduce this cost, including cable cars in the regular daily, weekly or monthly fares.^ Assuming that 20% pay cash fares, increasing the cash fare by $3.00 over regular cash fare to $5.00 (similar to Cable Cars).

 Payment must be made using exact fare - at Muni Metro stations, insert coins into the barriers to enter. Note that many Muni stations do not have change machines, and some change machines only issue $5 bills instead of the coins required for travel. Muni station staff do not give change.
You can plan your Muni travel online [35]. Muni arrival times are also available online for many lines at NextMuni [36]. An unofficial site is RescueMuni.com [37], which often has information on routes that are not listed officially.
Muni consists of:
Streetcar at foot of Market
.
Streetcar at foot of Market
  • Muni Metro (Lines J, K, L, M, N, S and T) is a modern light rail and subway system.^ Ouch: MUNI Wants to Raise the Fare for Historic F Market Line to $5 .

     .It connects many southern San Francisco neighborhoods to downtown, where you can transfer to BART's four downtown stations and the Caltrain terminus at 4th and King.^ Heklina, the founder of San Francisco's iconic drag show, Trannyshack, has stopped so many club promoters from using her trademarked Trannyshack name that you could almost call it a side gig.

     ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

     ^ The San Francisco Chronicle By John King December 27th, 2009 The Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s tallest and best-known tower.

     Tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines before boarding; if the stop does not have such a machine and you do not have a ticket, you must board through the front door and buy one from the driver or risk being fined by a fare inspector. .MUNI Metro operates seven days a week from 4:30AM to 1:30AM. Between 1:30AM and 5AM, OWL Bus Lines service the entire Metro System.
  • The Historic Streetcar F Line uses historic streetcars, in original colors from several cities in the US and Milan, Italy.^ Contact A-Z San Francisco, CA. Cisco Liquidators Corporate investment recovery - A-Z computer liquidators service US cities nationwide: Nationwide Computer Liquidation A-Z Computers 2004 All rights reserved.
    • A-Z San Francisco Computer Liquidators-Computer Liquidation Asset Recovery 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.spintradeexchange.com [Source type: Reference]

     ^ Ouch: MUNI Wants to Raise the Fare for Historic F Market Line to $5 .

     .The line runs from Fisherman's Wharf south along the waterfront Embarcadero to the ferry building at the foot of Market Street, then up Market Street on the surface to the Castro district.^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

     Board through the front door and buy tickets from the driver if you do not already have a transfer or pass.
Cablecar at Powell & Market
Cablecar at Powell & Market
  • The world-famous Cable Cars run on three lines in the steep streets between Market Street and Fisherman's Wharf: the north-south Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde lines and the east-west California Street line. These cars are a fun ride, especially if you get to stand on the running board, if a bit impractical for everyday use (though residents of Nob and Russian Hills do, in fact, use them on a daily basis). .The cable car is such an attraction that, especially on weekends, it takes longer to wait in line to ride up Powell Street than it does to walk the short but sloping distance.^ Once again, the Onion News Network does cable news even better than cable news does cable news.

     Board through any door or just grab a pole on the running boards; tickets are checked and sold by a uniformed conductor. Do not buy tickets from anyone off the car except for clearly marked ticket booths - scam artists are common.
  • Both diesel and electric buses serve the rest of city. Board through the front door and buy tickets from or show your pass or transfer to the driver. Service ranges from a consistent two minutes on many lines leaving Market, to a more sporadic 20 minutes for buses to Treasure Island and between outlying neighborhoods. Bus delays, leading to waits of 20 to 30 minutes, are not uncommon and are a source of much grousing among locals. MUNI operates the bus service 24 hours day / seven days a week in San Francisco although late night owl service is limited in both lines and stops.
Other public transportation options include:
.
  • BART, the regional metro, has eight stations in San Francisco, making it a nice way to get between well-trafficked parts of the city, especially downtown and the Mission.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

     BART gets you across the Bay to Berkeley and Oakland and to the airports of San Francisco and Oakland. BART Trains run on 172 km (107 miles) of track, servicing 46 metro style stations. BART Trains operate on third rail power and accelerate to speeds approaching 130 km/h (80 MPH). .BART operates seven days a week from 4AM to 12:30AM. On weekdays BART trains depart downtown San Francisco stations at two to three minute intervals.^ Researching my story, I was amazed to learn that nearly one San Francisco voter in three declines to identify with any political party.

     ^ The San Francisco 49ers send three players to the Pro Bowl .

     ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

     Outer stations in far outlying suburbs have a maximum wait of fifteen to twenty minutes between BART Trains. After 12:30AM, AC Transit and other east bay transit providers provide overnight bus service, serving principal BART stations until about 6AM. Train routes are named for the two terminus cities, not for the line color as denoted on the system map. .For more information on BART, see the 'Get in' section above.
  • Caltrain has three stops within San Francisco.^ I think we’ll see some pretty extraordinary activity.” SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATIONS Attend the annual “Pulpit Exchange” at the Third Baptist… San Francisco Gay Bars .

     ^ Researching my story, I was amazed to learn that nearly one San Francisco voter in three declines to identify with any political party.

     ^ The San Francisco 49ers send three players to the Pro Bowl .

     Other than the 4th and King terminal in SoMa, these are the 22nd St. Station and the Bayshore Station (off of Tunnel Ave), neither of which are particularly attractive for visitors. Of interest to visitors who wish to travel outside of city is the Palo Alto Station (at University Avenue), across the street from the campus of Stanford University, and San Jose Diridon Station. Caltrain operates fast frequent commuter rail service, seven days a week. Service generally runs from 5AM to Midnight. For more information on Caltrain, see the 'Get in' section above.

By bike

.If you have strong legs and can tolerate traffic with intermittent bike lanes, bicycles can be a convenient form of transportation in San Francisco.^ Despite making up about half of the traffic fatalities in San Francisco, pedestrians receive only a tiny portion of the federal transportation funding available.

 ^ Dear Hearts!Can you believe it's sunny in San Francisco?

 ^ On January 15, check out Don Lenzer's look at the first decade of the company's shenanigans in the film Have You Heard of the San Francisco Mime Troupe?.

 The city is fairly small -- about 7 miles on each side (11 km) -- and it's fairly quick to get from one end to the other. But much of the terrain is hilly and hard to pedal up. .Do not be misled by maps depicting the city's strict, regular street grid, as even the straightest of San Francisco's streets might include steep hills or even staircases instead of a roadway.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

 .A classic and relatively easy ride is from the tip of Golden Gate Park's narrow Panhandle in the Haight, along paths and JFK Drive through the park to Ocean Beach.^ Golden Gate Park .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 JFK Drive is lightly trafficked, and closed to cars on Sundays. .But overall, San Francisco is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States despite its hilly terrain.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]
Downtown, SoMa, and the Sunset and Richmond districts are relatively flat. There are a number of bike paths and bike routes on city streets; the San Francisco Bike Coalition [38] keeps a lot of information about them. There are a number of bike rental companies in town, including Bay City Bike [39], Bike and Roll [40] and Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals [41] with locations in Fisherman's Wharf, and the Bike Hut [42] and Pacific Bicycle [43] in SoMa.
.Golden Gate Bridge has sectioned off pathways on each side for pedestrians.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge .

 .If you choose to rent a bicycle and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, be aware that bikes ride on the west (ocean) side of the bridge and walkers stay on the east, more crowded side of the bridge.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge .

 It is a pet peeve of many locals to have to dodge bicycles while jogging or strolling.

By taxi

.Taxis in San Francisco are, for a large city, surprisingly inefficient and expensive, starting at $3.10 just for getting in the door.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

 .You can get an idea of how much particular taxi trips cost in San Francisco using the San Francisco Taxicab Commission's webpage [44].^ Heklina, the founder of San Francisco's iconic drag show, Trannyshack, has stopped so many club promoters from using her trademarked Trannyshack name that you could almost call it a side gig.

 ^ Dear Hearts!Can you believe it's sunny in San Francisco?

 ^ Jon Heyman tweets (I can’t tell you how much I dislike Twitter): juan uribe has agreed to deal to go back to #sfgiants, pending physical.
.Except for taxi stations at or near downtown business hotels, or cruising just a few major arteries, taxis can be hard to find and hail -- and calling for a cab can mean a 30-45 minute wait, if the cab shows up at all.^ All you freeloaders paying just $2 to ride the historic F Market & Wharves trolleys in San Francisco, well, here’s your wake-up call, via the SF Streetsblog.

 Now, if you're anywhere near Union Square and are holding shopping bags, just by standing on the curb and hailing passing cabs will usually get you one quite quickly. It is significantly easier to catch a taxi on weekdays, not including Friday night.
If you are heading to the airport, your best bet is to call ahead with a specific pickup time to one of the many taxi companies. .You will also want to schedule your cab ahead of time because if you are going beyond 15 miles, you will end up paying 50% extra.^ The guys who collect your garbage will pick up your orphaned tree at the same time, during Jan.

 ^ All you freeloaders paying just $2 to ride the historic F Market & Wharves trolleys in San Francisco, well, here’s your wake-up call, via the SF Streetsblog.

By car

.Perpetually-clogged traffic, steep hills, a confusing system of one-way streets downtown, expensive parking, and a fleet of parking control officers who enforce parking laws with zeal can make driving in San Francisco extremely frustrating; visitors to the city should seriously consider alternatives to automobiles when possible.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ It goes like this, according to the Chron's report: "I have not met one human being who says we're undertaxed in San Francisco," [Newsom] said.

 .In addition, traffic from the Golden Gate Bridge uses surface streets either along CA-1, 19th Avenue or US-101 on Lombard and Van Ness.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

 ^ Herbst Theatre 401 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco 94102 on 2010-01-23 .

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge .

 A car is really only useful for visiting destinations outside of the city. .The greatest hazard of driving is on Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth, where a stretch known as "The Crookedest Street in the World" runs one-way down a steep hill making eight hairpin turns.^ Eight years ago Live Oak School settled into a former Hills Brothers Coffee plant on Mariposa Street.

 Oversized vehicles such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and recreational vehicles should NOT attempt to pass through the winding stretch of Lombard Street.
.The most difficult problem with your car in San Francisco will be parking.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 Parking throughout the city is extremely scarce. Garages, where they are available, are quite expensive ($20-30/day downtown). .San Francisco has some of the strictest parking laws and enforcement in the country.^ I think we’ll see some pretty extraordinary activity.” SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATIONS Attend the annual “Pulpit Exchange” at the Third Baptist… San Francisco Gay Bars .

 For day trips into the city, consider a park-and-ride at a Peninsula Caltrain [45] station, at a Peninsula BART [46] station, or at an East Bay BART station. Another option is to reserve parking in advance using GottaPark [47].
.When parking on a hill (and there are many of them in San Francisco), remember to always apply that parking brake and turn your wheels so that the tires are against the curb (Facing uphill, the front wheels should be turned out until the tires are resting against the curb.^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

 ^ The 49ers can get to 8-8 with a win tomorrow against a Rams team that they battered 35-0 in San Francisco earlier this season.

 ^ Emirates is offering discount flights to many popular destinations throughout the Middle East, India, Northern and Southern Africa from San Francisco.

 Facing downhill, the front wheels should be turned in so that they are set against the curb). .Failure to park properly doesn't just run the risk of having your car roll downhill, but it is also against the law and you may be ticketed.^ But I’m more bothered by a persistent “you’re either with us or against us” attitude that spawns the divisive rhetoric running rampant in our political discourse.
.Motorcycles and scooters are a common sight on San Francisco streets; in fact, San Francisco is known as one of the most motorcycle-friendly places in the U.S..^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

 ^ Researching my story, I was amazed to learn that nearly one San Francisco voter in three declines to identify with any political party.

 ^ The San Francisco Chronicle By John King December 27th, 2009 The Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s tallest and best-known tower.

 Street parking for motorcycles is plentiful and relatively inexpensive ($0.40 to $0.70 an hour), but note that parking on sidewalks is usually illegal. There are several motorcycle rental shops, along with many dealers, service shops, and motorcyclist hangouts. As elsewhere in California, motorcyclists must wear helmets. Motorcycle theft is a problem; always use a disk lock or secure your bike to a stationary object using a cable or chain.

Finding your way around

Cross streets. .As San Francisco streets are numbered (100 per block) from the beginning of the street, and even and odd numbers are always on opposite sides, it is best when asking directions to ask for a cross street or neighborhood name.^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

 ^ The San Francisco Chronicle By John King December 27th, 2009 The Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s tallest and best-known tower.

 ^ Map of Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco, with links to neighborhood details, photos, and restaurants.

 For instance, if you are at the intersection of Haight Street and Clayton Street, and you ask the driver of the 33 Stanyan bus "Does this bus go to Market Street?" it will get you a yes, but the bus won't get you downtown, it will get you south from that intersection to Market and 18th in the Castro district.
Numbered streets and avenues. .San Francisco has both numbered streets, in the Mission, the Castro, and SoMa, and numbered avenues in the largely residential Sunset and Richmond districts.^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

 ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

 ^ The Independent 628 Divisadero Street San Francisco on 2010-02-06 .

 Mixing numbered streets and avenues when asking directions may leave you miles from your destination. This can be confusing, as San Franciscans will not say "Street" or "Avenue" unless it is required to avoid ambiguity. Thus, they won't say "I live on Fifth Avenue," but will say "I live near Fifth and Geary." Street signs generally don't have "Street" or "Avenue" either; they just say "GEARY" or "MASONIC".
Multiple street grids. .One of the most confusing aspects of driving in San Francisco is the presence of multiple street grids, particularly in the downtown area where two grids intersect at an angle along Market Street.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ San Francisco, CA Light Up Students Life / Bringing Reading to Life "One way that I have seen students connect ..."
  • San Francisco Schools - San Francisco California School Ratings - Public and Private 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.greatschools.org [Source type: General]

 ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 .Even more confusing are streets in the middle of the standard blocks, like New Montgomery Street.^ Visit San Francisco Giants news and blogs for even more news and blogs converage.
No left turns. Several key San Francisco arterial streets, including 19th Avenue and Market Street, do not have space for dedicated left turn lanes and therefore bear NO LEFT TURN signs at most intersections. As a result, you will be frustrated when you drive for miles on these streets with no opportunity to turn left. The trick, of course, is to go around the block with multiple right turns after passing one's desired street, which requires you to stay in the right lane, not the left lane.

See

.San Francisco has much to see - these are just the most significant sights.^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

 ^ (Dexter)Read the full reviews at GayCities San Francisco and see photos, maps and reviews of Lookout Bar and other bars, hotels, events and restaurants .

 ^ I think we’ll see some pretty extraordinary activity.” SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATIONS Attend the annual “Pulpit Exchange” at the Third Baptist… San Francisco Gay Bars .

 For more detail see the individual district sections, often linked from this entry.
Three passes are available which offer discounts to many interesting attractions:
  • CityPass [48]. A relatively cheap and easy way to cover many attractions of the city is the CityPass. .For a fare of $59 for adults and $39 for children 17 and under, you get admission to the California Academy of Sciences, a Blue and Gold Fleet bay cruise, the Aquarium of the Bay, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and the Exploratorium or the Legion of Honor and the de Young Museum (both must be visited on the same day).^ More > > , More > > Palace of Fine Arts 3301 Lyon (at Bay), San Francisco This iconic landmark, the last remaining part of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, includes...
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     ^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     ^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

     .A City Pass works for 9 consecutive days starting with the use of your first ticket (each ticket only accounts for one visit to each attraction).^ But because some of the homeless also get high or have sex in the bathroom stalls, use the sinks as bathtubs, swear among the stacks and threaten librarians, our library may be the first (and only) one in the US to have an in-house psychiatric social worker.

     The pass also includes seven consecutive days of Cable Car and MUNI fares.
  • Go San Francisco Card [49]. .Another easy way to cover many attractions and tours is the Go San Francisco Card.^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

     ^ Emirates is offering discount flights to many popular destinations throughout the Middle East, India, Northern and Southern Africa from San Francisco.

     ^ There seems to be this thought that the San Diego Chargers are going to have an easy time with the New York Jets on Sunday.

     .This card allows you to take some tours for free, such as the Wine Country tour, San Francisco Sightseeing, City Tour, Bay Cruises, museums, aquariums, The Conservatory of Flowers, and many other activities.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     Other tours and activities are also discounted from $5 to 40%. The cost of the card is $50 for 1 day, $80 for 2 days, $85 for 3 days. $115 for 5 days, and $136 for 7 days.
  • Wharf Pass [50]. If you are visiting Fisherman's Wharf this pass includes 10 attractions, bay cruises and sightseeing tours. .With the pass you have 2 days to enjoy a Hop On Hop Off Tour of San Francisco, Bay Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and choice of 3 of 6 attractions.^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ A list of events happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

     The 2 day pass includes additional discounts at 45 Wharf area shopping, dining, activity and tour companies. The cost for the Wharf Pass is $58 for adults and $38 for children 5-11. The Wharf Pass can be combined with an Alcatraz ferry and audio tour by contacting Alcatraz Cruises reservation department at +1 415 981-7625 [51].
The Palace of Fine Arts
.
The Palace of Fine Arts
  • The Golden Gate Bridge, located at the Golden Gate, is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in San Francisco and one of the most famous bridges in the United States, and has been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.^ Our corporate overlords at the Gap have teamed up with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Artto celebrate SFMOMA’s 75th anniversary with artistic T-shirts.

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ It goes like this, according to the Chron's report: "I have not met one human being who says we're undertaxed in San Francisco," [Newsom] said.

     .The bridge spans the Golden Gate, a strait between San Francisco and Marin County to the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city.
  • The famous cable cars run up and down the hills of San Francisco between Market Street and Fisherman's Wharf and offer quite a ride.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

     See above under Get around for more info.
  • The Presidio, located in the Golden Gate district, was founded in 1776 and was the longest-running military post in the U.S. before closing as a base in 1994. It is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and contains the Fort Point National Historic Site. .From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick masons from the Civil War period. The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful building, built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and reminiscent of Roman and Greek architecture.
  • Coit Tower, atop Telegraph Hill in North Beach, is dedicated to the San Francisco firefighters (who fought a massive blaze in 1906 after the earthquake that destroyed much of the city center), and the tower is rumored to be designed to resemble the nozzle of a fire hose. .At 250' high, it is a healthy hike from the nearby neighborhoods just below the hill.
  • The Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest and most recognizable building in the San Francisco skyline, located among the skyscrapers and highrises of the Financial District.
  • Alamo Square Park in the Western Addition district is home to the famous Painted Ladies row of Victorian houses on its east side along Steiner Street, with many other pretty Victorians encircling the lovely park.
  • Lombard Street.^ The San Francisco Chronicle By John King December 27th, 2009 The Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s tallest and best-known tower.

     ^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

     ^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

     The (nearly) crookedest street in America, between Hyde & Leavenworth on Russian Hill. The city has a twistier but less scenic hill-climb along Vermont Street, south of McKinley Square on Potrero Hill. .You can get a view of Lombard from the Powell & Hyde cable car line.
  • 22nd Street between Vicksburg and Church in Noe Valley and Filbert Street between Leavenworth and Hyde on Russian Hill - At a 31.5% grade, these streets share the honor of steepest streets in San Francisco.
  • The Mission Dolores Church in the Mission District is one of the oldest structures in the city with superb city views from Dolores Park.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

     The walls of many nearby buildings, especially on alleys between Market and Valencia, are painted with a fantastic collection of murals of all sorts.
Chinatown
Chinatown
  • Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to see amazing street entertainers, eat excellent seafood, watch sea lions, visit museums, or take a cruise to the infamous Alcatraz Prison or the pleasant Angel Island. Working fishing boats still come into the small harbor at Jones and Jefferson, the endpoint of the Muni Historic F-streetcar. There are also small day and party boats available. .The fresh breeze from the bay can provide a bracing setting.
  • Chinatown, centered around Grant Street from Bush to Columbus, is part tourist trap, part an exhibit of local life.^ The last time a man in a dress got this much applause in the Bay Area was when Dame Edna was sashaying around San Francisco's Post Street Thaetre.

     Good eating places remain, and the side streets especially have stores one wouldn't find in a mall. Stockton Street, the street paralleling Grant to the west, is the main street where most locals do their shopping for groceries. Be sure to sample some of the dim sum and other specialties offered in the many bustling shops. However, many local Chinese prefer to eat and shop in the new Chinatowns located in other neighborhoods such as on Clement Street between 2nd and 12th Avenues in the Inner Richmond neighborhood. .The Muni #1 (California) and #2 (Clement, does not run at night) buses get people from one Chinatown to the other.
  • The Civic Center has impressive Beaux Arts buildings including City Hall and the War Memorial Veterans Building, the celebrated Asian Art Museum, music and theater venues (including large concert halls and a renowned Symphony and Opera), and the main public library.
  • The Castro is the center of San Francisco's Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Transgender (LGBT) community, with theaters and small shops and restaurants.
  • Treasure Island.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ A list of helpful iPhone applications to help navigate the streets (and restaurants) of San Francisco.

     .An artificial island half-way between San Francisco and Oakland connected to Yerba Buena Island which the Bay Bridge passes through.^ The cheapest flights to Quito from San Francisco are still just under $600 (and have been this way for the last year).

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ A list of events happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

     .The island has excellent views of the San Francisco and Oakland skylines and quirky structures from the international fairground-turned-navy base-turned-neighborhood.^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

     ^ Map of Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco, with links to neighborhood details, photos, and restaurants.

     Accessible by Muni bus #108 from the Transbay Terminal in SoMa.

Museums

.When the morning is foggy, you may want to spend a few hours in one of the city's many world-class museums.^ You’ll want to settle into one of the comfy easy chairs and poke around the selections in the listening stations for a good long while at the “Jews on Vinyl” exhibit, up through this spring at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

 ^ The city’s top planner called the proposal “an inhumane creation.” The Washington Post’s critic recoiled at “a second-class world’s fair Space Needle.” Progressive… .

 Golden Gate Park is home to the copper-clad M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary and indigenous art. .The de Young Museum's former Asian collection is now permanently housed in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, located in the Civic Center.^ This map shows the location of San Francisco's major museums.

 ^ Our corporate overlords at the Gap have teamed up with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Artto celebrate SFMOMA’s 75th anniversary with artistic T-shirts.

 ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

 .Across from the de Young Museum stands the California Academy of Sciences, which holds a huge array of science exhibits, including an aquarium and a natural history museum.^ Editors' Picks Friday, January 8 Atlas Sound, Tune Yards The Natural History Museum's new season of First Fridays opens this week with a nifty double...
  • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Natural History Museum .
  • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County .
  • Los Angeles, CA 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.nndb.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is in Lincoln Park in the northwest corner of the Richmond district. In Nob Hill, the Cable Car Museum offers exhibits on the famous moving landmarks of San Francisco. .The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Moscone Center, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Zeum, the Cartoon Art Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora and the Museum of Craft and Folk Art are all located in SoMa, south of Union Square.^ Our corporate overlords at the Gap have teamed up with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Artto celebrate SFMOMA’s 75th anniversary with artistic T-shirts.

 ^ A man with gunshot wounds brought himself to a fire station in San Francisco's South of Market District this morning, police said.

 ^ Artistic T-Shirts Now Available at the 75-Year-Old San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .

 .The Contemporary Jewish Museum, which was designed by Daniel Libeskind and opened in June 2008, is the latest major addition to San Francisco's museum scene.^ This map shows the location of San Francisco's major museums.

 ^ Our corporate overlords at the Gap have teamed up with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Artto celebrate SFMOMA’s 75th anniversary with artistic T-shirts.

 ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .
At the Hyde Street Pier in Fisherman's Wharf you can go on board several historical ships, including the 1886 Balclutha clipper ship, a walking-beam ferry, a steam tug, and a coastal schooner. At Pier 45 just to the east, the World War II submarine USS Pampanito and the World War II Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien can be visited. Nearby is the Aquarium of the Bay on Pier 39 and the Wax Museum.
The Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina will keep you busy for an entire day with their science and perception exhibits. Also in the Marina district is Fort Mason, home to a few cultural museums.
Baker Beach
Baker Beach
  • Golden Gate Park, in The Avenues district, is a massive (roughly 1/2 mile-by-four mile) urban oasis with windmills, bison, museums, a carousel and much more hidden among its charms. .The park contains the antique palatial greenhouse of the Conservatory of Flowers, the modern and ethnic art focused de Young Museum, the large Japanese Tea Garden, the new California Academy of Sciences building designed by Renzo Piano and the Strybing Arboretum, a collection of plants from across the temperate world.
  • Lincoln Park, in the Richmond, defines the extreme Northwestern corner of San Francisco.^ San Francisco news rss - Google News .

     ^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     ^ San Francisco Giants news and blogs - January 16, 2010 .

     .It provides majestic views of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge from the Ocean side, and the Pacific Ocean itself.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge .

     .At the extreme western end the well known Cliff House provides both semi-casual and a more formal eating and drinking place.^ More in EAT+DRINK .
    • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

     The Legion of Honor museum at the center of the park houses many incredible artworks.
  • Twin Peaks, accessible by car or on foot via Twin Peaks Boulevard (north of Portola Drive, just east of Laguna Honda). .The small parking area at the northern tip of Twin Peaks Boulevard (875' above sea level) is near the physical center of the city, and one of its highest points, providing spectacular views in all directions.^ It’s not that Aubrey Huff doesn’t have some small role to play on the 2010 Giants — he does — but one has to wonder what the point of Huff is?

     ^ All cities in California: A-M   N-Z Five high schools in each state that represent the qualities of a great school View top California high schools > Where do I even start?
    • San Francisco Schools - San Francisco California School Ratings - Public and Private 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.greatschools.org [Source type: General]

     ^ Twin Peaks/ Glen Park .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     .Tour buses can get backed up here during the day, but it's a great place to really appreciate the city from above, especially at and after sunset.^ (CalgaryCub)you have to go its great (Tammyk1)Good place for Happy Hour on Friday (sfgam)OMGYG2BK! (RinconJohn)just got back from sanfransisco about a week a go… .

     .Temperatures up there can be quite a bit lower than in the rest of the city, so bring a jacket.
  • San Francisco Zoo.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ San Francisco, CA Light Up Students Life / Bringing Reading to Life "One way that I have seen students connect ..."
    • San Francisco Schools - San Francisco California School Ratings - Public and Private 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.greatschools.org [Source type: General]

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     Located in the Lake Merced area at the end of the L streetcar line near Ocean Beach, this large and well maintained zoo is a great place to go if you are traveling with children or have a fondness for penguins, primates, lions or llamas. It is Northern California's largest zoological park.
  • Beaches. .While not particularly well known for its beaches, San Francisco has a couple of good ones along the Pacific Ocean - but the water is brisk, the winds can be rough, and due to a very strong riptide swimming at any of them is not recommended.^ Researching my story, I was amazed to learn that nearly one San Francisco voter in three declines to identify with any political party.

     ^ The San Francisco Chronicle By John King December 27th, 2009 The Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s tallest and best-known tower.

     ^ The San Francisco 49ers suddenly feel good about their QBs .

     Ocean Beach along the Sunset district is the largest and most famous beach, with plenty of sand and people enjoying themselves. China Beach in Richmond and Baker Beach in Golden Gate are smaller, rather secluded beaches with lovely views.

Do

Tours

Harbor tours

Approaching the Island of Alcatraz
Approaching the Island of Alcatraz
One of the best ways to see San Francisco is from the waters of San Francisco Bay. .There are many companies offering San Francisco harbor tours of varying durations and prices but they all provide marvelous views of the bay, the bridges, the island of Alcatraz and the city.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

 ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

 ^ Yes Virgina, there are single, "str8" Black men in San Francisco and I have enjoyed dating some although they often didn't want to go to "white events" with me...
Only specific island tours are allowed to land at Alcatraz, but the typical harbor tour will circle the island at a slow crawl, giving you plenty of opportunity to photograph the now-inactive prison from the water.
.Also consider taking a ferry from San Francisco across the bay to Tiburon, Sausalito, or Alameda.^ Hallmark, take me away from closet whores tweekers and unmedicated bisexuals (aka your average San Francisco "str8" male.

 ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

 ^ A list of events happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

 Same views for a fraction of the price.
Most tours leave from docks at Fisherman's Wharf near Pier 39. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks along the waterfront walk. Buy tickets a day or two in advance during the summer high season.
Boats usually leave roughly hourly starting around 10AM and ending around 5PM. Multi-lingual guides are available on some tours. Prices range from $20-$40, more for sunset, dinner, or whale watching tours.
  • Even on a sunny day the bay can be chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater as well as sun screen.
  • Some boats have snack bars on board, but bring your own water and treats to avoid paying high costs or going without. There are now limited refreshments and a souvenirs shop on Alcatraz.
Companies offering harbor tours include:
  • Red & White Fleet, ☎ +1 415 673-2900, [52].  edit
  • Blue & Gold Fleet, ☎ +1 415 705-8200, [53].  edit
  • Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing, ☎ +1 650 492-0681, [54].  edit
  • Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, ☎ +1 800 498-4228, [55].  edit
  • Hornblowers, ☎ +1 888 467-6256, [56].  edit

Walking/Biking tours

  • Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals and Tours, with multiple locations in Fisherman's Wharf, ☎ +1 415 202-8888, [57]. .In addition to bike rentals, this company offers guided bicycling tours over the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County, where you can return by ferry.  edit
  • San Francisco City Guides, ☎ +1 415 557-4266, [58].^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     .Founded in 1978, City Guides is a non-profit organization with more than 200 trained volunteers who lead free history and architectural walking tours in San Francisco.^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Pier 39 is offering free admission to San Francisco residents, to celebrate its nonprofit status.

     ^ While overall San Francisco tenants gave up 1.3 million square feet more than they leased in 2009, the city’s 49 most prominent buildings — JLL calls them the Skyline 49 — actually had about 100,000 square feet of positive absorption over the past two quarters.

     They are sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library.      edit

Bus/Driving tours

  • A Friend in Town, ☎ +1 800 960-8099, [59]. Offers personalized sightseeing tours conducted by a trained historian. .Solo travelers or groups up to 30 are picked up and dropped off at their home, hotel, or anywhere within 100 miles of downtown San Francisco.  edit
  • Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel, ☎ +1 415 337-1874, [60].^ Sabean has had his eye on this guy over the last few trade deadlines, so once DeRosa dropped his demand from a 3 year deal to 2, I began to get… San Francisco Giants News .

     ^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco on 2010-01-30 .

     ^ Our corporate overlords at the Gap have teamed up with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Artto celebrate SFMOMA’s 75th anniversary with artistic T-shirts.

     .Private, custom tours for groups of six or fewer persons in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ A list of events happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

     ^ The properties were part of Morgan Stanley’s $2.43 billion portfolio purchase from the Blackstone Group, the largest real estate transaction in San Francisco history.

     Visit boutique wineries in Napa and Sonoma, San Francisco's vibrant neighborhoods, the giant redwoods of Muir Woods, the hillside village of Sausalito, the magnificent California coast, and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.      edit
  • Extranomical Tours, 690 5th St. suite 205, ☎ +1 415 357-0700 (), [61]. 6AM-10PM. .Small group tours in San Francisco and around the SF Bay area to Yosemite & the Giant Sequoias as well as the Wine Country and the Redwoods.  edit
  • GoCar, ☎ +1 800 914-6227, [62].^ San Francisco Giants news and blogs - January 16, 2010 .

     ^ It seemed that Giants fans were angry about the move to San Francisco, and also, the Giants were mired in sixth… .

     ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

     These little yellow cars show you the way as they lead you on their tour of San Francisco.  edit
  • Mr. Toads Tours, ☎ +1 877 467-8623, [63]. Semi-private environmentally friendly tours are provided in 10-passenger, propane powered pre-1930s touring cars. .Highlights include Chinatown's fortune cookie factory, Victorian homes, Lombard Street, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Presidio National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, and Ghirardelli Square.^ Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel .

     ^ Golden Gate Bridge .

     Frequent daily departures from Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Reservations recommended and can be made online.      edit
  • Gray Line Tours, ☎ +1 415 434-8687, [64]. Motorcoach and motorized cable car tours of the city, as well as tours of the surrounding area. Price varies by tour.  edit
  • Isolda Anilovich - Russian-Speaking Tour Guide, ☎ +1 415 351-2232, [65]. [66] (Russian version). .Private, custom tours of San Francisco, Bay Area and Napa Valley are provided in native Russian language.^ The Fillmore - San Francisco 1805 Geary Blvd San Francisco 94115 on 2010-02-06 KGO Radio Bay Area News .

     ^ Map of Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco, with links to neighborhood details, photos, and restaurants.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     Flexible accommodations to suit your interests, taste, and budget.       edit

Other tours

  • Guided Segway Tours, ☎ +1 415 474-3130, [67]. New three hour guided tours on a Segway. Departures daily. .See the San Francisco Waterfront, Marina Green, Fort Mason and more.^ (Dexter)Read the full reviews at GayCities San Francisco and see photos, maps and reviews of Lookout Bar and other bars, hotels, events and restaurants .

     ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

     ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     Includes 35-45 minutes of training and 2 - 2 1/2 hours of sightseeing. Small group sizes make this ideal for individuals and families. Reservations required. .Tours are now also offered in Sausalito.  edit
  • Local Tastes of the City (San Francisco Tours), ☎ +1 415 665-0480, [68].^ Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this.

     ^ Tracey Warson will join Citi Private Bank next month as managing director and West Coast regional executive, based in San Francisco.

     ^ San Francisco City Hall’s back steps failed to produce any bidders.

     .San Francisco City Food & Cultural Tours.^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     .Offers daily walking food tours of San Francisco's Little Italy (North Beach) and Chinatown.  edit
  • Ballpark Tours - San Francisco Giants AT&T Stadium, AT&T Stadium, SoMa, ☎ +1 415 972-2400, [69].^ San Francisco Giants news and blogs - January 16, 2010 .

     ^ View our complete collection of news and blogs, plus related videos, photos and more at ThrillOf: San Francisco Giants.

     ^ CHONE has Uribe projected at -11 runs on offense and… SFGate: SFGate: San Francisco Giants : The Splash .

     Daily at 10:30AM and 12:30PM except when day games are scheduled at the ballpark. A guided tour of the ballpark, taking you behind the scenes where usually only players and staff can go. $12.50 adults, $10.50 seniors, $7.50 children.   edit
Davies Symphony Hall
Davies Symphony Hall
  • San Francisco has a Half-Price Ticket Booth located right in the middle of Union Square, where tickets for most San Francisco theater performances can be purchased the day of the performance for half-price. Run by Theatre Bay Area [70], all service fees collected from the sale of tickets by TIX Bay Area [71] goes right back into the theater community.
  • Go to a concert, a play, a jazz or a folk-song performance. There are performances most days to choose from by the San Francisco Opera [72], the San Francisco Symphony [73], in Herbst Theater (where the U.N. charter was signed) [74], in the Old First Church [75], and for musicals in the Orpheum or the Golden Gate Theaters [76], all located in or near the Civic Center. The museum of the Legion of Honor [77], located in Lincoln Park overlooking the Golden Gate (north end of 34th Ave), has organ concerts which can be heard in many of its galleries, Saturdays and Sundays at 4PM, as well as music performances in its Florence Gould Theater by the San Francisco Lyric Opera [78]. For the fall and spring jazz festivals look into the SFJAZZ calendar [79]. San Francisco also has many jazz clubs, best found by browsing the web (an excellent site is SFStation.com [80]). Contemporary bands are featured at The Fillmore Auditorium [81] and less frequently at the large Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in the Civic Center. There is an annual blues festival in late September, at various locations [82], and at least two great bluegrass music festivals each year - during February [83] around the area and late September or October [84] in Golden Gate Park. .Many, but certainly not all, events are listed by the City Box Office [85].
  • Ballet of the world class variety can be seen for only $10. San Francisco Ballet [86] sells standing room tickets (with excellent views from the back of the orchestra) for their shows at the War Memorial Opera House in Civic Center during the afternoon of each performance as well as two hours before showtime.
  • Plays are performed at the Geary (by the American Conservatory Theater [87]), Curran, and the Marines Memorial theatres [88], and at the small New Conservatory Theater [89] near the Civic Center.
  • Musicals from Broadway and Los Angeles are shown at the traditional Golden Gate and Orpheum theaters on Market, near the Civic Center [90].^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     ^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     ^ More > > Elbo Room , Wed., February 10, 9:00pm , 119 more music events today > > Submit an event Editors' Picks Thursday, February 11 Club Foot 30th Anniversary: Club Foot Orchestra, Alterboys, Longshoremen, Bay of Pigs For its six years of existence, Club Foot kept art alive in the San Francisco rock scene.
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     For outrageous fun, princes and paupers go to Beach Blanket Babylon [91] in North Beach. Teenagers are welcome at the Sunday Matinees. It considers itself the longest running musical revue in theater history.

Events

There is an incredible array of events going on in San Francisco - virtually every day there will be something of interest to anyone going on, and San Francisco's mild climate ensures that practically every weekend will bring another major festival or some sort of large event. Listed here are just some of the really big events going on:

Cultural events

  • Cherry Blossom Festival, Western Addition, [92]. April. In Japantown, this kid-friendly event includes a parade, a street fair, and music.
  • Fringe Festival, taking place at various theaters in the Civic Center-Tenderloin area, [93]. Just after Labor Day. .A 10 day festival about theatrical experimentation and having fun, even if you don't know what you're doing exactly.
  • Haight Ashbury Street Fair, Haight, [94].^ Do you know something we don't?
    • Los Angeles, CA 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.nndb.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

     .On the second Sunday of June, people pack the Upper Haight for this event featuring local bands, food stalls and plenty of shopping.
  • LovEvolution (formerly Love Parade and Love Fest), [95].^ Best Of Los Angeles > Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation TOPLESS ROBOT .
    • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     A yearly annual event held on a Saturday in late September or early October. It has become the largest public electronic music festival in the nation. The revelers and floats gather at 2nd and Howard in SoMa with the floats going down Market and ending at Civic Center Plaza. It attracts well known electronic DJ's and thousands of partiers, with some dressing up in wacky costumes to join in the parade.
  • San Francisco Blues Festival, Fort Mason in Golden Gate, [96]. Last weekend in September. The oldest continually running blues fest in the world, attracting some great Blues performers every year. For the famished, they also have some flavorful New Orleans style barbeques to compliment the music.
  • San Francisco International Film Festival, based at the Presidio in Golden Gate, but smaller events take place throughout the city, [97]. Two weeks in Apr/May. Organized by the San Francisco Film Society who are based in the Presidio, but the arthouse movies, documentaries, and short films are shown throughout the city.
  • Tet Festival, Civic Center-Tenderloin area, [98]. Mid-January to mid-February. Celebrate New Year's Vietnamese style at this festival. It's a great opportunity to sample some of the delicious Vietnamese dishes that they have in the area.
  • Union Street Art Festival, Golden Gate, [99]. First weekend in June. This festival attracts many local artists who line the streets displaying their arts and crafts, along with live jazz and classical music performances and an organic farmer's market.

Holidays

  • Chinese New Year Festivities, Chinatown, [100]. January or February. The San Francisco version of the Chinese New Year dates way back, with a colorful, vibrant parade with decorative costumes, lions, deafening firecrackers, "lucky-money" envelopes, colorful banners, ornately themed floats, martial arts groups, stilt walkers, acrobats, and, of course, a 200 foot Golden Dragon.
  • Columbus Day Parade, North Beach, [101]. This hugely popular parade celebrates Christopher Columbus and Italian heritage. Handmade floats run all the way from Fisherman's Wharf up Columbus Avenue through North Beach.
  • Easter Parade and Spring Celebration, Union Street in Golden Gate. The kid-friendly but diverse festivities include a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, train rides, alfresco dining, and a parade.
  • Fourth of July. San Francisco's main Independence Day celebrations take place on Fisherman's Wharf. There is lots of free entertainment during the day, culminating with an impressive fireworks display from the foot of Municipal Pier, and at the other end of the Wharf from barges moored off the north of PIER 39.
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ghirardelli Square, Ghirardelli Square, Fishermans' Wharf. End of November. Ring in the holiday season by attending the festivities at Ghirardelli Square. There's theater, live music, and then at the end they decorate a 45 foot Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, and chocolate bars.

LGBT community events

San Francisco is famous for its exuberant and visible lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, who always put together some very festive events:
  • Halloween in the Castro, [102]. Halloween, the holiday when everyone puts on a mask, has long been a special time for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to take off the "straight-looking mask" they sometimes wore all year, and be themselves. What remains today is a huge, sometimes poorly controlled, street party in the Castro on the evening of October 31st each year.
  • Pink Saturday is a street party in the Castro on the Saturday night before the Pride Parade and Celebration.
  • The San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Parade and Celebration [103] is one of the largest gay pride parades and festivals in North America, centered in the Civic Center area. It's a huge, happy, chaotic celebration of diversity, politics, sexuality, and San Francisco wackiness, on the last weekend in June. About a dozen stages and spaces offer everything from square dancing to hip-hop, from a family garden to Leather Alley. It's a movement, it's a market, it's a party. Both parade and celebration are for everyone -- straight as well as gay are welcome.

Outdoor and recreational events

  • Bay to Breakers, [104]. Third Sunday in May. An annual footrace that is one of the largest in the country. The route runs from Downtown to Ocean Beach. Many runners do the whole thing in costume, wearing anything from elaborate costumes to wearing almost nothing at all, lending a party atmosphere to the event.
  • Critical Mass. .On the last Friday of each month, bicyclists in San Francisco (and about 200 like-minded cities world-wide) gather at the north end of Market Street on the Embarcadero and ride en masse to some destination, militantly demonstrating their right to occupy the roads.^ Hotels About Agoda Rewards Special Offers 24/7 Help You are here : Home → World → North America → United States Hotels .
    • United States Hotels - Online hotel reservations for Hotels in United States 15 September 2009 6:11 UTC www.agoda.com [Source type: General]

     If you are driving in SF on a Critical Mass day, you will want to listen for radio traffic reports, but if you are stopped by the mass the best thing to do is maintain a good sense of humor and remember that it will all pass in about 5 minutes. Although, tempers can and do flare, and there have been cases where run ins with drivers and bicyclists have gotten violent.
  • Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, [105]. Second Sunday in June. Participants (which often include world champions and Olympic medalists) swim 1.5 miles through chilly waters, bike 18 miles, and then run a extra 8 miles. The course winds its way throughout the city, but the transition and finish line is at Marina Green in the Golden Gate area.
  • Fleet Week, Fisherman's Wharf, [106]. Usually held in the first week of October, it's a tribute to the men and women in the armed forces. A flotilla of Navy ships dock on the Wharf in parade fashion, and there are many free Deck tours available from crew members. There are also several air displays by the Navy flyers.
AT&T Park
AT&T Park
In addition to the spectator sports teams in San Francisco, there are also teams nearby in San Jose and Oakland.
  • San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park (in SoMa) [107]. Major League Baseball team.
  • San Francisco 49ers, Candlestick Park (on Candlestick Point in Southeast San Francisco) [108]. .National football league team.
  • San Francisco Seals, Negoesco Stadium (on the University of San Francisco campus in Western Addition) [109].^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League team.
  • University of San Francisco Dons, University of San Francisco campus (in Western Addition) [110]. .Various college sports including baseball, basketball, soccer and volleyball.
  • San Francisco State University Gators, SF State campus (near Lake Merced) [111].^ San Francisco Comedy College .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     ^ Best Of San Francisco > Arts & Entertainment Bars & Clubs Food & Drink People & Places Shopping & Services Sports & Recreation Web Extras > .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     Various college sports including baseball, basketball and soccer.

Learn

The University of California, San Francisco is one of the city's largest employers and is dedicated solely to the education of health and the biomedical sciences. Also in the University of California system is the Hastings College of the Law, a major law school located in downtown San Francisco. The San Francisco State University is another major public university that offers a broader range of studies than the UC colleges in the city. Rounding off the city's public colleges is the City College of San Francisco, a two-year community college.
.San Francisco also has numerous private colleges and universities, some of them large, such as the University of San Francisco located in the Richmond district, and some of them smaller and much more specalized.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus (at Chestnut), San Francisco A spacious yet intimate venue for live music of all genres.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Naan 'n' Curry 336 O'Farrell (at Mason), San Francisco In addition to standards like chicken tikka masala (butter chicken), look for more unusual...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

Work

Being the world-class tourist attraction that it is, San Francisco's economy is mostly centered on tourism. .Its frequent portrayal in music, films, literature and popular culture has helped make the city and its landmarks known throughout the world.^ More> > Fab Hot Dogs 6747 Tampa Ave., Reseda Los Angeles, as has been amply proven, is a melting pot of world hot dog culture, a city where...
  • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

 San Francisco has developed a large tourist infrastructure with numerous hotels, restaurants, and top-notch convention facilities.
.While it's been a long time since people considered Montgomery Street in the Financial District to be the "Wall Street of the West", San Francisco remains one of the principal banking and finance centers of the west coast of the United States.^ More > > Bix 56 Gold (at Montgomery), San Francisco Bix is San Francisco's closest approximation of a supper club, with a superb bar and very good...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Yank Sing Rincon Center, 101 Spear (at Mission), San Francisco One of San Francisco's best dim sum houses offers dozens of little dishes, which include (in...
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 ^ More > > Where Do People Like Me Go In San Francisco?
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

 Many major financial institutions and banks are based in the city or have set up regional headquarters here.
San Francisco's proximity to Silicon Valley has made the city increasingly attractive for high-tech companies. .In recent years, San Francisco has also been making itself a center of biotechnology.^ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco .
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

Buy

See the Districts articles for more listings.
San Francisco has a wide range of small and locally-owned businesses throughout the neighborhoods of the city. .In fact, San Francisco has for the most part repelled the development of large chain retailers and big box stores that are common across America.^ A short list of San Francisco's most popular hot spots.
  • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]
Fisherman's Wharf has all your typical touristy souvenir shops and a few small shopping centers. Union Square has many national retailers and fancy boutique stores, as well as a few shopping centers thrown in to the mix.
Crabs at Fisherman's Wharf
Crabs at Fisherman's Wharf
See the Districts articles for more listings.
San Francisco is a sensual, epicurean city with a vast array of restaurants. The price range is huge, and you can spend anywhere from a small fortune to a couple bucks for every type of cuisine. Vegetarians and vegans will find SF a paradise. Sushi is a local obsession, and though you can find a sushi bar on almost every street corner, the Richmond district has more than its fair share of excellent sushi chefs. San Francisco also has the largest Chinatown in North America, as well as one of the largest Chinese communities in the West, and many exceptional restaurants serving dim sum and other Chinese delicacies are found throughout The City. This localized Chinese cuisine has its feet in Hong Kong and America, and is different from what many visitors are accustomed to. Fisherman's Wharf serves fresh seafood, especially clam chowder and crabs cooked to order. North Beach is the place to go for Italian food, and the Mission (birth place of the mission style burrito) for Mexican and Latin American cuisine of all sorts. San Francisco restaurants are also very corkage friendly. Average corkage fee appears to be in the $15 range, with some of the more pricey places charging $25-35.

Drink

See the Districts articles for more listings.
The best way to find a good bar or club is to ask the advice of a local; but barring that a copy of The SF Bay Guardian or the SF Weekly will help you find something suited to your personal taste.
San Francisco is very much of a "scene" town. Head to the Marina for mid-20s to mid-30s professionals (and those visiting from Los Angeles). Haight-Ashbury, famous for the "Summer of Love" and hippies, is still a place for alternative lifestyle and now has many neo-punks and hipsters in the mix. South of Market (SoMa) and the Mission District have left-over dot-commers and hipsters hanging out on every corner. .The Castro primarily serves San Francisco's gay men, with The Lexington, Wild Side West, and Stray Bar in the Mission serving as lesbian bars.^ More > > Fubar 7994 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. This WeHo gay bar may be on the small side, but the parties are big fun thanks to some of L.A.'s...
  • Los Angeles News, Events, Restaurants, Music 28 January 2010 0:21 UTC www.laweekly.com [Source type: General]

 With a large Irish population, San Francisco has a number of very good Irish pubs extending out into the Sunset neighborhood. North Beach is home to several dance clubs and strip clubs.
If you like soccer (football) and all things English, you should stop into the Kezar Pub, at the edge of the Haight-Ashbury District, or Lower Haight's Mad Dog In the Fog. The pub quiz and bar food are good. Swill some pints and stay in the dark. Good for an entire day's worth of drinking. It is also central to other "dive" bars on Haight, including the beer mecca Toronado.

Beer

San Francisco, despite being much smaller than New York City, sports more microbreweries. Anchor Brewing Company (makers of Anchor Steam, found throughout the US) is brewed on Potrero Hill, though it is generally not open to the public (tours are available Friday afternoons by reservation). Similarly, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers opens its doors on Friday evenings, though its location in Hunter's Point makes it hard to reach without a car. The other microbreweries are housed in brewpubs:
  • Beach Chalet & Park Chalet are at the Pacific end of Golden Gate Park, where you can enjoy a view of the ocean or sit in the lawn area.
  • Pizza Orgasmica in the Richmond District specializes in California-style pizza.
  • Magnolia Brewing Company is in the heart of the Haight, and operates a second restaurant down the street, The Alembic.
  • San Francisco Brewing Company is on Columbus Ave in North Beach, in the shadow of the Coppola Building.
  • Thirsty Bear in SoMa caters mostly to the happy hour crowd.
  • 21st Amendment, also in SoMa, is three blocks away from the Giants' home at AT&T Park.
Other destinations for beer drinkers include the Gordon Biersch alehouse on the Embarcadero in SoMa, the City Beer Store and Tasting Bar on Folsom St in SoMa (your best bet for beer to go), the Mission's Monk's Kettle, and the famous Toronado Pub on lower Haight Street, which specializes in Belgian ales.
The surrounding Alameda, San Mateo, and Marin Counties also host many microbreweries worth trying. Many of these are accessible by BART. And although Santa Rosa is 45 minutes north of San Francisco, no beer lovers should skip the renowned Russian River Brewing Company in downtown Santa Rosa.

Sleep

See the Districts articles for more listings.
San Francisco offers a wide range of accommodations, from a healthy supply of hostels and budget hotels to the lavish, luxurious hotels in the city center, as well as just about everything in-between. The majority of accommodations are in the northeastern portion of the city, in and around the popular areas of Downtown, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf. As one moves into the mostly residential neighborhoods to the west, the sleeping options filter down to small inns and bed and breakfasts.
Decide if you want to be in walking distance of your destinations, or are up to driving and parking (which can be quite an undertaking in some of the busier areas of San Francisco) or taking public transit. If you have a specific destination in mind, look also in the Districts sections.
If you'd rather stay closer to the San Francisco International Airport, there are plenty of standard airport accommodations in the cities surrounding the airport - Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno and South San Francisco. From there, one can drive or take the BART or Caltrain into San Francisco.

Contact

.The area code for San Francisco is 415. You need to only dial the seven digit phone number for calls within the city.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Our experts have selected 14 hotels in San Francisco for you.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 For calls within the US or Canada, dial 1+area code+number, and for international calls, dial 011+country code+city code(if applicable)+number. Pay phones are getting less and less commonplace as nearly everyone in San Francisco has a mobile phone. When you do find one, keep in mind that they only take coins and phone cards with a dial-to-use number. Local calls start at $0.50.
To get online, internet cafes are available at a sprinkling of city center locations. Many coffee houses and cafes also offer wireless connection for free or a small fee. Free access is available in Union Square. For a more scenic place to check your email try the Apple Store on Stockton at Ellis near Market in Union Square or any of the many public libraries, especially the main branch on Market near Civic Center station.
Additionally, those traveling with laptop computers will often find an open free signal across the city which is being deployed by a company called Meraki. The "Free the Net" signal is unlocked and free to use.
Blue mailboxes for mail such as letters and postcards are on many street corners. USPS post offices sell stamps and ship packages, and several private companies provide additional services.

Stay safe

As with many other major cities in the world, San Francisco has its share of problems. .The areas that one should be most cautious are in the neighborhoods of Bayview-Hunters Point, Visitacion Valley, Sunnydale, Ingleside, and Potrero Hill in Southeast San Francisco, as well as Tenderloin, parts of Western Addition (including the Fillmore District), and parts of the Mission.^ Only the best of luxury and boutique hotels in USA California San Francisco become Tablet Hotels - the most reliable seal of approval in the hotel industry.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ See the most respected selection of boutique and luxury hotels in San Francisco and make online reservations with exclusive hotel rates and luxury packages.
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 ^ The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco 18.5 Hotel Vitale 18.0 Clift Hotel 18.0 Hotel Drisco 18.0 Mandarin Oriental San Francisco 18.0 The Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa 17.5 Good Hotel 17.5 Hotel Frank 17.5 Hotel Rex 17.0 Best Western Hotel Tomo See more lists .
  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

 San Francisco is still susceptible to violent crime, and most of these murders occur in the southeast, less economically fortunate, neighborhoods of the city. Gang violence touches even busy and thriving areas such as the Mission Street retail corridor, although most instances of violent crime are directed to specific targets and are not random acts. The SoMa district used to be somewhat dangerous; however, recent gentrification (something that has become fairly common and a social issue in SF) has transformed it into a rather hip and much safer neighborhood with plenty of art galleries and clubs. However, it is best to be careful even now.
San Francisco also has the largest homeless population per capita in the United States. If someone begs from you, you may either politely say you do not have any change or just keep walking, and he or she will generally leave you alone. The main homeless area is around 6th and Market, heading towards the Civic Center, and in the Tenderloin. Haight Ashbury also has lots of panhandlers, and the area near Golden Gate Park at the end of Haight Street near McDonalds is notorious for junkies and should be avoided at night.
Pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and other forms of petty crime are common as with any other large city. Be especially cautious on crowded MUNI buses, in heavily touristed areas such as Fisherman's Wharf, and during the busy holiday shopping season.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, especially when parking on public streets. Car break-ins are very common in San Francisco, and any valuables in plain sight are in danger of being stolen. During your visit, you will probably see small piles of broken glass on sidewalks throughout the city, which are the result of such crimes. If you cannot carry all valuables with you, try to keep them in the trunk and park your vehicle in secure parking garages, which are slightly safer than street parking but are not completely free from crime either.
Be careful to check for ticks after hiking in fields in the Bay Area. There is a high rate of lyme disease transmission in the Bay Area. If a bulls' eye rash develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.
  • San Francisco Chronicle [112]. The main newspaper in San Francisco, with circulation daily. $0.75 daily, $2.00 Sunday.
  • San Francisco Examiner [113]. Another daily newspaper, but this time free.
  • San Francisco Daily [114]. Another free daily paper.
  • SF Weekly [115]. A popular free-weekly distributed across the city.
  • San Francisco Bay Guardian [116]. Another popular free-weekly.
  • San Francisco Bay View [117]. Politics, economics, and news from a progressive African American perspective.
  • AsianWeek [118]. A weekly paper, one of the largest English language publications for Asian-Americans.
  • Bay Area Reporter [119]. Free-weekly serving the LGBT community.
  • San Francisco Bay Times [120]. Another free-weekly LGBT newspaper.
  • San Francisco Magazine [121]. A monthly magazine devoted to Bay Area culture.
  • MetroWize [122]. A weekly publication dedicated to insider city and event info for San Francisco.
St. Patrick church
St. Patrick church

Religious services

Buddhism:
  • Saraha Buddhist Center, 3324 17th Street (between Mission and Hoff Streets, in the Mission), ☎ +1 415 503-1187. Su 10AM-5:30PM, M-Sa 10:30AM-5:30PM.  edit
  • Sokoji-Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, 1691 Laguna Street (between Post and Sutter Streets, in Japantown), ☎ +1 415 346-7540.  edit
  • Chinese Buddhist Monastery, 1230 32nd Ave (between Lincoln Way and Irving Street, in Sunset), ☎ +1 415 664-9456.  edit
  • Gold Mountain Monastery, 800 Sacramento Street (at Grant St, in Chinatown), ☎ +1 415 421-6117, [123].  edit
  • Vietnamese Buddhist Association of San Francisco, 243 Duboce Avenue (at Market St, in the Castro), ☎ +1 415 431-1322.   edit
  • San Francisco Buddhist Center, 37 Bartlett Street (between 21st and 22nd Streets in the Mission), ☎ +1 415 282-2018, [124].  .'listing', 'San_Francisco');return false;" title="click to edit San Francisco Buddhist Center">edit
  • Nichiren Hokke Buddhist Temple, 2016 Pine Street (between Laguna and Buchanan Streets in Western Addition), ☎ +1 415 567-3020.^ The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco 18.5 Hotel Vitale 18.0 Clift Hotel 18.0 Hotel Drisco 18.0 Mandarin Oriental San Francisco 18.0 The Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa 17.5 Good Hotel 17.5 Hotel Frank 17.5 Hotel Rex 17.0 Best Western Hotel Tomo See more lists .
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

      edit
Catholic churches:
  • St. Dominic's Church, 2390 Bush St. (on Steiner between Bush and Pine in Western Addition, one block off Fillmore), ☎ +1 415 567-7824, [125]. Sa 5:30PM vigil; Su 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 11:30AM; 1:30PM Spanish, 5:30PM, 9PM; M-Sa: 6:30AM, 8AM, 5:30PM.  edit
  • St. Patrick, 756 Mission Street (between 3rd & 4th Streets, across from Yerba Buena Gardens in SoMa), ☎ +1 415 421-3730, [126]. Su 7:30AM, 9AM, 10:30AM; 12:15PM, 5:15PM; M-Sa: 7AM, 8AM, 12:10PM (except W 12PM), 5:15PM.  edit
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:
  • Golden Gate Ward, 1900 Pacific Avenue (at Gough St, in Pacific Heights), ☎ +1 415 771-3655, [127]. Su 9AM, 10:20AM.  edit
Episcopal:
  • Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street (at Taylor, in Nob Hill), ☎ +1 415 749-6300, [128]. Su 7:30AM, 8:15AM, 11AM. Choral Eucharist (This service is webcast live every Sunday!).  edit
Protestant:
  • City Church of San Francisco, 2460 Sutter Street (at Divisadero, in Western Addition), ☎ +1 415 346-6994, [129]. Su 9AM, 10:45AM.  edit
Jewish:
  • Or Shalom Jewish Community, 1250 Quintara Street (at 22nd Avenue, in the Sunset), ☎ +1 415 242-9992 (), [130].  edit
  • Mission Minyan, 3543 18th Street, 2nd floor (at the Women's Building between Guerrero and Valencia, in the Mission), ☎ +1 415 431-1180. F 6:30PM, Sa 9:40AM (every other week).  edit
  • Magain David Sephardim Congregation, 351 4th Ave (at Geary, in Richmond), ☎ +1 415 752-9095.  edit
  • Richmond Torah Center- Chabad, 423 10th Avenue (at Geary, in Richmond), ☎ +1 415 386-8123, [131]. Su: 9AM, M-F 7AM, F 6:30PM, Sa 9:30AM.  edit
  • Congregation Chevra Thilim, 751 25th Ave (between Balboa and Cabrillo, in Richmond), ☎ +1 415 752-2866. Su-F 8AM, Sa 9:30AM.  edit
  • Adath Israel, 1851 Noriega Street (at 26th Avenue, in Sunset), ☎ +1 415 564-5665, [132]. Shacharis: M-F 7:15AM, Shabbos 9AM, Sunday/Legal Holidays 8AM. Mincha/Ma'ariv: Su-Th, Summer: 7:15PM, Winter: 10 minutes before sundown, Friday, Summer: 7PM, Winter: 10 minutes before sundown.  edit
  • Keneseth Israel, 873 Sutter Street (between Jones and Leavenworth Streets, in Nob Hill), ☎ +1 415 771-3420, [133]. F 20 minutes before sundown, Sa 9:30AM, 4PM.  edit
  • Chabad of Noe Valley, 94 29th Street (at San Jose Avenue, in Noe Valley), ☎ +1 415 821-7046, [134]. F 6PM (winter: sukkot through passover), 7PM (summer:passover to sukkot), Sa 10AM.  edit

Respect

San Francisco is renowned for its openness to diversity in race, gender, sexual orientations and personal style. This trait is widely considered to be one of the defining features of the city, and it draws both visitors and transplants alike. However, for someone who has not been exposed to such pervasive diversity and acceptance, it may come as a shock.
Smokers beware: as in the rest of California, smoking is illegal in bars, restaurants, and other public places. Bay Area people can be particularly vocal about your personal habits. Be aware of nonsmoking areas, and try to be courteous about smoking in other places. They will probably not bother you about standing and smoking outside a restaurant or bar.
On the other hand, smoking marijuana is remarkably well-tolerated. If you are visiting from elsewhere in the U.S., you may be very surprised to find that marijuana is not considered to be a problem by San Franciscans, and even by the city's police. While still illegal under federal law, a law was passed in 2006 officially making marijuana the lowest priority for the SFPD. This does not mean that you should smoke marijuana just anywhere -- as with cigarettes, it is considered improper etiquette to smoke marijuana in crowded areas.
On a less serious note, it's worth mentioning that natives tend to dislike many of the nicknames given to their city. Instead of saying "San Fran" or "Frisco," most refer to San Francisco simply as "SF" or "The City."

Get out

Bikes can be rented from around the northern waterfront (Pier 41/Fisherman's Wharf/Aquatic Park area) or near Golden Gate Park for trips to Marin County via the Golden Gate Bridge. Stanyan near Haight at the end of the park has several good shops. Golden Gate Transit also sporadically serves the North Bay from San Francisco, and has bike racks on most buses.
Nearby destinations suitable for day trips include:
  • Oakland— A diverse and vibrant city, Oakland was once considered San Francisco's "sister city," and has been regaining that title in recent years due to a growing economy and a general renaissance of the city. It's worth a visit for its many distinct and charming neighborhoods.
  • Berkeley— Home to the University of California, Berkeley and one of the nation's most progressive communities. Also a hub of liberal political activism for the past several decades. It is also home to quite a few superb restaurants. Alice Waters' French-inspired Chez Panisse is in the north of the city, and is often listed as one of the best restaurants in the world, offering regional and seasonal organic food prepared simply but skillfully. Prices vary, and the restaurant has more and less formal dining areas, but dinner and wine for under $100 is easily possible.
  • Sausalito— Enjoy a ferry ride across the bay to beautiful Sausalito where you can walk along the water and admire the San Francisco skyline. Stroll to the waterfront restaurants, shops, and galleries.
  • Healdsburg— A charming Wine Country town located among some of California's greatest wine appellations: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill. Relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, Healdsburg offers excellent restaurants, shopping and wine tasting. About 70 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Napa Valley— The main wine growing region in the United States, a trip to the many wineries makes for a fun day, while those wanting a longer adventure can relax in any one of the many spas, bed and breakfasts, or other lodging options.
  • Muir Woods— A 560 acre forest of old-growth redwood trees located in Mill Valley just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods is a pleasant respite from the city, and accessible by Golden Gate Transit on summer weekends.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore— Located just north of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway (State Highway 1), Point Reyes is a beautiful seashore that is particularly nice to visit when gray whales are migrating along the coast, usually best in mid-January and then from March through May. .Point Reyes Station is the main town at the base of the massive peninsula and has plenty of restaurants and places to stay.
  • Monterey— An otherwise quiet beach town home to one of the country's best aquariums.
  • Santa Cruz— Located on the coast north of Monterey Bay, this funky town is home to surfers, the beautiful and tech-savvy University of California, Santa Cruz, and a popular boardwalk.^ Top 10 Home Top 10 Destinations Top 10 Best Service Top 10 Beach Hotels View All .
    • Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San Francisco | Tablet Hotels 16 January 2010 12:54 UTC www.tablethotels.com [Source type: News]

     .The Santa Cruz Mountains north of town are a great place for outdoor recreation such as hiking, and home to misty forests of famous, enormous redwood trees.^ S.F.'s Finest Doppelgangers The ABCs of Ditching School At Home on the Nicaraguan Strip Forest for the Trees S.F.'s Finest Doppelgangers .
    • San Francisco News, Events, Restaurants, Music 6 February 2010 13:16 UTC www.sfweekly.com [Source type: General]

     The city is accessible by Amtrak-run shuttle bus (about 50 minutes) from San Jose Diridon station.
  • Vallejo— Home to a wildlife theme park, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
  • Yosemite National Park— Tours from San Francisco make for a wonderful day trip. Make sure to visit the amazing Giant Sequoias.
  • Livermore— A suburban city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Livermore Valley, which contains many wineries, is considered "wine country", and produces some of California's best wines.
Routes through San Francisco
END ←  W noframe E  → Oakland → Sacramento
END ←  N noframe S  → Daly City → San Jose
Santa Rosa ← Sausalito ←  N noframe S  → Brisbane → San Jose
Stinson Beach ← Merges with ←  N noframe S  → Daly City → Santa Cruz
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Simple English

San Francisco, California
Nickname(s): The City, City by the Bay, Fog City
File:California county map (San Francisco County enlarged).svg
Location in California
Coordinates: 37°46′0″N 122°26′0″W / 37.766667°N 122.433333°W / 37.766667; -122.433333
Country United States
State California
County San Francisco County
Established 1776
Government
 - Mayor Gavin Newsom
 - Legislative body Government
Elevation 52 ft (16 m)
Population (2006)
 - Total 744,041
Time zone Eastern (UTC-8)
 - Summer (DST) Eastern (UTC-7)
Website www.sfgov.org/

San Francisco is a city in the American state of California. It is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge. With a population of 744,041, San Francisco is the 4th largest city in California behind Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. It is in the northern part of California, between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco was founded in 1776 by the Spanish conquerors. It was called "Yerba Buena" which is Spanish for "Good Herb", because mint grew there in abundance. After the Mexican-American War, Yerba Buena was taken over by the United States. In 1848 it was renamed "San Francisco" and became a city in 1850.

Other websites

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50 most populous cities of the United States

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Citable sentences

Up to date as of December 08, 2010

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