San Francisco County California

Ok, it’s time for a confession – San Francisco, with its quirky neighborhoods, crooked streets, and breathtaking ocean views, is (hands down) one of my favorite cities, as there are so many hidden gems just waiting to be explored!

San Francisco County, California, is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Silicon Valley, Fisherman’s Wharf, Napa Valley, Chinatown, Ferry Building Marketplace, Painted Ladies, Lombard Street, cable cars, Muir Woods, Lands’ End, and world-class craft breweries.

Alcatraz The most known prison on the island near San Francisco. - California Places, Travel, and News.

What Is San Francisco County, California Known For?

While trendy San Francisco is known for its cool summers, quirky architecture, steep hills, and infamous fog, it is mostly renowned for the following:

  • The Golden Gate Bridge
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Golden Gate Park
  • Silicon Valley
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • The Napa Valley

The Golden Gate Bridge

The stately 746-foot towering orange-hued Golden Gate Bridge has been an iconic San Francisco Bay area landmark since 1937, and even when it is cloaked in a dense fog, this magnificent landmark will take your breath away!

It affords visitors panoramic views of the city on one side of the bridge and nature’s bounty, including the vast navy-blue Pacific Ocean on the opposite side.

Golden Gate Bridge over a bay San Francisco Bay San Francisco California USA. - California Places, Travel, and News.

Alcatraz Island

Nothing sparked the imagination more than the formidable fortress or “The Rock” on Alcatraz Island, formerly a lighthouse and converted into a prison for infamous criminals in 1870; it has since become a legend!

To access this spine-chilling “den of iniquity,” take a ferry from Alcatraz Landing’s Pier 33 to the island, where you can visit a cell house and take a self-guided tour.

The tour is narrated by former inmates and guards who will share their tales of disastrous escape attempts and violent prison riots, including the story of the 1969 Native American, 19-month-long occupation of the island in protest of broken treaties with the authorities.

San Francisco County California Counties Map. - California Places, Travel, and News.

Golden Gate Park

Home to San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, The Golden Gate Park is home to the De Young Fine Arts Museum, the quintessentially Victorian glass-enclosed Conservatory of Flowers, including the Academy of Sciences.

Other picturesque attractions include Shakespeare’s Garden, windmills, and, randomly, the infamous bison paddock – of all things!

If you want added entertainment, visit the park on a Sunday when the main drive is closed for vehicles, and a colorful assortment of quirky Lindy Hop dancers, roller-skaters, and cyclists frequent this cool park.

See also  Yuba County California
panoramic view of famous Golden Gate bridge San Francisco USA. - California Places, Travel, and News.

Silicon Valley 

Home to the Google headquarters and various other start-ups, California is one of the most significant tech hubs globally, so if you are a tech enthusiast, head over to the Tech Museum of Innovation or join a Stanford University tour on cutting-edge technological advancements.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Home to a group of frolicking juvenile sea lions, Pier 39’s K dock has become the go-to feeding hub for these entertaining sea creatures since 1989, following the Loma Prieta earthquake.

While no one knows why they have been frequenting the doc, it could be because the bay is teeming with squid pinnipeds and other fish in a sheltered area where they feel safe to roam.

Modern City Map San Francisco city of the USA with neighbourhood. - California Places, Travel, and News.
Modern City Map – San Francisco city of the USA with neighborhood.

What’s In San Francisco County?

There is so much more to San Francisco apart from hilly streets, retro cable cars, indie bars, and quirky residents, as it has the following hidden gems that are just begging to be explored.

Chinatown

This storied Chinese immigrant enclave, situated on the corner of Grant Avenue and Bush Street with its impressive Dragon Gate entrance with its historic buildings, shops, and pocket parks, will transport you back in time.

Renowned for introducing America to the fine delights of Chinese delicacies like dim sum and chop suey, Chinatown is the perfect place to indulge in Asian cuisine at the Good Mong Kok Bakery or Hunan Home’s Restaurant.

Ferry Building Marketplace

The historical Ferry Building’s interior is foody heaven with delectable offerings like decadent Dandelion Chocolates, Donut Farm, and the thirst-quenching Fort Point Beer Co offerings.  

However, for three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, ranchers and farmers sell wares like flowers, farm-fresh veggies, and an assortment of succulent meats outside the Ferry building.

San Francisco skylines San Francisco California USA. - California Places, Travel, and News.

The Painted Ladies

While San Francisco is famed for its multi-colored Edwardian and Victorian chocolate box houses in the Haight-Ashbury, NoPa, Cole Valley, and Lower Haight neighborhoods, the Steiner Street Painted Ladies (Postcard Row) are the most iconic.

The Painted Ladies have been featured in several ads, movies, and leading TV shows like Full House, so no wonder it is one of the most photographed houses in the Bay area!

See also  Marin County California

While you will not be able to explore them as they are privately owned, you can take your own Instagram shots across the street from the Alamo Square on the east-facing hillside.

Lombard Street

Although the city is renowned for having interesting roads that test any braking system – Lombard Street, the Crookedest Street in San Francisco, takes the cake!

The infamous Lombard Street features eight hair-pin bens over the Russian Hill, which is accessible via the Hyde Street cable car that will take you right to the top of the street with incredible views of the cityscape, then take the steps down the picturesque hill into the vibrant heart of the city.

Suspension bridge with city in the background Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco Bay San Francisco California USA. - California Places, Travel, and News.

Things To Do In San Francisco County

While there are too many fun things in San Francisco, the following iconic bucket-list activities are simply a must!

  • Ride an iconic cable car
  • Hug a redwood tree in The Muir Woods
  • Explore Lands End
  • Quench your thirst with a craft brewery tour

Ride An Iconic Cable Car

Featured in movies, TV shows, and postcards, cable cars (or trolleys) are a quintessentially San Franciscan mode of transport and the best way to explore the quirky city’s hidden gems.

While locals seldom use cable cars to get around as it only operates in a small area and is a little expensive, tourists queue for miles to catch a ride and (literally) hang out on the cable cars on the route (apparently, it’s a thing…).

Hug A Redwood Tree In The Muir Woods

If you are looking for a break from the city traffic, head to the staggeringly beautiful Muir Woods, situated north of San Francisco (roughly 16 miles from the city).

Muir Woods, a national monument, is home to spectacular redwood trees, including the staggeringly high 258 feet tall tree set in a well-preserved peaceful woodland, so if you feel the overriding need to hug a tree – head over to the Muir Woods!

Bridge over the Pacific ocean Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco Bay San Francisco California USA. - California Places, Travel, and News.

Explore Lands End

If you are looking for the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean – look no further! Lands End, situated in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with its meandering trails across rocky cliffs, is a showstopper viewing area across the bay!

Quench Your Thirst With A Craft Brewery Tour

San Francisco is one of the leading craft beer hubs in the USA, so you will be spoilt for choice as this foodie haven offers a plethora of some of the finest craft breweries to explore.

See also  Santa Barbara County California

While most restaurants and bars proudly serve their homebrews, coupled with world-class culinary delights, visiting a craft brewery is great fun, especially if you want to learn more about the fine art of beer making.

So, if that piques your interest, book a neighborhood-based tour with a reputable operator specializing in the craft brew sector like SF on Tap, especially in the quirky Haight-Ashbury community.

San Francisco Uptown Cityscape. San Francisco California United States. - California Places, Travel, and News.

Famous People From San Francisco County

Although San Francisco is the birthplace of many famous people, the following three stand out.

Tom Hanks

Renowned for playing iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Philadelphia, award-winning actor, and director Tom Hanks, hailing from Concord, San Francisco needs no introduction. This iconic actor started as a stand-up comic and has subsequently built a stellar body of work in the movie industry.

Clint Eastwood

Native to San Francisco, he is a critically acclaimed actor and director. Clint Eastwood started his prolific career in classic spaghetti Westerns and has since become one of the most famous actors of his generation, and he even served a term as a Californian mayor in Carmel-by-The-Sea Californian mayor.

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee, born in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, features in some of the most iconic martial art movies, and while his life was tragically cut short in the prime of his youth, his legacy lives on today.

SAN FRANCISCO APRIL 24 Famous Fishermans Wharf sign with tourists on April 24 2014 in San Francisco California. - California Places, Travel, and News.

San Francisco County FAQ

While you now have a better insight into what makes this quirky bayside city tick, let’s address any remaining questions.

Is San Francisco County A Good Place To Live?

San Francisco is a great place to live as it features charming community neighborhoods, breathtaking views, and a sophisticated arts and culture scene. However, like all great cities, it has its dark underbelly with pervasive homelessness, a glaring wealth gap, and petty thefts.

Is It Expensive In San Francisco County?

San Francisco’s cost of living is incredibly high compared to the rest of the country. To illustrate that point, a studio apartment in a decent neighborhood will cost you between $2,500 and $3,000 per month.

References:

Leave a Comment