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Guide to San Francisco, USA (California)
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Click to go to Flight Prices for San Francisco
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San Francisco
The hilly harbour city of San Francisco is the perfect destination for those who want something other than big, brash New York City and flashy, flamboyant L.A. Though San Frans streets are busy with traffic for most of the day, the city has an air of leisure and calm thats both enjoyable and addictive. Whether youre walking along Fishermans Wharf, kicking your feet in the sands of North Beach, or snacking on some take-out seafood while cruising along the Golden Gate Bridge, youre sure to be swept up in the worry-free atmosphere.
How To Get There
San Francisco International Airport is close to the city, and the runways are right by the bay. The terminal has a whole host of traveller essentials: restaurants, bars, money exchange, and car rental services. Think twice about renting a car though, as traffic can be hectic. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system will get you around quickly and cheaply. Metered taxis are another option. Flight time from London is around ten hours.
Travelling Around
Getting around downtown San Francisco is perfectly do-able on foot, but if you want to head over to the coast or need a break from the hilly terrain, use the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. You can ride an old-time trolley, take a bus, or use one of the light-rail lines. Bicycles are a no-go simply because its just too hilly.
When To Go
There always seems to be a festival or event taking place somewhere in San Francisco. And with the gorgeous north California weather, it really is a year-round destination. However if you dont like chilly mornings, its better to avoid winter.
What To See
San Franciscos cable cars are iconic and unmissable. The steady 9mph roll of the wooden carriages allows for plentiful views of the city, so its a great way to get your bearings before you start sightseeing in earnest.
Most people begin their exploration of San Francisco in the downtown area, where many of the citys shops and mainstream restaurants are located. There are some beautiful houses and historic buildings which are well worth a look, but for a faster pace, head to Chinatown. This dense neighbourhood is made up of alleys and streets, and the air is always filled with tempting aromas. Stop off at a sidewalk food vendor for a taste of traditional Chinese American cuisine at low prices.
Fishermans Wharf was once just a busy group of piers to which boats brought their morning catches. Now it is a popular attraction, providing a gateway to the island prison Alcatraz. Nearby North Beach is great for a jog or a walk, and San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge are also close.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has a great permanent display of works by great American and European artists, as well as a big collection of American abstract expressionist like Clyfford Still, Jackson Pollock and Philip Guston. Mexican painters Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo are also represented.
For something a bit different check out the Cartoon Art Museum on Mission Street. This homage to all things animated was founded by cartoon enthusiasts in 1984 and financed by Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts.
Hotspot
Sitting out in the bay, Alcatraz is a sinister reminder of San Franciscos darker history. It began as a lighthouse, then became a military fortification, a military prison and then a federal prison until 1963 when it was declared a national recreation area. Well known inmates include Al Capone and Birdman Richard Stroud, and there were many high profile and often ingenious escape attempts over the years. Several of these have been immortalised in film, such as Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood.
Boat trips leave regularly from Fishermans Wharf.
Night Life
San Francisco is a city that knows how to have fun. Each district has its own vibe. For electronica, hip hop and arty lounges, the SoMa (South of Market) is where its at. Trendy clubbers head to the Mission district, while more sophisticated bars are located in the Marina district. The Castro area has mainly gay bars, but the whole city is gay-friendly. North Beach is home to late night bars and seedier joints. Whatever takes your fancy, youre sure to have a great night out as there really is something for everyone.
fast facts
- San Francisco is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S.A.
- the city is built on forty three hills
- the San Francisco cable car network is National Historic Landmark that moves
- Alcatraz means pelican in Spanish
- John C. Fremont named San Francisco Bay's entrance the Golden Gate because it looked like Istanbul's Golden Horn
Quick History
Before the Gold Rush, the San Francisco area was inhabited first by the native Ohlone people and then Spanish explorers led by Don Gaspar de Portola. Although gold was actually struck to the east in the Sierra Mountains, the resulting money was spent in San Francisco. What had previously been a small mission town of less than 400 residents became a metropolis of nearly 60,000 people within a few years. The city's first mint was built in 1874 and was one of the busiest in the country.
The era of prosperity ended tragically on the18th of April, 1906. The city was rocked by the famous earthquake, and the subsequent fire destroyed everything. However, the city was rebuilt, and the phoenix on the flag of San Francisco celebrates this achievement.
San Franciscos strong economy meant that it weathered the Great Depression, and it was during this time that the iconic Golden Gate Bridge was built in 1937. The Depression era also saw former military stock building Alcatraz being used as a high security prison.
The 1960s and 70s saw San Francisco rise as a centre for hippies and Beat Generation artists. During the dotcom boom of the 1990s entrepreneurs moved to the area, invigorating the economy and gentrifying rundown areas. The current population stands at well over 700,000 and the surrounding Bay Area suburbs are home to millions more.
Money
There are about two dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found on this currency converter.
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