San Francisco is a hilly city in northern California that is known for its arts and culture, dining, and beautiful Victorian houses. Originally founded in 1776 and known as Yerba Buena, which translates to “good herb” in Spanish, the city wasn’t renamed to San Francisco until 1846. Some other fun facts about San Francisco include:
- Outside of Asia, San Francisco has the oldest and largest Chinatown, with more than 100,000 people living there.
- The city was constructed on more than 50 hills with some of the most well known being Nob Hill, Telegraph Hill, and Twin Peaks.
- The very first electric television was invented in San Francisco by a man named Philio Farnsworth.
- There are hundreds of earthquakes each year in the Bay Area. Most of them are so small that you cannot feel them.
- There are more than 3,500 restaurants open in the city.
- Famous people like Jerry Garcia, Clint Eastwood, and Bruce Lee were born there.
- San Francisco is seven miles long by seven miles wide, making it easy to see in just one day.
Popular San Francisco Attractions
If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, you may be wondering what attractions are worth visiting. With a wonderful array of monuments and events, there’s always something fun to do with the whole family. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular San Francisco attractions below.
The Golden Gate Bridge
This iconic structure connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County, California. The bridge spans roughly two miles and was constructed 78 years ago. It is said to be one of the most photographed bridges on Earth. Some facts about the bridge are listed below.
- The bridge weighs a total of 887,000 tons
- The Golden Gate Bridge is 90 feet wide
- The color is known as “International Orange”
Cable Cars
To get the true San Francisco experience, hop one one of the city’s three remaining cable car lines. In the 1800s, the city’s cable cars ran 23 routes to help move people around the city. While the city has since switched to more efficient methods of transportation, it’s still fun to ride in one of the remaining cable cars.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island was converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison the in 1870s and was home to some of the early 20th century’s most famous criminals. You can visit “The Rock” by taking the ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. When you arrive on the island, you’ll be led by audio that has been recorded by former inmates and guards. If you really want the full Alcatraz Island experience, schedule a night tour.
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