San Francisco is known for its recognizable landmarks, its progressive culture, and for being a tech hub leading the way for the whole world. It’s also known for its high cost of living, awesome cheap eats, quirky residents, and its many, many hills. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, a techie or an arts aficionado, San Francisco surely has something that you’ll love!
As local experts in all things San Francisco, we want to share some of our favorite things that San Francisco is known for and tell you how to best appreciate each one.
You may also want to read our travel guide all about visiting San Francisco for a comprehensive look at our beloved city by the bay!
San Francisco is Known for…
What first pops into your head when you think of San Francisco? It’s probably that bright orange bridge, or maybe rainbow flags, or perhaps it’s all the tech giants who made Silicon Valley the leading tech hub in the entire world!
Whatever you think of first, we can promise there are so many other interesting places to see and stories to hear around the city. At TourCentric, we believe in the power of storytelling. We create self-guided audio tours that share the stories of the people and places that make these areas unique and interesting.
If that sounds like your type of experience, then download the TourCentric app to get some of our local recommendations and check out our tours for purchase!
Now, let’s dive into what makes San Francisco famous and unique…
Alcatraz
Perhaps the most famous prison — and certainly the most famous prison island — Alcatraz is a top spot to visit in San Francisco. This iconic landmark is now filled with tourists instead of imprisoned people, but learning its history is a significant part of understanding the city. We definitely recommend you take a tour!
The Gold Rush
Ever wonder where the San Francisco 49ers NFL team got its name? The Gold Rush of 1848-1849 attracted tens of thousands people to the San Francisco area. While few really struck it rich in gold, there were many who capitalized on this influx of people by selling everyday goods and meeting those needs.
Engineering Marvels: The Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco is, of course, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Painted in International Orange, this bridge that spans the Golden Gate (a straight dividing the San Francisco Peninsula and the Marin Peninsula) is known all around the world. You’ll have ample opportunity to capture its beauty in photos from various points around the city, but we also recommend you cross the bridge to explore farther afield, too!
And Modern Marvels: SF is a Tech & Start-up Hub
Today, San Francisco is known for its tech scene and start-up culture. The city is a hub of innovative minds and progressive ideas, with its tech booms bringing brand new technology to the entire world.
Companies like Uber, Facebook, Google, Reddit, Yelp, and Airbnb all call San Francisco home…amongst countless other major players and start-ups that will surely change the way we do business and connect with each other.
Cable Cars, Street Cars, and Self-Driving Cars
We bet you know that San Francisco is famous for its historic streetcars and iconic cable cars. Think of SF and you think of steep streets with people hanging out of those cars watching the world go by. They’re the ideal way to see the city without having to worry about parking!
But San Francisco is also known for its cutting-edge technology, so we’d be remiss to not mention our self-driving cars. SF is the leader in this new mode of transport, so get ready for the future…it’s driverless!
Ready to explore San Francisco? Check out our F-Line San Francisco Trolley Tour to get started.
FOOD! San Francisco is Known for Foodie Culture
From burritos to donuts, Michelin-starred restaurants to taquerias, Chinatown to the Wharf, San Francisco’s foodie scene is as eclectic as its stunning diversity of residents.
Every type of cuisine is represented here in our fabulous city. Whatever you want, you’ll easily find. And we love to share our favorite eateries! Download the free TourCentric app to get our personal recommendations.
Fog…and Moderate Temperatures Year-Round
San Francisco is known for its fog, and the fog itself is so famous that we even named it! Karl the Fog is a friendly local you’re sure to meet during your visit. Of course, we don’t always consider Karl the Fog to be a friend since it can be rather annoying when you can’t enjoy all our beautiful views.
San Francisco is also famous for its mild climate. Our summers are cooler than most other places in the US, while our winters remain mild and manageable. SF truly is a year-round destination!
Earthquakes
The San Francisco Earthquake in 1906, followed by a fire that burned for four days, destroyed approximately three-quarters of the city. It was one of the first natural disasters to be photographed, capturing the moment in time for all to remember. While that wasn’t the only earthquake SF has experienced, it certainly was the most devastating.
Access to Natural Beauty
To counter the natural disasters, let’s focus on all the natural beauty that makes San Francisco famous!
Whether you’re thinking of the sunbathing sea lions of Fisherman’s Wharf or the towering Redwoods just outside of San Francisco in the Muir Woods National Trust, nature is very much a part of why visitors (and locals) adore San Francisco. We also have plenty of urban parks to enjoy, like world-famous Golden Gate Park, the popular Presidio, and the lovely Dolores Park.
And, of course, we also enjoy endless views of the water. They don’t call San Francisco the City by the Bay for nothing! Along with that bay comes beaches and coastal views, so don’t forget to check out Baker Beach and also Lands End for the Sutro Baths.
Pride! The SF Pride Parade is Famous
San Francisco is known for its Pride Parade being the most fantastic celebration of any Pride events in the US. The two-day event attracts celebrities and thousands of people to join the revelry. As a leader in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, San Francisco continues to honor and celebrate all of its residents.
What do you think San Francisco is known for that we didn’t include? Whatever you think of when you think of SF, we’re certain we can share some interesting stories and help you learn so much more about our beloved city. Download the TourCentric app and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of San Francisco!
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