San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, financial, and cultural center in Northern California. With a population of 808,437 residents as of 2022, San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of California behind Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. The city covers a land area of 46.9 square miles (121 square kilometers) at the end of the San Francisco Peninsula, making it the second-most densely populated major U.S. city behind New York City and the fifth-most densely populated U.S. county, behind only four of New York City's boroughs.
History
On June 29, 1776, settlers from New Spain established the Presidio of San Francisco at the Golden Gate, and the Mission San Francisco de Asís a few miles away, both named for Francis of Assisi. The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought rapid growth, transforming an unimportant hamlet into a busy port, making it the largest city on the West Coast at the time; between 1870 and 1900, approximately one quarter of California's population resided in the city proper.
Geography
San Francisco is located on the West Coast of the United States at the north end of the San Francisco Peninsula and includes significant stretches of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay within its boundaries. Several picturesque islands—Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and the adjacent Yerba Buena Island—are part of the city. Also included are the uninhabited Farallon Islands, 27 miles offshore in the Pacific Ocean.
Landmarks and Attractions
San Francisco is renowned for its iconic landmarks and attractions, including:
- Golden Gate Bridge: One of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco.
- Alcatraz Island: The site of the infamous former prison.
- Fisherman's Wharf: A bustling waterfront area known for its seafood and tourist attractions.
- Chinatown: The oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
- Lombard Street: Famous for its steep, one-block section with eight hairpin turns.
- Painted Ladies: A row of Victorian houses at Alamo Square, often featured in photographs of the city.
Culture
San Francisco is a cultural hub, known for its diverse communities and vibrant arts scene. The city is home to world-renowned institutions such as the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Ballet, and the San Francisco Opera. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the country.
Economy
San Francisco's economy is characterized by a mix of traditional businesses and modern technology companies. The city is a global center for technology, with many companies headquartered in the Silicon Valley area. It is also a major financial center, home to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and numerous other financial institutions.
Transportation
San Francisco is well-connected by various modes of transportation:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): A major international airport located 13 miles south of downtown.
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): A rapid transit system that connects San Francisco with other cities in the Bay Area.
- Muni: The city's public transit system, which includes buses, light rail, and the famous cable cars.
Education
San Francisco is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including:
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): A leading medical and health sciences university.
- San Francisco State University: A public university known for its diverse student body and strong emphasis on social justice.
Government
San Francisco operates as both a city and a county, with a consolidated city-county government. The current mayor is London Breed, who has been in office since 2018.