San Francisco BayINTRODUCTION
San Francisco, or the “City by the Bay,” is one of the greatest tourist cities in the United States. Its economy is largely based on tourism because there are so many attractions, activities, and interesting neighborhoods that make “San Fran” truly a treat for residents and visitors alike.
Located on the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, the city is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Due to its location, San Francisco has fog and mild climates year-round, not typical in the sunny state of California. However, the fog usually dissipates before noon. Beach life is therefore less than ideal, but with attractions like Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, San Francisco Shopping Center, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and the Castro District to name but a few, it seems a moot point.
HISTORY
Habitation of the San Francisco area can be traced back to 3000 B.C. In 1776, the Spanish set up the Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores). In 1821, San Francisco became part of the newly independent Mexico, and in 1846, the Americans gained control of the city during the Mexican-American War. The city remained a small port town until the Gold Rush turned San Francisco, nearly overnight, into a major city. With the Gold Rush came the banking industry, and banks like Wells Fargo were formed, turning San Francisco into one of the most important financial centers in the west. The Gold Rush also led to massive immigration and the foundation of neighborhoods like Chinatown.
In 1906, an earthquake led to a fire that destroyed nearly three-quarters of the city and took thousands of lives. San Franciscans responded by rapid building that returned the city to its original splendor in only a few years. The Great Depression hit San Francisco like everywhere else in 1929, but the city managed to stay strong with not a single bank failing. The building projects of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge warded off the disaster that much of the rest of the world faced.
During World War II, San Francisco was the most important port for American missions in Japan. The war in the Pacific officially ended with The Treaty of San Francisco in 1951. During the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, San Francisco became the center of the American counterculture with the Beats, Hippie, and Gay communities making San Francisco their home. The 1990s saw the San Francisco Bay Area becoming one of the centers of the dot-com boom, and although that balloon has immensely deflated, the San Francisco region is still an important city in the innovative technology industry.
San Fran's Business DistrictKNOW BEFORE YOU GO
With the dot-com boom, the gentrification of San Francisco’s downtown areas began turning once poor neighborhoods into hotspots and shopping centers. This displaced many of its inhabitants and inadvertently led to many of the downtown areas becoming magnets for panhandlers.
Consider using the iconic cable cars as a mode of transportation. The Powell Hyde line down to Fisherman’s Wharf will give you unparalleled views of the bay.
Voted 2008’s best sports facility, AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants. Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, watching a game at this unique stadium is an experience unto itself.
San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other US city. Chefs and restaurateurs have flocked to this region because of the local wines and North California’s organic locally grown produce. If you want to go to one of the cities top restaurants, like Fleur de Lys, book a table weeks in advanced.
ATTRACTIONS
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Park
Fisherman's Wharf
Pier 39
Ghirardelli Square
Wax Museum
San Francisco Shopping Center
Union Square
Alcatraz
Chinatown
Lombard Street
Castro District
RESTAURANTS
Tartine Bakery & Café
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415)487-2600
For a sweet bite, take a walk to Tartine Bakery & Cafe. All of the pastries, such as éclairs and lemon cream tarts, are freshly baked in the morning. In the evening, warm bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior can be bought fresh from the oven.
http://www.tartinebakery.com/
Mamacita
2317 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415)346-8494
Located in the Marina District of San Francisco, this restaurant stays true to its roots. In an attempt to revive Mexican cuisine, Mamacita serves up authentic dishes complete with the complexity of flavors so common in Mexican fare.
http://www.mamacitasf.com/
Restaurant Gary Danko
800 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415)749-2060
In his restaurant, award winning chef Gary Danko showcases classical culinary knowledge, an appreciation for local ingredients, and a flair for the creative. It boasts an impressive wine list and impeccable service.
http://www.garydanko.com/
Fleur de Lys
777 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415)673-7779
Serving traditional French cuisine and succulent desserts, Fleur de Lys is one of the city’s most distinguished restaurants. Famous for its extravagant décor, the luxurious drapes and gorgeous floral arrangements produce a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
http://www.fleurdelyssf.com/
Mama’s on Washington Square
1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415)362-6421
This popular café in North Beach serves the best breakfasts in town, from delicious stacks of hotcakes to healthy egg-white creations. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
http://www.mamas-sf.com
Rosamunde Sausage Grill
545 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
(415)437-6851
Offering an array of juicy sausages with unique toppings, this small and friendly eatery is perfect for something quick and filling on-the-go.
http://rosamundesausagegrill.com/
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Pier 39 #210 San Francisco, CA 94133
(415)781-4867
Life may be like a box of chocolates, but you know what you’re gonna get at Bubba Gump’s on Pier 39 - shrimp! Enjoy signaling your waiter with a “Stop Forrest Stop” sign, and be sure to look at the gift shop and stop by the Forrest Gump photo opportunity outside.
http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/san-francisco/
LODGING
The Westin St. Francis
335 Powell St, San Francisco, California 94102
(415)397-7000
A landmark hotel on the south end of Union Square, this iconic building combines history with modern luxury and design. Built just before the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, the hotel is now one of the largest in the city and boasts exterior glass elevators for amazing cityscape views.
http://www.westinstfrancis.com/
Hotel Vitale, San Francisco
8 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)278-3700
Hotel Vitale is an exceptional, upscale boutique hotel with a prime San Francisco address. Most rooms have views over the bay, with some lucky enough to overlook Bay Bridge and Alcatraz.
http://www.hotelvitale.com/
Hotel Tomo
1800 Sutter St San Francisco, CA 94115
(415)921-4000
While many hotel chains scream conformity and standardization, this Best Western property is anything but. Hotel Tomo features funky decor with geometric furniture, bold-colored accents, and creative anime murals. Despite the anime murals, this Japantown hotel has a classy, contemporary feel. There is no denying however, that this newly renovated hotel will bring out the kid in its guests. Gaming suites are available with a Playstation 3 and Wii consoles, bean bag chairs, and a 6-foot LCD screen.
http://www.jdvhotels.com/tomo
Phoenix Hotel
601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415)776-1380
In the heart of the Tenderloin district, the Phoenix has cemented its reputation as San Francisco’s rock ‘n’ roll hotel. The 1950s motel style rooms surround a central swimming pool that is guarded by a giant guitar-wielding frog.
http://www.jdvhotels.com/phoenix/
Parker Guest House
520 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
(415)621-3222
Marketed mainly but not exclusively to gay visitors, the Parker House is a perfectly rendered Edwardian conversion with a piano in the communal lounge, stained glass windows, and a resident pug called Porter.
http://www.parkerguesthouse.com/index.html
Green Tortoise Hostel
494 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415)834-1000
This welcoming hostel boasts a huge communal area and on-site laundry, and it throws in attractive freebies like daily breakfast and dinner three times a week. They also run an Adventure Travel Company, which is great for visitors who want to take advantage of the tours that they offer.
http://www.greentortoise.com/san-francisco-hostel/index.php
PERSONAL STORIES
"My favorite free ride in the city is the glass elevators on the outside of the St. Francis Hotel on the south end of Union Square where a dazzling 32-story ride takes you to a well-appointed restaurant, OZ."
