If you’re thinking of visiting San Francisco, California, then you’ve come to the right place. This city is a cultural and commercial center in northern California. It’s also the 17th most populous city in the United States, and is the fourth largest in California, with an estimated population of 815,201. The city is home to many famous landmarks and has a thriving art scene. For many, San Francisco is one of the most romantic cities in the world.
The city’s infamous street gangs, namely MS-13 and Surenos, have had a long history in San Francisco. In 2008, an MS-13 member murdered three members of a family in the Mission District. The victims of the attack had no known gang affiliation, but they were not connected to the MS-13 member. They were merely innocent victims of a street gang member. However, this did not seem to deter them from carrying out their heinous act.
The Bay Area is home to four of the world’s fifteen largest companies by market capitalization. Four of those companies are headquartered in San Francisco, including Wells Fargo, Uber, First Republic Bank, Twitter, Levi’s, Gap, and Gap Inc. Apart from these major companies, San Francisco is also home to several universities, a symphony, and the California Academy of Sciences. So, if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
San Francisco has the largest number of farmers’ markets per capita in North America, and the city has pioneering organic farms that supply much of the produce sold at the markets. San Francisco also set the bar for Wild West saloons, and its prohibition-era ban in the 1920s forced drinking underground. However, the city is proud of its historic speakeasies and has plenty of wine to supply your thirst. For those looking for an affordable night out, the wine country nearby will provide a constant supply of hooch.
The age of people living in San Francisco varies a great deal. Its population grew by almost two thousand percent in the 1850s, and is now the second-most densely populated large city in the United States after New York. The metropolitan area of San Francisco has more than eight million people. This city is infamous for its hills, and the 1968 action film ‘Bullitt’ starring Steve McQueen is a must-see.
The area’s storied history includes Chinese immigrants who came to the area to work the gold fields. By 1875, they accounted for 20 percent of the city’s population, and were met with a wave of mob assaults, discrimination, and oppressive laws. The Chinese were also targeted by the federal Chinese Exclusion Act, which was repealed in 1943. In spite of these problems, the city’s history is one of innovation and progress.
Located on the San Francisco Bay, the city has a storied past. Its steep streets make it a challenging place for walking, but they provide a spectacular view of the city. Among the highlights of San Francisco are the cable cars and the city’s stunning views. In addition, you can visit Ghirardelli Square, which is a famous fishing quarter and Ghirardelli Square, which is home to a number of restaurants and a museum. The area also features Pier 39, where you can see sea lions and a variety of restaurants.
The hills in the city are also noteworthy. Mount Davidson, Mount Sutro, and Twin Peaks are notable. Nob Hill is a former home for rich “nobs” in the 1870s. Telegraph Hill used to look down on the Barbary Coast. The streets in the city’s downtown area wind up these hills, offering splendid views of the bay. The hills are part of the city’s beauty, and San Francisco is a coveted destination for art lovers and photographers alike.
The San Francisco International Airport is the city’s main airport, and has convenient transportation options. Getting to the city center is simple with public transportation, as well as car rental services. The SFO Rental Car Center is a central location for pick-up and drop-off, and is served by the automated people mover, AirTrain. You can also get around the city by foot, or by bike, as most of the public transportation options can be found within walking distance.
The city has been known as the Wall Street of the West. In the Embarcadero Center, you’ll find major banks like Bank of America, Charles Schwab, and Transamerica Corporation. Other notable buildings include the edifice of the Transamerica Pyramid, the tallest building in the city, and the Le Meridien San Francisco, which was formerly the Park Hyatt hotel. Almost every corner of this city is adorned with shops and restaurants, while the Embarcadero Center complex contains many boutiques and restaurants.