California - San Francisco

S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A L I F O R N I A

San Francisco's 49 square miles are currently home to over 800, 000 people. Transformed by the gold rush from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolitan area, San Francisco has been a Mecca for artists, fortune seekers and poets for over 153 years. Built on forty-three hills, San Francisco has 215 landmark buildings, ten historical districts, and 14,000 Victorian homes. Winding streets lead the tourist from famed shopping areas, to parks, gardens, and beautiful beach side walks. Famous for it's beautiful views, Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, architecture, and mystical fog, San Francisco is a lovely and informative place to visit.

Brief History

The Ohlone Indians, who thrived in region, first settled San Francisco 15,000 years ago. The first European in the region was Sir Francis Drake. Drake spent five days repairing his ship (The Golden Hind) and meeting with the Indians in 1579. Nearly two hundred years later, in 1769, the Spanish discovered the entrance to San Francisco Bay, and founded the colony of San Francisco in 1776. San Francisco remained a tiny settlement until the gold rush of 1849. Seemingly overnight the area was transformed into a city teeming with people, and a notorious red-light

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San Francisco

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Los Angeles

district (the Barbary Coast) was formed among the piers. After the gold rush, many prospectors moved back to the city, recognizing that a fortune could be made in the mercantile industry. As San Francisco continued to grow and prosper, famous authors (like Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain, and Jack London) began to settle there, forming the city's rich literary tradition. In 1869, the first westbound train arrived in San Francisco, and by 1870 the city was the tenth largest in the United States. With the advent of economical transportation, German, Irish, Russian, Jewish, and Italian immigrants started to settle various areas of the city, giving San Francisco it's international flair. In 1906, earthquake and fire nearly leveled the city, but it was rebuilt and judged by its residents to be, "grander than before". The characteristic pioneering spirit of San Francisco natives has enabled them to dream and create the impossible. It's no shock that this is the city that is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, which was built over freezing shark infested waters. The longest suspension bridge in history at the time of its construction, it still has the world's highest towers. The 1960's ushered in a new era of peace and tolerance to San Francisco. Talents like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and Janis Joplin flourished there. Civic mindedness and open hearts have always been traits of San Francisco's population, and the city has been a safe haven for gays since after World War II.

Major Attractions

Fisherman's Warf, Pier 39, and Ghiradelli Square

This area of the city constitutes the stereotypical idea of what San Francisco is like. Tourists can stroll though this six-block waterfront area and be entertained by street performers, shop in various souvenir shops and boutiques, try tantalizing cuisine, or world famous chocolate. If you're a chocoholic, try the Ghiradelli Chocolate Chocolotarie and Café. On Pier 39, enjoy the antics of the sea lions that live beside the pier, or see the wonderful Venetian Carousel. Also, on Pier 39 check out the Aquarium of The Bay, for a diver's eye view of marine life.

Union Square

Once one of the city's largest parks, Union Square is now a multi-level garage surrounded by some of San Francisco's most luxurious shops and restaurants. Elaborate hotels are also part of Union Square. The theatre district is very close by, and the famed San Francisco cable car line starts only a block away. Shopping is the main feature of Union Square. The area features countless stores in its eight-block area.

Chinatown

Chinatown features Chinese style architecture, fine authentic dining, and wonderful shopping. Stockton Avenue is home to many Chinese markets and stores. Grant Avenue has a wonderful selection of souvenir shops, antique stores, and even more fine restaurants. Make sure you check out the alleys, however, for the authentic Chinatown experience.

Alcatraz

A mere fifteen minutes away from the city by boat, this former prison has become one of San Francisco's top tourist attractions. Alcatraz is, in fact, so popular that you should reserve your tickets in advance to be sure to get a gander. Even though Alcatraz was a Civil War fortification, your tour will consist mainly of the island's history as a federal prison. Eeriness pervades the walls (especially on a foggy day), and the visitor is in for a sometimes shocking, sometimes chilling view of the American past.

Sports Teams

The San Francisco 49'ers

The 49'ers were the first major pro sports franchise on the West Coast. Founded in 1949, the 49'ers have gone on to win five Super Bowls. Sports fans can watch this great football team play home games at Candlestick Park.

The San Francisco Giants

Candlestick Park is also home to the San Francisco Giants. Originally founded in New York City in the late 1800's, this baseball team moved to San Francisco in 1958. In their very first game, the Giants defeated the L.A. Dodgers in the first Major League baseball game on the West Coast.

Oakland Raiders

Even though they perpetually threaten to leave, this team still plays football in Oakland. The Raiders have won three Super Bowls in their history, and 15 Raiders (including team owner Al Davis) have been selected as Football Hall of Famers. See the Raiders play at Network Associates Coliseum; you won't want to miss a single yard!



			S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A L I F O R N I A San Francisco's 49 square miles are currently home to over 800, 000 people. Transformed by the gold rush from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolitan area, San Francisco has been a Mecca for artists, fortune seekers and poets for over 153 years. Built on forty-three hills, San Francisco has 215 landmark buildings, ten historical districts, and 14,000 Victorian homes. Winding streets lead the tourist from famed shopping areas, to parks, gardens, and beautiful beach side walks. Famous for it's beautiful views, Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, architecture, and mystical fog, San Francisco is a lovely and informative place to visit. Brief History The Ohlone Indians, who thrived in region, first settled San Francisco 15,000 years ago. The first European in the region was Sir Francis Drake. Drake spent five days repairing his ship (The Golden Hind) and meeting with the Indians in 1579. Nearly two hundred years later, in 1769, the Spanish discovered the entrance to San Francisco Bay, and founded the colony of San Francisco in 1776. San Francisco remained a tiny settlement until the gold rush of 1849. Seemingly overnight the area was transformed into a city teeming with people, and a notorious red-light
California San Francisco San Diego Sacramento San Jose Los Angeles
			district (the Barbary Coast) was formed among the piers. After the gold rush, many prospectors moved back to the city, recognizing that a fortune could be made in the mercantile industry. As San Francisco continued to grow and prosper, famous authors (like Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain, and Jack London) began to settle there, forming the city's rich literary tradition. In 1869, the first westbound train arrived in San Francisco, and by 1870 the city was the tenth largest in the United States. With the advent of economical transportation, German, Irish, Russian, Jewish, and Italian immigrants started to settle various areas of the city, giving San Francisco it's international flair. In 1906, earthquake and fire nearly leveled the city, but it was rebuilt and judged by its residents to be, "grander than before". The characteristic pioneering spirit of San Francisco natives has enabled them to dream and create the impossible. It's no shock that this is the city that is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, which was built over freezing shark infested waters. The longest suspension bridge in history at the time of its construction, it still has the world's highest towers. The 1960's ushered in a new era of peace and tolerance to San Francisco. Talents like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and Janis Joplin flourished there. Civic mindedness and open hearts have always been traits of San Francisco's population, and the city has been a safe haven for gays since after World War II. Major Attractions Fisherman's Warf, Pier 39, and Ghiradelli Square This area of the city constitutes the stereotypical idea of what San Francisco is like. Tourists can stroll though this six-block waterfront area and be entertained by street performers, shop in various souvenir shops and boutiques, try tantalizing cuisine, or world famous chocolate. If you're a chocoholic, try the Ghiradelli Chocolate Chocolotarie and Café. On Pier 39, enjoy the antics of the sea lions that live beside the pier, or see the wonderful Venetian Carousel. Also, on Pier 39 check out the Aquarium of The Bay, for a diver's eye view of marine life. Union Square Once one of the city's largest parks, Union Square is now a multi-level garage surrounded by some of San Francisco's most luxurious shops and restaurants. Elaborate hotels are also part of Union Square. The theatre district is very close by, and the famed San Francisco cable car line starts only a block away. Shopping is the main feature of Union Square. The area features countless stores in its eight-block area. Chinatown Chinatown features Chinese style architecture, fine authentic dining, and wonderful shopping. Stockton Avenue is home to many Chinese markets and stores. Grant Avenue has a wonderful selection of souvenir shops, antique stores, and even more fine restaurants. Make sure you check out the alleys, however, for the authentic Chinatown experience. Alcatraz A mere fifteen minutes away from the city by boat, this former prison has become one of San Francisco's top tourist attractions. Alcatraz is, in fact, so popular that you should reserve your tickets in advance to be sure to get a gander. Even though Alcatraz was a Civil War fortification, your tour will consist mainly of the island's history as a federal prison. Eeriness pervades the walls (especially on a foggy day), and the visitor is in for a sometimes shocking, sometimes chilling view of the American past. Sports Teams The San Francisco 49'ers The 49'ers were the first major pro sports franchise on the West Coast. Founded in 1949, the 49'ers have gone on to win five Super Bowls. Sports fans can watch this great football team play home games at Candlestick Park. The San Francisco Giants Candlestick Park is also home to the San Francisco Giants. Originally founded in New York City in the late 1800's, this baseball team moved to San Francisco in 1958. In their very first game, the Giants defeated the L.A. Dodgers in the first Major League baseball game on the West Coast. Oakland Raiders Even though they perpetually threaten to leave, this team still plays football in Oakland. The Raiders have won three Super Bowls in their history, and 15 Raiders (including team owner Al Davis) have been selected as Football Hall of Famers. See the Raiders play at Network Associates Coliseum; you won't want to miss a single yard!