There are so many reasons to love San Francisco. For me, it’s the breathtaking views, the walkability, the colorful & unique architecture, the weather (former mid-westerner), the diversity (former mid-westerner lol), the ambitious yet relaxed vibe, the nature, and the food scene. It is unlike any other city in the U.S. So, how could I not write a post about the city that is the basis of this newsletter?

In the embrace of the Pacific Ocean, a city of enchantment awaits—San Francisco, a place that effortlessly captures the hearts of all who set foot on its hilly streets. From the fog-kissed mornings to the vibrant energy of its neighborhoods, this dynamic metropolis weaves a spell of love and admiration, leaving an indelible mark on the souls of its residents and visitors alike.

San Francisco's allure lies in its ability to surprise and captivate visitors with its ever-evolving character.

A City Steeped in History

San Francisco's history dates back to the mid-18th century when Spanish settlers established a military fort at the site. Rapid growth followed the California Gold Rush in 1849, transforming the city into a bustling hub of commerce and culture. The city's diverse heritage is evident in its architecture, influenced by Spanish, Victorian, and modern styles, creating a mesmerizing juxtaposition of old and new.

Iconic Landmarks

Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in San Francisco is the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel that spans the strait between the city and Marin County. This iconic red suspension bridge is a symbol of the city and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean.

Alcatraz Island, once a notorious federal penitentiary, now serves as a historic site and a popular tourist destination. Taking a ferry to Alcatraz provides visitors with an eerie glimpse into its storied past and offers panoramic vistas of the city from the island.

Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts was designed by renowned architect Bernard R. Maybeck. The exposition celebrated the city's recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake and showcased San Francisco as a thriving cultural and artistic hub. Maybeck drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, creating a structure that evokes a sense of timelessness and grandeur.

A Hub of Creativity and Innovation

San Francisco has long been a magnet for dreamers, artists, and innovators. The city's passion for creativity is palpable in its thriving arts scene, where theaters, galleries, and live music venues buzz with talent. As the birthplace of the Beat Generation and the epicenter of the tech revolution, San Francisco has nurtured countless visions and innovations.

Dubbed as the "Tech Capital of the World," San Francisco is at the forefront of innovation and technology. Silicon Valley, just south of the city, is home to countless startups, tech giants, and groundbreaking research institutions. Companies such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Tesla have their headquarters in the vicinity, driving the city's economy and fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.

Embracing Diversity and Progressivism

San Francisco prides itself on its open-mindedness and welcoming atmosphere. The city has been a stronghold for progressive movements and is a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The annual San Francisco Pride Parade draws hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to celebrate diversity and promote equality.

San Francisco proudly wears its diversity like a crown, with each neighborhood offering a unique flavor that enriches the city's vibrant tapestry. The city's multiculturalism is a celebration of different cultures, cuisines, and traditions, fostering an inclusive environment where all are welcome and embraced.

Nature’s Bounty

Nature's allure is ever-present in San Francisco. The Pacific Ocean hugs the coastline, and the city's numerous parks and green spaces provide a peaceful sanctuary amidst the urban hustle. The Presidio's wooded trails offer a serene escape, while the botanical splendor of the Japanese Tea Garden provides a haven of tranquility. And when the sun sets behind the Marin Headlands, the city's skyline lights up, painting a breathtaking picture of urban beauty against nature's canvas.

San Francisco Factoids

1. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is not painted gold, as some might assume. Its distinct "International Orange" color was chosen to enhance visibility in San Francisco's frequent fog and to complement the natural surroundings.

2. San Francisco is one of the few cities in the world that still operates traditional manually operated cable cars. The cable car system, introduced in the late 19th century, is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an integral part of the city's public transportation system.

3. Alcatraz Island was believed to be an escape-proof prison. However, there were 14 escape attempts involving 36 inmates. The most famous escape occurred in 1962 when three inmates vanished into the waters surrounding the island, and their fate remains unknown.

4. Lombard Street in San Francisco is often referred to as the "crookedest street in the world." Its steep, zig-zagging section with eight hairpin turns is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the city.

5. Contrary to popular belief, fortune cookies were not originally a Chinese tradition. They were invented in San Francisco by Japanese immigrants in the early 1900s. The first fortune cookie factory, Benkyodo, still operates in the city's Japantown.

6. San Francisco is no stranger to earthquakes, and the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires were particularly devastating. The earthquake, estimated to be around 7.9 in magnitude, resulted in significant destruction, and around 3,000 people lost their lives.

7. The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood gained fame during the 1960s as the epicenter of the counterculture movement and the birthplace of the "Summer of Love." Today, it retains its bohemian charm and is home to vintage shops, eclectic boutiques, and colorful Victorian houses.

8. San Francisco is renowned for its sourdough bread. The unique flavor comes from a combination of wild yeast strains specific to the region. Some bakeries in the city have been using the same sourdough starter for over a century.

9. San Francisco is known for its characteristic fog, which rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, especially during the summer months. This weather phenomenon is affectionately known as "Karl the Fog".

10. San Francisco Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America.

11. Levi Strauss invented denim jeans in San Francisco for the Gold Rush miners who needed durable yet comfortable clothing.

12. During the Great Depression, not a single bank in San Francisco failed. In fact, business was so good that the city constructed the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge during the Depression.

13. The Beatles gave their last full concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29, 1966.

14. San Francisco has a Walk Score of 99 out of 100 and received Walker’s, Rider’s (public transportation), and Biker’s Paradise awards on walkscore. com.

15. The opening of the first known gay bar in the United States, the "Black Cat," in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in the 1950s, further solidified the city's role as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community.

Stay tuned for my SF travel guide, coming soon!

Thanks for reading! 🙏 

All my best,

Mina Bahrami, Taste of SF