What to See in San Francisco: An American Butler Guide

How San Francisco Came to Be

San Francisco is one of the most important cities on the map of the USA. And probably the world. The city’s name and its internal locations hint at Spanish influence. And indeed, that’s true, though the indigenous people were here first.

Life in the area of modern San Francisco began quite a while ago — as early as 3000 BC. In 1769, a Spanish exploratory expedition landed and established a colony. Back then, the peninsula was called Yerba Buena, while the name of Saint Francis was given to the bay and the Spanish missionary Catholic organization.

Until 1846, the territory changed hands several times — it became part of Mexico, then reverted to Spain. This explains many of the Spanish names. But the Mexican-American War put an end to that — the city was renamed San Francisco, and all of California came under U.S. control. Surprisingly, Mexicans and other Latin Americans make up a small portion of San Francisco’s population. They were far outnumbered by… the Chinese. And this happened thanks to the next phase.

The Gold Rush and the Chinese

San Francisco's history is incomplete without mentioning the Gold Rush. In 1848, gold was accidentally found in the foothills, driving millions of people crazy. Prospectors flocked to San Francisco, and the population increased 25 times in less than a year.

Among these migrant workers were many Chinese. They didn’t have high hopes for luck, but came simply to work in the mines and on construction sites. Today, they make up one-fifth of San Francisco’s population, forming the largest Chinese diaspora in the world.

San Francisco's Ups and Downs

The city has been rebuilt several times. Most of the historic Victorian buildings survived the 1906 earthquake, subsequent fires, and the destructions of World War II. In 1936 and 1937, the renowned Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland and the Golden Gate Bridge were opened consecutively. During the war, they were crucial supply channels for food and arms.

In the 60s, global changes started turning positive. The so-called hippie revolution took place here. Members of the subculture literally flooded the city, indulging in all sorts of pleasures wherever they wanted. But the music didn’t play for long — soon, the process of "Manhattanization" began. This was the reconstruction process due to the population growth — more skyscrapers appeared, and people moved from the center to condos in the suburbs. Hippies were mistaken for the homeless and forcibly evicted to the suburbs.

San Francisco experienced its last major shock in the 90s with the dot-com era. Proximity to Silicon Valley had its effect: the percentage of tech workers here is off the charts, while the percentage of children is the lowest compared to major U.S. cities. San Francisco transformed from a seaside resort into a city for work.

San Francisco Today

San Francisco consists of three large islands and an uninhabited archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The city stands on hills, the most famous of which is Twin Peaks — especially sought after after the release of the eponymous series. The urban development has changed several times, so the map can look chaotic in places.

The historical center is considered to be the current Financial District — alongside skyscrapers, there is a high concentration of old mansions. The Mission District is traditionally inhabited by immigrants from South America, while Richmond is almost entirely occupied by Chinese and Russians.

What to See First

The attractions of San Francisco will make you believe things you never wanted to admit, things you would never have seen if this magnificent city didn’t exist. It’s hard not to fall in love with San Francisco at first sight, but if you often return here, you will always discover something new.

• Golden Gate Bridge
  The calling card of San Francisco and the entire state of California — this is, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearly 3 kilometers of beauty connect the northern part of San Francisco and the city of Sausalito. These spans have appeared in a bunch of movies and TV shows, from “Charmed” to “Terminator.” It’s time for you to shoot your own, even if it’s for Instagram.
• Golden Gate Park
  If you thought nothing could be cooler than Central Park in New York, welcome to Golden Gate. It’s bigger, richer, and has so many gardens that you won’t stop being amazed. And you can also catch the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of your life here.
• Alcatraz Prison
  Surprised? The old prison for the most dangerous criminals on the eponymous island was famous for its reliability — no one ever managed to escape from there alive. And quite recently, in 1969, it was besieged by rebellious Native Americans dissatisfied with politics.
• Palace of Fine Arts
  A fairy-tale white rotunda and colonnade on the lake shore looks like an unreal oasis. It’s hard to understand where you are and in what century — the atmosphere is so stunning. In fact, it’s just an exhibition sample, but it feels like you’re in the center of a real historical treasure.
• Lombard Street
  The winding, ribbon-like road descending from the hill looks almost toy-like — it’s a torture for motorists but brings so much joy to tourists! We bet there’s no other street like it anywhere else. At least the photos from there will surely surprise all your friends.
• Painted Ladies
  These bright and colorful Victorian houses are real heroes. They survived the terrible earthquake and fires of 1906, preserving their neat facades. Today, the row of houses is called the "Painted Ladies" — and they really look very light, pleasant, and elegant.
• Cable Cars
  San Francisco stands on hills and mountains. In 1873, a unique public transport system was invented — the cable car. It’s almost like a funicular, only the cables are underground and pull the tram in the desired direction. A ride on one of these is a must if you’re in San Francisco!
• Pier 39
  The coastal lines of San Francisco are not suitable for swimming due to strong waves and winds. But sea lions love it there. They often bask in the sun on Pier 39. And tourists warm their hearts watching these relaxed faces.