California is one of those places many people visualize in a number of ways. San Francisco in particular has a strong reputation that may be different depending on who you ask. But, what exactly comes to everyone’s mind when you think of San Francisco? Let’s check out 13 things that come to everyone’s mind when you think of the 415.
1. Fog
Today, the fog of San Francisco is so well known it will surprise you. The fog here has it's own name (it's Karl, by the way)! In all seriousness, San Francisco's fog is one of the more predictable and defining characteristics of what we like to call "Fog City."
2. Cable Cars
An icon of San Francisco that is known worldwide. The cable car system of the city is operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway. This is the ultimate San Francisco experience!
3. Hippies & Tie Dye
In particular Haight-Ashbury, the image of hippies and San Francisco is very strong and historically relevant. Even today, in Haight Ashbury, you'll feel you're stepping back to the ‘60s. Walk down Haight Street and you'll be reminded of the hippie counterculture and in particular the tie dye fashion!
4. It's Expensive
San Francisco is renowned for being expensive for food, living, parking, and even for pricey coffee! This is a reputation that irks locals and tourists alike. So, don't even think about renting an apartment here because you'll never find a reasonable lease. But we know it's worth it here, so we stay.
5. The Crooked Part of Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of crookedest streets in the USA and found on many tours. The steep, hilly street was intended to switchback down the one-way hill past beautiful Victorian mansions.
6. The People Here Think Differently
When we think of San Franciscans or the city and we immediately imagine folks who just act in ways that are different than the norm. In fact, from the Gold Rush to the Summer of Love, San Francisco has always attracted the weirdest and the wildest, as well as some of the most revolutionary and innovative souls who think differently.
7. Unsurpassed Beauty
The beauty here is no secret, especially of the Victorians in certain areas like Haight Ashbury, Alamo Square, and more. It’s gorgeous. Between the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, and the cable cars you're always awe-struck here.
8. Cutting-Edge Technology & Innovation
Depending who you ask, more usually younger generations, San Francisco is only known for technology and innovation. Like the techies or not, San Francisco, and of course Silicon Valley, has always been a hub for world-changing innovation, from any number of web publishing innovations to Youtube and beyond. When people think of technology they think of San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
9. Spectacular Hills
The hills here are attractions like Twin Peaks and Bernal Hill. How could anyone put up with all of the beautiful and steep streets in the city? Easy, you just enjoy the stunning views from the hills of the city.
10. Great Music
Many bands are associated with the city like the Grateful Dead who began in the San Francisco Bay Area. The music from especially the 60s is what many people love about the city. The music of San Francisco emerged is an influential movement in music, with acts like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and more achieving international prominence. Rock on!
11. No Plastic Bags
This is not the most alluring thing to think of when you hear San Francisco. However, San Francisco led the way in 2007 with the first plastic bag ban in the USA. Fog City eliminated plastic bags at large grocery stores. Also, recycling, composting, and other environmental protections have been the cornerstone of the San Francisco lifestyle. Go SF!
12. Earthquakes
The 1906 earthquake is known by a lot of people as well as the 1989 earthquake. The reputation of earthquakes and the city is strong. A trembler is enough to scare some sense into anyone and San Francisco is very well-known for them.
13. The Golden Gate Bridge
Last, but not least, the most famous bridge in the world. The Golden Gate Bridge is by far San Francisco’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. This stunning structure is considered one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
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