San Francisco Photography

Related Galleries: California Photography | Bay Area Photography | Napa Valley & Wine Country Photography | California Coast Pictures | Panoramic Photography | Michelin-Starred Restaurant Photos

About San Francisco

The city of San Francisco has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the arrival of the Spanish in the late 18th century. The area was originally settled by the Ohlone people, and the first European settlement was established by the Spanish in 1776 as a military fort, named the Presidio. In 1797, the Mission San Francisco de Asis, also known as Mission Dolores, was founded by the Franciscans and it is the oldest surviving structure in the city.

In 1848, the discovery of gold in nearby Sutter's Mill sparked the California Gold Rush, which brought thousands of people to San Francisco in search of wealth. This led to a rapid growth in population and the development of the city as a center of commerce and industry. The city was incorporated in 1850 and quickly became a major port and economic center.

As the city grew, it developed distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and history. Some of the most notable neighborhoods in San Francisco include:

• Chinatown: One of the oldest and largest chinatowns in the United States, and it has a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can find many traditional Chinese shops, restaurants, and cultural sights such as the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and the historic Grant Avenue.
• The Financial District: Located in the heart of the city, this is the center of the city's business and commerce. It is home to many skyscrapers, hotels, and restaurants. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Transamerica Pyramid, the historic Ferry Building, and the Embarcadero.
• North Beach: A historic Italian-American community and its many restaurants, cafes and bars. Visitors can find many historic sites such as the Coit Tower and the Washington Square Park.
• The Mission District: Features colorful street art, trendy bars and restaurants, and its large Latino community. Visitors can find many historic sites such as the Mission Dolores and the Museum of the Mission.
• The Castro: The home of the LGBTQ+ community with its many bars, clubs, and shops catering to this community. Visitors can find many historic sites such as the Harvey Milk Plaza, named after the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.
• Haight-Ashbury: This neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere and its association with the 1960s counterculture movement. Visitors can find many vintage clothing stores and independent shops and also the famous Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian houses that are considered one of the city's iconic landmarks.
• Golden Gate Park: A large urban park located in the western part of the city and it's known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the de Young Museum, which features American art from the 17th to the 21st centuries. The park also offers many recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Pacific Heights: Known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury homes, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can find many historic sites such as the Victorian-era Haas-Lilienthal House, which is open to the public as a museum.
• The Presidio: Located on a hilltop and it's a former military fort that has been converted into a national park. Visitors can find many historic sites such as the Presidio Officers' Club and the Walt Disney Family Museum. The Presidio also offers hiking trails, scenic views and it's a popular spot for outdoor activities.
• The Marina: Located directly east of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marina District is known for its waterfront views and its many restaurants and shops. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Palace of Fine Arts, a historic building and park that features a large pond, and the Exploratorium, a science museum.
• The Richmond: There is a large Asian-American community, and its many Chinese, Russian, and Korean shops, restaurants and supermarkets. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Lincoln Park and the Legion of Honor, which features European art from ancient to modern times.
• The Sunset: Located in the western part of the city, and it's known for its many parks and beach. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Golden Gate Park and the Ocean Beach.
• The Bayview-Hunters Point: A predominantly African-American and working-class community, it's located in the southeastern corner of the city. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Bayview Opera House and the Bayview Hunters Point Yacht Club.
• SOMA (South of Market): The SOMA District is located south of the Financial District, and it's known for its modern architecture, technology companies, and trendy restaurants and bars. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the SFMOMA, Museum of the African Diaspora, the California Historical Society and the Contemporary Jewish Museum.
• Sea Cliff: One of the wealthiest communities in San Francisco, Sea Cliff is located west of the Golden Gate Bridge and is known for its large houses, and scenic views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Lands End, a park with hiking trails and scenic views.
• Hayes Valley: Located west of the Civic Center, and it's known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the many Victorian houses. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Patricia's Green, a popular park for picnics and events and the Hayes Valley Farm, an urban farm and community garden.
• Union Square: This neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and it's known for its luxury shopping, trendy restaurants, and the Union Square Park. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Westfield San Francisco Centre, a large shopping mall and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Fisherman's Wharf: Located on the northern waterfront and it's known for its seafood restaurants, street performers, and the many tourist shops. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the PIER 39, an entertainment complex, and the Aquatic Park, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
• Embarcadero: The Embarcadero is known for its scenic views of the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Building, and the many restaurants and shops. Visitors can find many popular attractions such as the Ferry Building Marketplace, a popular spot to sample local food and produce, and the Exploratorium, a science museum.