San Francisco Facts

San Francisco is quite small, yet its hilly terrain and patchwork demographic profile gives it more distinctly defined neighborhoods than a city five times its size. As a result, the sights, sounds and flavors of this community-and even its climate-can change within a single block.

Castro Street & Noe Valley

The center of San Francisco's gay community and a landmark for gay culture everywhere, the Castro is full of bars, dance clubs, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops, located in the commercial area around 18th and Castro Street. There's arguably more street life in the Castro than anywhere else in the city, especially on weekends. The gleaming neon sign of the Castro Theater greets visitors...

...is a compact city of hills surrounded on three sides by water. Feel the cool, salty air crossing the Golden Gate Bridge or nosh on a burrito in the Mission. Experience the city's unique mix of big-city buzz and laid-back joie de vivre. Browse second-hand shops along Haight Street. Recite poetry in a North Beach coffeehouse. Walk along the beach, skate through Golden Gate Park, ride the cable cars, tour a Victorian mansion or explore Alcatraz Island. Just don't call it 'Frisco.

Things to Do

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge offers spectacular views of the Bay and the city. The vast Golden Gate Park, an oasis of trees, flowers, lakes and trails, is home to the De Young Museum, showcasing a stunning...