San Francisco Fun Facts

San Francisco is one of America’s cultural hubs with a colorful history dating back to the early 1800’s. Here are some fun facts you may not have known about the City by the Bay.

GOLDEN GATE PARK IS LARGER THAN NYC’S CENTRAL PARK.

That’s right. Central Park is a measly 778 acres while San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park covers 1,017 acres.

SAN FRANCISCO WAS ORIGINALLY NAMED YERBA BUENA.

This Spanish term means “Good Herb” (which seems appropriate today).

THE FAMOUS SAN FRANCISCO FOG HAS A NAME.

Locals call the fog, Karl, and nobody quite knows why. But Karl even has his own Instagram account!

SAN FRANCISCO’S CHINATOWN IS THE SECOND LARGEST OUTSIDE OF ASIA.

And it’s the oldest in North America. Chinatown is home to more than 100,000 people in the 1 ½ mile neighborhood. And speaking of Chinatown…

THE FORTUNE COOKIE WAS INVENTED IN SAN FRANCISCO.

But not by a Chinese immigrant, but rather by a Japanese immigrant named Makoto Hagiwara who served them at Golden Gate Park’s tea garden. Today you can get a tour to see them being made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

SAN FRANCISCO ALSO HAS THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST AND OLDEST JAPANTOWN.
Located just 1.4 miles from Stanford Court, Japantown features incredible Japanese restaurants, groceries, stores, and a great shopping mall.

THE FAMOUS PIER 39 SEA LIONS ARE NEW RESIDENTS OF SAN FRANCISCO.

These lovable creatures mysteriously arrived after the 1989 earthquake and have been entertaining visitors ever since.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 50 NAMED HILLS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Besides the fog (Karl), San Francisco is probably most known for it’s hills and we have a LOT of them. There are 9 main hills, including Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, Twin Peaks, and of course the best one of all – Nob Hill.

THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BLACK AND GOLD.

Most bridges of the early 1900’s were painted black and gold and the Golden Gate bridge was no different. But the structure’s architect, Irving Morrow, noticed the brilliant reddish primer coat and decided to make the change. (BTW, the color of the bridge is officially International Orange.)

IT IS ILLEGAL TO BURY SOMEONE WITHIN SAN FRANCISCO’S CITY LIMITS.

The law was enacted in 1902 due to space issues. There are just two remaining cemeteries in the city 0 one behind the Mission San Francisco de Asis and the other at the Presidio.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco

Before we wrap up, here are some quick FAQs about San Francisco that visitors often ask. From its famous landmarks to quirky nicknames and must-try foods, these answers give you a little more insight into what makes the City by the Bay so unique.

• What is San Francisco best known for?

San Francisco is best known for the Golden Gate Bridge, its iconic cable cars, steep hills, and vibrant culture that blends history, arts, and innovation.

• What is San Francisco called?

The city is often called the “City by the Bay” for its location on the San Francisco Bay, and “Fog City” because of the famous fog that rolls in year-round.

• What makes San Francisco unique?

As mentioned above, San Francisco stands out for its colorful Victorian houses, eclectic neighborhoods, rich history, and landmarks that can’t be found anywhere else.

• What food is San Francisco famous for?

San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, clam chowder served in bread bowls, and fresh seafood like Dungeness crab, making it a true foodie destination.

• Does it snow in San Francisco?

Snow in San Francisco is extremely rare. The city has a mild, Mediterranean climate with cool, foggy summers and rainy but not freezing winters.

• Why is San Francisco considered a healthy city?

San Francisco is considered one of the healthiest cities thanks to its walkable streets, outdoor activities like biking and hiking, and easy access to fresh, local food.

Now you know!