San Francisco is one of the most unique cities in the United States. The architecture and topography pull people in from all over the country. The city has been growing with many restaurants and markets opening their doors. The foodie trend has been increasing in the city due to the interesting restaurants.
San Francisco is known for many things such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf as well as fabulous restaurants. It’s also the financial, commercial, and cultural center of California. San Francisco is the second hilliest city in the world. San Francisco consists of forty-eight hills but not all of them have been named.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the San Francisco area is from September to November. The fall offers some of the warmest weather year-round. There are fewer crowds during the fall compared to the summer. Another good time to visit is spring. The lack of rain and mild temperatures make it a favorite time for tourists.
7 Hills of San Francisco
Nob Hill
Nob Hill is a popular neighborhood located in the central part of the city. Nob Hill is home to some of the city’s swankiest hotels like the Fairmont, and the Scarlet Huntington as well as Grace Cathedral, California Street, and the Cable Car Museum. There are plenty of activities in Nob Hill such as the Nob Hill Masonic Center, restaurants, bars, and shopping. Tourists and locals walking the steep streets will find nightspots like the Top of the Mark lounge with 360-degree views.
Russian Hill
Russian Hill is an upscale, quaint residential neighborhood known for the famous crooked Lombard Street which is a major tourist destination. The neighborhood hills provide wonderful views of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges from the San Francisco cable cars. Polk and Hyde Streets are home to a variety of trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. Russian Hill is home to the San Francisco Art Institute.
Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill is a small neighborhood on the northeastern side of the city. A flock of parrots is one of the most famous residents of the neighborhood for years. The most popular attraction is the Coit Tower, at the top of the hill. Other popular attractions are the Filbert Street stairs, restaurants, and bars.
Rincon Hill
Rincon Hill is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods for real estate development. The condos on Rincon Hill are a fabulous investment because of the convenience in the neighborhood. It’s an easy walk to the Transbay Terminal, Union Square, and the financial district.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks are two hills situated at the center of the city with an elevation of about 922 feet. They offer views of downtown and beyond and form the second-highest point in San Francisco. A popular attraction is a grassy 64-acre hilltop park with numerous hiking trails and 360-degree views of the Bay area. The Sutro Tower antenna, which is triple-pronged, is a fixture in the skyline of the neighborhood. Twin Peaks is part of the Mission Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation and is home to a variety of insects, birds, and vegetation.
Mount Sutro
Mount Sutro is named in honor of the 24th Mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro. Most of Mount Sutro is private property owned by the University of California, San Francisco. There are unmarked walking trails leading to the summit of the hill.
Mount Davidson
Mount Davidson is the highest point in San Francisco with an elevation of 928 feet. It is near the center of the city. The southeastern view from most of Portola Drive is dominated by Mount Davidson. The 103-foot concrete cross at the peak of the hill is the site of an annual Easter prayer service where the cross is lit.
Places To Explore
San Francisco is set along the ocean with rolling hills and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s one of the most fascinating cities in the United States and the gem of Northern California. The city has great neighborhoods, parks, museums, and much more.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, California’s landmark gracing San Francisco Bay, is one of the most popular sites to be photographed. The bridge opened in 1937 and was the longest suspension bridge measuring two miles. For an amazing view of the bridge, there are several vantage points for great pictures. One of the most sought-after locations is Nob Hill. Nob Hill has many posh old mansions and offers beautiful views over the bridge.
Alcatraz Island
The notorious Alcatraz Penitentiary, one of America’s most infamous prisons, is located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. It was open for almost thirty years, closing in 1963 and re-opening in 1973 as a tourist attraction. Al Capone was one of the most well-known inmates. To get to the island, there is a ferry that takes people to the island. The Penitentiary housed a total of 1,576 inmates.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular attractions. It was once known as the Little Italy of San Francisco and home to numerous shops and restaurants along the waterfront. It is a great place to walk around and get a taste of the city. The Pier 39 docks are one of the best areas to see the sea lions. The USS Pampanito is a WWII submarine and located at the pier.
There’s no better time than now to plan a trip to breathtaking San Francisco. It’s worth the visit to see the 7 hills and what better time than now to book a trip! It’s easy to see why San Francisco is a favorite for tourists!