Golden Gate Bridge
Ah, the Golden Gate Bridge (1937) - the iconic "International Orange" beauty! Did you know it was initially met with skepticism? Many believed the bridge would be an eyesore against the lush backdrop of the bay. But once completed, it became the darling of San Francisco. Fun fact: The bridge's color was chosen not just for aesthetics but also for visibility in the frequent fog. And those 746-foot tall towers? They were once the tallest in the world!
Transamerica Pyramid
The Transamerica Pyramid (1972) is another architectural gem. At 853 feet, it’s not just a skyscraper but a statement. Originally, it faced criticism for its unconventional design. But today, it’s a beloved symbol of the skyline. Here’s a quirky tidbit: the building's tip is covered in aluminum panels, which reflect sunlight in a way that makes the pyramid appear to glow at sunset.
Ferry Building
The Ferry Building (1898) is a survivor. It withstood the 1906 earthquake and fire, and though it fell out of favor with the advent of the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, it has since enjoyed a renaissance as a bustling marketplace. The clock tower, inspired by the 12th-century Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain, has four clock faces, each 22 feet in diameter.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts (1915) is a remnant of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This fair celebrated the rebirth of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The Palace was designed by Bernard Maybeck, who took inspiration from Roman and Greek architecture. Here’s a hidden gem: the lagoon around the Palace was designed to reflect the structure, creating a picturesque double image.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower (1933) is a tribute to the city’s firefighters, funded by the eccentric Lillie Hitchcock Coit. Legend has it she used to chase fires in her youth, wearing a fireman’s hat. The tower’s interior is adorned with murals by 27 different artists, capturing the social and economic themes of the Great Depression. These murals were funded by the Public Works of Art Project, a precursor to the WPA.
Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are the colorful Victorian houses lining Alamo Square. They’re often dubbed “Postcard Row” because of their frequent appearance in media, from TV shows to movies. The term "Painted Ladies" was coined in the 1970s to describe Victorian homes painted in three or more colors. These homes, built between 1892 and 1896, are a testament to the city’s architectural opulence before the 1906 quake.
San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall (1915) is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture, with its grand dome that’s even taller than the U.S. Capitol’s! The current building replaced the original City Hall, which was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. The rotunda is a popular spot for weddings, including the famous nuptials of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio in 1954.
Lombard Street
Lombard Street isn’t just a street; it’s an experience. Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” it boasts eight sharp turns within a single block. It was designed in 1922 to reduce the hill’s natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles. The red-bricked street is beautifully lined with Victorian mansions and vibrant flower beds.
Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square (1964) was one of the country’s first adaptive reuse projects, transforming a chocolate factory into a shopping and dining complex. Originally built in the 1890s, the factory was converted by architect William Wurster and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin. The square retains many original features, including the iconic signage.
The Castro Theatre
The Castro Theatre (1922) is a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece. Its neon sign and grand interior, complete with a Wurlitzer organ, make it a cultural hub. The theater was designed by Timothy Pflueger, who also worked on the city’s famous Paramount Theatre. The Castro is known for its sing-along events and film festivals, particularly the LGBTQ+ themed Frameline.
Sutro Baths
Sutro Baths (1896) were the brainchild of Adolph Sutro, former mayor and silver magnate. This massive bathhouse complex once housed seven swimming pools of varying temperatures, slides, trapezes, and even a museum. Sadly, the baths were destroyed by fire in 1966, but the ruins remain a popular spot for urban explorers and history buffs.
Mission Dolores
Mission Dolores (1776) is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. This Spanish mission has survived earthquakes and urban development, maintaining its historic charm. The adjacent cemetery is the final resting place for many early settlers, and the mission’s garden includes native plants that would have been familiar to the indigenous Ohlone people.
De Young Museum
The De Young Museum (1895, rebuilt 2005) offers a blend of old and new. The original building was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, leading to a modern redesign by Herzog & de Meuron. The copper-clad structure eventually weathers to a green hue, blending with the surrounding Golden Gate Park. The museum’s observation tower provides stunning views of the city.
Exploratorium
The Exploratorium (1969) is a hands-on science museum originally housed in the Palace of Fine Arts before moving to Pier 15 in 2013. Founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, brother of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the museum encourages interactive learning and experimentation. The Tactile Dome is a must-visit, offering a journey through complete darkness to heighten the non-visual senses.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island (1934-1963 as a federal prison) is more than just a former penitentiary. The Rock has a rich history, from a military fort in the 1850s to a Native American occupation in 1969. The prison’s most famous inmates included Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud. Today, it’s a fascinating historical site with stunning views of the bay.
Cable Cars
The San Francisco Cable Cars (1873) are the world’s last manually operated system. Invented by Andrew Hallidie, they were inspired by a tragic accident involving a horse-drawn carriage. The Powell-Hyde line offers the steepest climb, and the cable car barn is a working museum where you can see the massive engines and winding wheels in action.