How well do you know San Francisco?
Steep hills, fog, cable cars and famous landmarks make San Francisco unlike any other US city. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- Only about 1,500 prisoners were ever held at Alcatraz during its time as a federal prison. Several tried to escape, and the fate of three men who fled in 1962 remains a mystery.
- The 'Painted Ladies', a row of Victorian houses facing Alamo Square, became famous through postcards and television. They are among the most photographed homes in the city.
- San Francisco's cable cars move at a steady speed of about 9.5 miles per hour, pulled by cables that run continuously beneath the streets from a central powerhouse.
City of hills and fog
San Francisco sits on a hilly peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Although it is small in area, it is known worldwide for its landmarks, neighborhoods, food and history of innovation. The Gold Rush turned it from a small village into a major city, and it later became a center for finance, culture and technology.
Cable cars
Cable cars were introduced in 1873 to climb the city's steep hills. Once, many lines crossed the city, but today three routes remain. In 1964 the system became the first moving National Historic Landmark, and riders can still hop on and off along the tracks.
Earthquake and rebuilding
The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed thousands of buildings. San Francisco rebuilt rapidly and showcased its recovery with the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Today strict building codes aim to protect the city in future earthquakes.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco's neighborhoods each have a distinct character, from the colorful Victorian houses known as 'Painted Ladies' to the Mission District's murals and the Italian heritage of North Beach. Many neighborhoods are compact and easy to explore on foot.
Microclimates
Because of fog and hills, weather can change dramatically across short distances. One neighborhood may be foggy and cool while another nearby is sunny and warm. Visitors are often surprised by how chilly San Francisco summers can be.
The Bay Area
San Francisco is part of the larger Bay Area, which includes Oakland, Berkeley and San Jose. Silicon Valley, south of the city, is a global technology hub, and bridges and ferries connect communities around the bay.
Parks and open spaces
Golden Gate Park stretches more than three miles from the city center to the Pacific Ocean and is larger than New York's Central Park. It contains museums, gardens, lakes and even a small herd of bison. The Presidio, a former military post, is now a national park site with trails and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.