San Francisco Will Bounce Back

Does San Francisco have crime? Does it have way too many homeless people? Yes. And yes. And so do Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and just about every other U.S. metropolis you could name.

But this isn’t a “what about” article because there is no comparison to San Francisco. It’s one of the most unique and one of the most popular cities in the U.S., welcoming more than 3 million tourists from around the globe annually.

Inhabited by native Americans for thousands of years, the San Francisco Bay Area became a Spanish stronghold when the Presidio was established in 1776. The Presidio and nearby mission passed on to Mexico in 1821. America claimed the property as a result of the Mexican-American War, which began in 1846. Beginning a couple of years later, the gold rush of the mid-19th century caused the population of San Francisco to expand exponentially.

The city has weathered earthquakes, particularly the devastating quake of 1906; fires; floods; extreme heat; serial killers; and other natural and man-made disasters and still it stands proudly, drawing visitors to ride the cable cars, get that selfie at the Golden Gate Bridge, watch fortune cookies being made in Chinatown and walk Lombard, the steep, winding street made famous in “Bullitt” starring Steve McQueen.

That’s what everyone wants to see when they come to San Francisco for the first time. But there’s so much more to the city: funky neighborhoods, amazing architecture, fascinating museums, one of the most diverse selections of restaurants on the planet and much, much more. Restoration project Ghirardelli Square includes a large selection of fine restaurants and interesting shops. And talk about location. San Francisco is within driving distance of Napa Valley wine country, Silicon Valley, Yosemite National Park and the scenic California coast.

What’s not to love? If you’re in our area—or planning a visit—and are looking for a fun tour, give us a call.