10 Fun Facts About San Francisco That Even Locals Might Not Know
San Francisco isn’t just cable cars and postcard views. It’s a city where the fog has a personality, the jeans have history, and every block feels like a story waiting to be told. Whether you’ve just unpacked your first moving box at Mission or you’ve been sipping espresso in North Beach since way before it was cool, there’s always something new to learn (and love) about the “City by the Bay”.
Here are 10 fun facts to sprinkle into your next neighborhood stroll, happy hour chat, or impromptu trivia night. Let’s dive in.
The fog? Yeah, it has a name
If you’ve ever had your sunshine plans hijacked by an unexpected grey blanket rolling over Twin Peaks, you’ve met Karl. That’s right, our fog has a name, a following, and even a Instagram account. Karl the Fog is a full-on local personality, moody, mysterious, and always showing up uninvited to your rooftop brunch. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The city is only 49 square miles but somehow feels infinite
San Francisco is small in size but massive in personality. You can technically walk from the Bay to the beach in a day, but good luck not getting distracted by a taqueria, a street mural, or a thrift shop along the way. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm, its own quirks, its own “how is this the same city?” vibe and that’s the magic.
Lombard Street is famous, but it’s not the twistiest
We all know Lombard Street, the photogenic “crookedest street in the world,” complete with tourists, flower beds, and bumper-to-bumper Ubers. But plot twist: it’s not actually the most crooked street in the city. That title belongs to Vermont Street in Potrero Hill. Less crowded, more turns, and just as steep. Sorry, Lombard.
There are more dogs than children living in San Francisco
Let that sink in. More four-legged friends than little humans. And honestly, it shows—in the best way. From pup-friendly parks to cafes with custom treat menus, this city rolls out the red carpet for its canine citizens. Whether you're team corgi or team rescue mutt, you’re in good company here.
Blue jeans were born right here during the Gold Rush
Back in 1873, Levi Strauss teamed up with tailor Jacob Davis to create a sturdy pair of pants for gold miners. The result? The world’s first pair of blue jeans. What started as workwear in the Wild West is now a global fashion staple—and it all began on the streets of San Francisco.
Our “real” summer doesn’t start until September
If you’ve ever packed shorts for a July trip and ended up buying an overpriced hoodie at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’re not alone. Thanks to coastal fog patterns, the warmest, sunniest months in SF are actually September and October. That’s when the microclimates align, the parks fill up, and the city comes out to play.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America
Established in 1848, SF’s Chinatown is more than just a weekend dim sum destination—it’s a living, breathing piece of history. From hidden temples to tucked-away bakeries, it’s full of stories passed down through generations. Go beyond Grant Avenue and you’ll find locals playing mahjong in the alleyways, incense wafting from old shops, and dumplings that absolutely speak for themselves.
The Golden Gate Bridge isn’t golden at all
You’d think a bridge with that name would be, well, gold. But the Golden Gate Bridge is famously painted in a hue called International Orange. It’s not just stylish—it actually helps with visibility when Karl the Fog rolls in thick. It’s iconic, it’s functional, and it’s probably in the background of at least ten of your photos.
You can ride a working piece of history.
Cable cars aren’t just for tourists. They’re legit National Historic Landmarks that are still part of the city’s everyday transit system. You can hop on one and rumble up and down the hills like it’s 1873. Bonus points if you get a spot standing on the outside platform—it’s basically the original open-air ride.
San Francisco was almost called Yerba Buena
Before it was San Francisco, the area was known as Yerba Buena, which means “good herb” in Spanish. It was a tiny settlement until the Gold Rush turned it into one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The name changed in 1847, but the original vibe—laid back, a little wild, full of potential—never really went away.
Feeling inspired to explore the city with fresh eyes? Whether you're chasing fun facts or just following your curiosity, San Francisco has a way of turning even the most ordinary walk into a mini adventure. And honestly, that’s the best kind of GOOD.