San Francisco is one of the world's best cities, despite its small size of fewer than 50 square miles and less than a million people. With 881,549 inhabitants as of 2019, San Francisco is the 16th most populated city in the country and the fourth most populated in California. It has a land area of about 46.89 square miles. On June 29, 1776, Spanish colonists built the Presidio of San Francisco near the Golden Gate and the Mission San Francisco de Assis, a few miles distant, both named after Francis of Assisi. During the California Gold Rush of 1849, it saw tremendous development, becoming the biggest city on the West Coast at the time. In 1856, San Francisco was incorporated as a city county.
Despite its size of fewer than 50 square miles and a population of less than a million people, San Francisco is rightly regarded as one of the world's finest cities with a long list of
tourist attractions. The Port of San Francisco attracts a large number of cruise passengers. At the James R. Herman (Pier 27) and Pier 35 cruise terminals, the Port of San Francisco welcomes about 80 cruise ships and 300,000 passengers each year. Itineraries include round-trip cruises from San Francisco to Alaska, Hawaii, and many more in the spring and autumn. This city also has it all: grand-dame Victorians, cable cars, a vibrant coastline, and a towering golden gate bridge. San Francisco rightfully stands out as one of the top must-visit destinations on every traveler's wish list, with trend-defining cuisine spanning from Michelin-starred restaurants to crazy food trucks and virtually limitless outdoor activities.
