9 Historic Neighborhoods in San Francisco That Will Transport You To The Past
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Stephanie Garr
Author
Did you know there are more than 140 neighborhoods within the 7×7 miles of San Francisco? And that some of them have some fascinating history behind them? While the 1906 earthquake and fires destroyed over 80% of the city, some of its most gorgeous areas and structures managed to survive. So, put away that smartphone and flash back to more innocent times (or, maybe not so much—see #5) at these historic neighborhoods in San Francisco.
The Mission here (the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco) was founded in 1776, back when this area was settled by the Spanish.
The Presidio also dates back to 1776, when the Spanish fortified the area. It’s since seen plenty of soldier activity as a strategic military base: It was occupied by the U.S. Army and active in the the American Civil War and World War II. It eventually became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, so that we can all enjoy its beauty.
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The residential architecture here, which dates between the 1870s and 1920s, represents one of the city’s iconic spots, referred to as "Postcard Row."
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The heart of the '60 counterculture movement and home to artists like The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin still has hints (and whiffs) of the hippie ideals in its head shops and vintage stores.
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This area was once part of the infamous Barbary Coast, the city’s wild red-light district. It’s also the spot that several Italians settled in, hence giving it the nickname Little Italy. In the 1950s, Beat legend Jack Kerouac called it home. The cool thing is, you can see all of these influences holding strong here, from the stripper clubs to the Italian eateries to the Beat Museum and City Lights Bookstore.
In the Lower Pac Heights neighborhood, on the edge of Japantown, sits this quaint hidden spot lined with gorgeous Victorian houses, many built during the mid-1800s. A well-manicured mini park sits alongside the colorful abodes.
This area, sandwiched between North Beach and the Financial District, is considered one of the oldest commercial neighborhoods in San Francisco, featuring buildings from the 1850s and 1860s. Look for the three-story brick buildings and cast-iron shutters.
Filled with rainbow crosswalks, the Castro was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States and has played a prominent role in LGBT activism since the 1960s. It remains one of the most colorful, vibrant, and friendly parts of San Francisco.
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Many of the brick-lined industrial loft buildings in this part of SoMa date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of these now serve as offices for well-funded startups.
Ah, the good old days! What’s your favorite historical landmark or neighborhood in San Francisco? Let us know in the comments!
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