San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco Bay defines the economy, and hence the history of the region. The Golden Gate opens onto a natural harbor that attracted the Spanish settlers in the 18th century. Later San Francisco became the major port of the California Gold Rush of 1849. San Francisco enjoyed a century-long reign as the west's busiest port, which goes a long way in explaining the rich heritage of Victorian architecture that makes the city such a pleasure to wander through today. Decidedly post-industrial, San Francisco's shipping industry plays second fiddle to neighboring Oakland's container port.
Tourism is the biggy now, followed by financial services.
Chrissy, my San Francisco haircutter, suggested one day between snips that part of the reason San Francisco was so laid back was because the land has no residual memory of starvation. . . The great Sacramento River flows into San Francisco Bay through San Pablo Bay, bringing with it nutrients from California's Great Central Valley. Before settlement, the bays were lined with vast expanses of wetlands teeming with mollusks, fish and birds. Crab salad and shrimp cocktails are still signature San Francisco dishes even though these days that luscious pink and white mound on your plate was probably flown in from Alaska. Hills and mountains surround San Francisco Bay.