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South San Francisco lies on the San Francisco Peninsula just south of the city, between San Bruno Mountain and the bay. Its hillside is famous for giant white letters that spell out South San Francisco The Industrial City, recalling its history of meatpacking, steel and shipbuilding. The town was founded in the 1890s around a large meatpacking plant and stockyards, and it was incorporated in 1908.
Today South San Francisco is known as the birthplace of biotechnology. Genentech opened its first laboratory here in the late 1970s, and the eastern side of the city is filled with gleaming research campuses along the bay. Historic Grand Avenue downtown keeps older storefronts, local restaurants and the city's classic Colonial Revival City Hall.
Visitors can walk the San Francisco Bay Trail along Oyster Point with views across the water, visit the South San Francisco Historical Society museum, and climb nearby San Bruno Mountain for wide views over the Peninsula.
The giant white letters reading South San Francisco The Industrial City have stood on Sign Hill since 1923, visible from Highway 101 and the airport. Sign Hill Park has trails that climb past the letters to views of the bay, the airport and San Bruno Mountain. The paths are steep, so wear good shoes and go on a clear day.
South San Francisco City Hall, completed in 1920, is a Georgian Revival building with a clock tower and dome, modeled on Independence Hall in Philadelphia, standing at the top of Grand Avenue. It is listed as a historic landmark. View the exterior from the lawn, and step inside during weekday office hours to see the lobby.
Grand Avenue is the historic main street of South San Francisco, lined with older storefronts, Mexican, Filipino, Peruvian and other family-run restaurants, bakeries and small shops. It leads uphill toward City Hall. It is a good place for an inexpensive lunch, and the Caltrain station is a short walk from its east end.
The South San Francisco Historical Society runs a small museum with photos, documents and objects about the city's history, from Ohlone life and early ranching to the meatpacking plants, steel mills and the rise of biotech. Volunteers share local stories. It is open only on limited days, so check its hours before visiting.
Oyster Point Marina is South San Francisco's bayside harbor, with boat berths, a fishing pier, a small beach, the San Francisco Bay Trail and a ferry terminal with service to Oakland and Alameda. It offers wide views across the bay. Bring a jacket for the strong afternoon wind, and check ferry times if you plan a trip.
Orange Memorial Park is South San Francisco's largest park, with a sculpture garden, sports fields, a swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic areas and a creek path. It hosts community events and summer concerts. The sculpture garden is easy to visit in a short walk, and picnic sites can be reserved through the city.
Centennial Way Trail is a paved linear park that follows the BART line through South San Francisco, linking the South San Francisco and San Bruno BART stations with gardens, art and seating along the way. It is popular for walking, running and cycling. It is flat and easy, and mid-morning is a quiet time to use it.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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