San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a consolidated city-county located on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay in Northern California. It stands as a leading cultural and financial hub of the western United States, known for its cosmopolitan character. As of July 1, 2025, the city has a population of 866,412, making it the fourth-most populous city in California. San Francisco is the most densely populated city in California and the second-most densely populated in the United States.
San Francisco is famous for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf. Other key attractions include Golden Gate Park, diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, and cultural institutions like the California Academy of Sciences and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Union Square is experiencing revitalization with new businesses and increased tourism. Recent developments include new residential towers and the redevelopment of areas like Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island. The city is also focused on revitalizing Union Square with arts, entertainment, and events.