San Francisco Local Guide

San Francisco is the cultural, financial, and technological hub of the Bay Area, known for its steep hills, Victorian architecture, fog-swept bay, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. As a consolidated city-county, San Francisco covers roughly 47 square miles at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula.

Oakland is the largest city in the East Bay and the third-largest in the Bay Area, known for its diversity, its waterfront, and its vibrant arts and culture scene. As an independent city in Alameda County, Oakland combines urban energy with natural beauty, offering Lake Merritt, the Oakland Hills, Jack London Square, and a growing downtown with restaurants, galleries, and entertainment.

Berkeley is an incorporated city in Alameda County, home to the University of California, Berkeley, one of the world's leading public universities. Known for its history of political activism, its intellectual culture, and its vibrant arts and dining scene, Berkeley combines a college-town atmosphere with urban amenities.

Fremont is an incorporated city in Alameda County, the fourth most populous city in the Bay Area, known for its diversity, its strong technology and manufacturing base, and its location at the southern end of the East Bay. As a major employment center, Fremont combines residential neighborhoods with major employers in technology, automotive manufacturing, and clean energy.

Hayward is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its central East Bay location, its diversity, and its growing downtown. As the sixth-largest city in the Bay Area, Hayward combines residential neighborhoods with major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

Alameda is an incorporated city in Alameda County, located on an island adjacent to Oakland. Known for its small-town feel, its tree-lined streets, and its beautiful Victorian homes, Alameda combines suburban charm with urban convenience.

San Leandro is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its central East Bay location, its diverse community, and its growing downtown. As a practical residential community, San Leandro combines established neighborhoods with major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Livermore is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known as the heart of the Tri-Valley wine region and home to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. As the easternmost city in the Bay Area's urban core, Livermore combines residential neighborhoods with wine country, a historic downtown, and major employers in science and technology.

Pleasanton is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its charming historic downtown, its strong business parks, and its location in the Tri-Valley region. As a major employment center, Pleasanton combines residential neighborhoods with the Hacienda and Bishop Ranch business parks, home to numerous technology and professional services companies.

Dublin is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its rapid growth, its diverse population, and its role as a major transit hub in the Tri-Valley. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Bay Area, Dublin combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and major employers.

Union City is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its diversity, its central location, and its practical residential character. As a smaller city at the southern edge of the East Bay, Union City combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is conveniently located between the East Bay and Silicon Valley.

Newark is an incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its diversity, its residential character, and its location near the Dumbarton Bridge crossing to the Peninsula. As a smaller city surrounded by Fremont, Newark combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is conveniently located for commuters to Silicon Valley and the Peninsula.

Emeryville is a small incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its major retail centers, its animation studios, and its location at the east end of the Bay Bridge. As a small city surrounded by Oakland and Berkeley, Emeryville combines residential areas with major commercial and entertainment destinations.

Albany is a small incorporated city in Alameda County, known for its charming downtown, its excellent schools, and its location adjacent to Berkeley. As a compact city, Albany combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable commercial district along Solano Avenue and San Pablo Avenue.

Piedmont is a small, affluent incorporated city in Alameda County, completely surrounded by the city of Oakland. Known for its excellent schools, its tree-lined streets, and its grand residential homes, Piedmont is one of the most exclusive communities in the Bay Area.

Concord is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, the largest city in the county, known for its diversity, its parks, and its central location. As a major residential and commercial center, Concord combines established neighborhoods with major employers in healthcare, retail, and government.

Walnut Creek is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its premier shopping, its vibrant dining scene, and its location at the crossroads of the East Bay. As a major commercial and cultural center, Walnut Creek combines residential neighborhoods with the Broadway Plaza shopping center, the Lesher Center for the Arts, and a walkable downtown.

Richmond is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its waterfront, its industrial heritage, and its growing arts and culture scene. As a diverse city on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Richmond combines residential neighborhoods with major employers in refining, healthcare, and technology.

Antioch is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its rapid growth, its waterfront location on the San Joaquin River, and its more affordable housing. As one of the larger cities in East Contra Costa County, Antioch combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is a practical community for families seeking more affordable housing in the Bay Area.

Brentwood is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its rapid growth, its agricultural heritage, and its family-friendly character. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Bay Area, Brentwood combines residential neighborhoods with agricultural areas and is a practical community for families seeking more affordable housing.

Pittsburg is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its industrial heritage, its waterfront location, and its diverse community. As a city on the Sacramento River delta, Pittsburg combines residential neighborhoods with industrial and commercial areas.

San Ramon is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its major corporate employers, its master-planned communities, and its excellent schools. As home to the Bishop Ranch business park and the headquarters of several major companies, San Ramon combines residential neighborhoods with a strong employment base.

Danville is an incorporated town in Contra Costa County, known for its affluent residential character, its charming downtown, and its excellent schools. As one of the most desirable communities in the San Ramon Valley, Danville combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Hartz Avenue.

Lafayette is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its affluent residential character, its charming downtown, and its natural beauty. As a community in the Lafayette Ridge area, the city combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown and access to the Lafayette Reservoir and the Briones Regional Park.

Orinda is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its affluent residential character, its rural feel, and its excellent schools. As a community in the hills east of the Caldecott Tunnel, Orinda combines residential neighborhoods with open space and hiking trails.

Moraga is an incorporated town in Contra Costa County, known for its small-town character, its rural feel, and Saint Mary's College of California. As a community in the Lafayette Ridge area, Moraga combines residential neighborhoods with open space and hiking trails.

Martinez is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, the county seat, known for its historic downtown, its waterfront, and its role as the birthplace of the martini. As a city on the Carquinez Strait, Martinez combines residential neighborhoods with government offices, a marina, and a historic downtown.

Pleasant Hill is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its residential character, its modern downtown, and its community amenities. As a practical residential community, Pleasant Hill combines established neighborhoods with a modern downtown area and excellent community facilities.

El Cerrito is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its diversity, its hillside views, and its convenient transit access. As a city along I-80 and the BART line, El Cerrito combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is a practical base for commuters to San Francisco and Oakland.

Hercules is an incorporated city in Contra Costa County, known for its rapid growth, its waterfront location, and its master-planned communities. As a city on the eastern shore of San Pablo Bay, Hercules combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is a practical community for commuters.

San Mateo is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its vibrant downtown, its central Peninsula location, and its diverse community. As one of the larger cities on the Peninsula, San Mateo combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on B Street and 3rd Avenue.

Redwood City is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, the county seat, known for its revitalized downtown, its thriving technology scene, and its location on the Peninsula. As a major employment center, Redwood City combines residential neighborhoods with a vibrant downtown centered on Theatre Way and Broadway.

South San Francisco is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known as the birthplace of the biotechnology industry and for its iconic Sign Hill. As a major employment center, South San Francisco combines residential neighborhoods with a large biotechnology and life sciences industry cluster.

Daly City is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known as the Gateway to the Peninsula and for its diverse population. As the largest city in San Mateo County, Daly City combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is conveniently located at the southern border of San Francisco.

Burlingame is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its affluent residential character, its charming downtown, and its beautiful tree-lined streets. As a city on the Peninsula, Burlingame combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Burlingame Avenue.

Millbrae is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its diverse community, its suburban character, and its role as a major transit hub. As a city on the Peninsula, Millbrae combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is home to the Millbrae BART and Caltrain station, one of the key transit interchanges in the Bay Area.

San Bruno is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its diverse community, its location near San Francisco International Airport, and its growing downtown. As a city on the Peninsula, San Bruno combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is home to The Shops at Tanforan and YouTube's headquarters.

Foster City is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known as a planned community with extensive lagoons, its excellent schools, and its waterfront location. As a city built on reclaimed land along the bay, Foster City combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and a network of lagoons and parks.

Belmont is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its residential character, its hillside views, and its charming downtown. As a city on the Peninsula, Belmont combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Ralston Avenue and El Camino Real.

San Carlos is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known as the City of Good Living for its charming downtown, its excellent schools, and its residential character. As a city on the Peninsula, San Carlos combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Laurel Street.

Menlo Park is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known as the home of Stanford University's adjacent campus and the heart of Silicon Valley's venture capital industry. As a city at the center of Silicon Valley, Menlo Park combines residential neighborhoods with major technology employers, including Facebook (Meta) headquarters.

Half Moon Bay is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its coastal location, its beaches, and its charming downtown. As the only incorporated city on the San Mateo County coast, Half Moon Bay combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown and access to some of the most beautiful coastline in the Bay Area.

Pacifica is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its coastal location, its beaches, and its hiking trails. As a city along the Pacific coast, Pacifica combines residential neighborhoods with access to some of the most beautiful coastline in the Bay Area.

East Palo Alto is an incorporated city in San Mateo County, known for its diversity, its community character, and its location adjacent to Palo Alto and Silicon Valley. As a smaller city, East Palo Alto combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and has seen significant investment and development in recent years.

San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area and the tenth-largest in the United States, known as the capital of Silicon Valley. As the economic engine of the region, San Jose combines residential neighborhoods with major technology employers, a growing downtown, and diverse communities.

Santa Clara is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known as the center of Silicon Valley and home to major technology employers, Levi's Stadium, and Santa Clara University. As a major employment center, Santa Clara combines residential neighborhoods with major employers in technology, including Intel, Nvidia, and Applied Materials.

Sunnyvale is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known for its diversity, its major technology employers, and its location at the heart of Silicon Valley. As one of the largest cities in Santa Clara County, Sunnyvale combines residential neighborhoods with major employers in technology, including Yahoo, Lockheed Martin, and numerous other companies.

Mountain View is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known as the home of Google and for its vibrant downtown, its technology employment, and its location in Silicon Valley. As a major employment center, Mountain View combines residential neighborhoods with major technology employers, including Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn.

Palo Alto is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University. As a center of technology and innovation, Palo Alto combines residential neighborhoods with major technology employers, including VMware, HP, and Tesla.

Cupertino is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known as the home of Apple and for its excellent schools. As a city in Silicon Valley, Cupertino combines residential neighborhoods with major technology employers, including Apple's headquarters at Apple Park.

Campbell is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known for its charming historic downtown, its community character, and its location in Silicon Valley. As a smaller city, Campbell combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Campbell Avenue.

Los Gatos is an incorporated town in Santa Clara County, known for its affluent residential character, its charming downtown, and its location at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. As one of the most desirable communities in Silicon Valley, Los Gatos combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Santa Cruz Avenue.

Milpitas is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known for its diversity, its central location, and its practical residential character. As a city at the northeastern edge of Silicon Valley, Milpitas combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and major employers in technology and retail.

Morgan Hill is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known for its growing community, its charming downtown, and its location at the southern edge of Silicon Valley. As a smaller city, Morgan Hill combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Monterey Road.

Gilroy is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known as the Garlic Capital of the World and for its location at the southern edge of the Bay Area. As a smaller city, Gilroy combines residential neighborhoods with agricultural areas and is known for its annual Garlic Festival, its outlet shopping, and its more affordable housing.

Saratoga is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known for its affluent residential character, its charming village, and its excellent schools. As one of the most desirable communities in Silicon Valley, Saratoga combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Big Basin Way.

Los Altos is an incorporated city in Santa Clara County, known for its affluent residential character, its charming downtown, and its excellent schools. As one of the most desirable communities in Silicon Valley, Los Altos combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Main Street.

San Rafael is an incorporated city in Marin County, the largest city in the county, known for its charming downtown, its diverse community, and its location at the center of Marin. As the county seat, San Rafael combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Fourth Street.

Novato is an incorporated city in Marin County, known for its growing community, its parks, and its location in northern Marin. As the second-largest city in Marin County, Novato combines residential neighborhoods with a historic downtown and access to open space.

Mill Valley is an incorporated city in Marin County, known for its affluent residential character, its natural beauty, and its location at the base of Mount Tamalpais. As one of the most desirable communities in Marin County, Mill Valley combines residential neighborhoods with a charming downtown centered on Throckmorton Avenue.

Sausalito is an incorporated city in Marin County, known for its scenic waterfront, its houseboat community, and its stunning views of San Francisco Bay. As a small city at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Bridgeway.

Larkspur is an incorporated city in Marin County, known for its charming historic downtown, its excellent schools, and its ferry service to San Francisco. As a desirable community in central Marin, Larkspur combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Magnolia Avenue.

Corte Madera is an incorporated town in Marin County, known for its residential character, its shopping centers, and its excellent schools. As a smaller town in central Marin, Corte Madera combines residential neighborhoods with the Town Center and Village shopping centers.

Tiburon is an incorporated town in Marin County, known for its affluent residential character, its spectacular bay views, and its location on the Tiburon Peninsula. As one of the most exclusive communities in Marin County, Tiburon combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Main Street.

Fairfax is an incorporated town in Marin County, known for its small-town character, its bohemian atmosphere, and its access to open space. As a smaller town in the Ross Valley, Fairfax combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Bolinas Road.

San Anselmo is an incorporated town in Marin County, known for its charming historic downtown, its excellent schools, and its location in the Ross Valley. As a desirable community in central Marin, San Anselmo combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on San Anselmo Avenue.

Santa Rosa is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, the largest city in the county, known for its wine country location, its diverse community, and its location at the center of Sonoma. As the economic hub of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown, major employers in healthcare and technology, and access to world-class wineries.

Petaluma is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, known for its historic downtown, its riverfront, and its location in southern Sonoma County. As one of the oldest cities in the Bay Area, Petaluma combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Petaluma Boulevard.

Rohnert Park is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, known as a planned community, its family-friendly character, and Sonoma State University. As a city in central Sonoma County, Rohnert Park combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is home to Sonoma State University.

Sonoma is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, known as the heart of Sonoma Valley wine country and for its historic plaza. As a small city in the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on the historic Sonoma Plaza.

Healdsburg is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, known for its charming downtown, its wine country location, and its historic plaza. As a small city in the northern Sonoma County wine region, Healdsburg combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on the Healdsburg Plaza.

Sebastopol is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, known for its small-town character, its arts community, and its agricultural heritage. As a smaller city in western Sonoma County, Sebastopol combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Main Street.

Windsor is an incorporated town in Sonoma County, known for its rapid growth, its family-friendly character, and its location in northern Sonoma County. As one of the newer incorporated towns in the Bay Area, Windsor combines residential neighborhoods with a growing downtown centered on the Town Green.

Cloverdale is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, known for its small-town character, its location at the northern edge of the Bay Area, and its access to wine country. As a small city in northern Sonoma County, Cloverdale combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Cloverdale Boulevard.

Napa is an incorporated city in Napa County, the county seat, known as the heart of Napa Valley wine country. As the largest city in Napa County, Napa combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Main Street.

American Canyon is an incorporated city in Napa County, known for its rapid growth, its diverse community, and its location at the southern edge of Napa County. As the newest incorporated city in Napa County, American Canyon combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is conveniently located near the Napa Valley and the Carquinez Bridge.

St. Helena is an incorporated city in Napa County, known for its charming downtown, its wine country location, and its role as a center of Napa Valley wine culture.

Calistoga is an incorporated city in Napa County, known for its hot springs, its mud baths, and its location at the northern end of the Napa Valley. As a small city at the top of the Napa Valley, Calistoga combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Lincoln Avenue.

Yountville is an incorporated town in Napa County, known for its world-class dining, its wine country location, and its small-town charm. As a small town in the heart of the Napa Valley, Yountville combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Washington Street.

Vallejo is an incorporated city in Solano County, known for its diversity, its waterfront location, and its ferry service to San Francisco. As the largest city in Solano County, Vallejo combines residential neighborhoods with a historic downtown, the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park, and the Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Fairfield is an incorporated city in Solano County, the county seat, known for its rapid growth, its diverse community, and its location at the crossroads of Solano County. As a major residential and commercial center, Fairfield combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and major employers in healthcare, government, and retail.

Vacaville is an incorporated city in Solano County, known for its rapid growth, its premium outlet shopping, and its location between the Bay Area and the Central Valley. As a growing city, Vacaville combines residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and is home to the Vacaville Premium Outlets.

Benicia is an incorporated city in Solano County, known for its historic downtown, its waterfront location, and its arts community. As a small city on the Carquinez Strait, Benicia combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on First Street.

Suisun City is an incorporated city in Solano County, known for its waterfront location, its historic downtown, and its ferry service to San Francisco. As a smaller city in Solano County, Suisun City combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Main Street.

Dixon is an incorporated city in Solano County, known for its agricultural heritage, its small-town character, and its location at the eastern edge of the Bay Area. As a smaller city, Dixon combines residential neighborhoods with agricultural areas and is known for its annual Dixon Lamb Town festival.

Rio Vista is an incorporated city in Solano County, known for its riverfront location, its small-town character, and its location at the eastern edge of the Bay Area. As a small city on the Sacramento River, Rio Vista combines residential neighborhoods with a walkable downtown centered on Main Street.