Explore the elevation of San Francisco—rising from sea level across dramatic hills and coastal bluffs, this iconic city blends oceanfront beauty with urban energy, all nestled among Northern California’s rolling landscapes.

Table of Contents

Where is San Francisco?

  • Location: San Francisco is located on the northern Pacific Coast of California, at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula.

City Profile

  • Nicknames: Known as The Golden City, Fog City, and San Fran.
  • Fame: Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and a rich mix of culture, history, and innovation.
  • Population: Around 885,000 residents in the city, with over 4.7 million in the metropolitan area.
  • Size rank: Fourth largest city in California by population, and part of the San Francisco Bay Area region.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: San Francisco has an average elevation of 52 feet (16 m) above sea level.
  • State comparison: California’s average elevation is 2,900 feet (880 m), making San Francisco relatively low in comparison.
  • Tallest building: The Salesforce Tower rises to 1,070 feet (326 m), the tallest in San Francisco.
  • City founding: First settled in 1776 by Spanish colonists and later incorporated in 1850.
  • Name origin: Originally called Yerba Buena, renamed to San Francisco in 1847.
  • Growth story: The California Gold Rush of 1849 fueled explosive growth and international fame.
  • Modern evolution: A global tech, arts, and cultural hub, San Francisco leads in innovation and progressive values.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Local contrast: Though close to sea level, the city is famously built on over 40 hills, with sharp elevation changes across neighborhoods.
  • Highest nearby point: Twin Peaks – 934 feet (285 m), offering panoramic views of the Bay Area.
  • Other notable hills: Nob Hill, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, and Pacific Heights all contribute to the city’s steep and scenic topography.
  • State city comparison: San Francisco is lower than Los Angeles – 285 feet (87 m) and San Jose – 82 feet (25 m), but higher than Sacramento – 30 feet (9 m).
  • Highest point in California: Mount Whitney – 14,505 feet (4,421 m).
  • Lowest point in California: Badwater Basin – 279 feet (85 m) below sea level, the lowest point in North America.

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: San Francisco features a Mediterranean climate with cool summers and mild, wet winters.
  • Rainfall: Receives about 23 inches (584 mm) of rain annually, mostly in winter months.
  • Humidity: Often moderate due to marine air, with frequent coastal fog in summer.
  • Summer temperatures: Highs in July and August average 68°F (20°C), with cooler breezes from the ocean.
  • Entertainment: World-renowned for landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Live shows: Vibrant performing arts, comedy clubs, and music venues draw global audiences all year long.

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