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San Francisco is the northernmost major city in California and is the fifth most heavily-populated region in the United States, only ranking behind four of five New York City boroughs.
The beautiful peninsular city is known around the world for its expansive bay region, which is home to landmarks such as the often-photographed Golden Gate Bridge and the notorious former Alcatraz Island prison.
It has a national reputation as one of America's most socially liberal and affluent cities, noted for its mid-20th century political activism and anti-war movements, and is frequently rated as the most liveable major city in the nation due to its abundance of public and state park lands.
Major visitor attractions include the Fisherman's Wharf District, the fine arts DeYoung Museum, and the nation's oldest Chinatown neighborhood. Throughout the city's broader Silicon Valley region, the nation's technology and innovation companies are showcased, along with visitor attractions such as the California's Great America theme park.
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