San Francisco is best known for the lazy fog that drapes its steep, geometric hills. The city, which was first founded in June 1776, is home to a number of beloved tourist attractions and landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island. In this gallery of vintage San Francisco photographs, we uncover how the city has changed over the past century. Now a bustling international hub and the headquarters of various large banks and corporations, San Francisco continues to adapt and grow.
The photo shows the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake that caused damage to much of San Francisco. Source: Vintage Everyday
People walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on its opening day, May 27th, 1937. Source: Vintage San Francisco
Young boys wait to ride the Ridee-O ride at Playland-at-the-Beach in Golden Gate Park in 1953. Source: Huffington Post
Legendary baseball star Willie Mays gets his 3,000th career hit in San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in 1970. Source: KTVU
These Victorian style homes, called the “Painted Ladies,” have been featured in a number of films. They are located directly across from Alamo Square Park in Hayes Valley. Source: Debs Travels
People congregate at the Castro Street Fair, an LGBT street festival in the Castro neighborhood in San Francisco. Source: LGBT Historical Society
