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Discover South San Francisco

Your Bayside Getaway On The San Francisco Peninsula

Located just north of the San Francisco International Airport sits the city of South San Francisco, CA. Referred to as “South City” by locals, this bayside city offers stunning views, unique attractions, outdoor activities and great restaurants. And it's kind of wild how many biotech companies got their start in South San Francisco (ever heard of Genentech?), earning it the nickname as “The Biotech Capital of the World.” Come discover this hidden gem on The San Francisco Peninsula.

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About South San Francisco

The Biotech Capital of the World

South San Francisco was an agricultural community in the late 1800s and was officially incorporated in 1908. In the early 20th century, the city became a hub for industry as meatpacking plants, steel mills and chemical factories drove the city’s economic growth. During this time, South San Francisco became known as “The Industrial City,” a motto that is memorialized on the iconic hillside sign on the southern slope of the San Bruno Mountains. In 1976, the biotechnology company Genentech was founded in South San Francisco, and over the years, the city embraced a new identity as “The Biotech Capital of the World.” 

Today, South San Francisco is home to hundreds of biotech companies and is a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. When Karl the Fog burns off in the early afternoon, there are plenty of exciting things to do in South City, including hiking the renowned Sign Hill Park or exploring the scenic Oyster Point Park and Marina. If you want to learn more about the city’s history, be sure to check out the South San Francisco Historical Society Museum during your trip.  

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Hotels in South San Francisco

There’s no shortage of hotel offerings in and around South San Francisco. As the "Biotech Capital of the World," you’ll find that many of the South San Francisco hotels offer ample meeting space, such as the AC Hotel SFO/Oyster Point Waterfront or the Embassy Suites SFO. Attending a meeting at the South San Francisco Conference Center? Nearby hotels such as the Best Western Plus Grosvenor, the Four Points by Sheraton or the Holiday Inn SF International Airport offer convenient accommodations minutes away from the Conference Center. 

But it’s not all business in South San Francisco. Many leisure visitors enjoy the city’s close proximity to the San Francisco Bay, locally-loved restaurants, shopping and top attractions. If you’re looking for a place that’s just a few steps from the bay waterfront, take a look at the Sonesta Select San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Waterfront or the AC Hotel San Francisco Airport/Oyster Point Waterfront. Some hotels also offer shuttle services to and from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and easy access to public transportation makes it a breeze to get around. Start planning your trip to South San Francisco today.

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Things to Do

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Sign Hill Park

The iconic hillside sign reading “SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY" is visible from many parts of the city, but it's also a popular hiking spot. Sign Hill Park is South San Francisco’s largest natural open space and offers beautiful views and miles of hiking trails. It’s also home to the endangered Mission Blue butterfly and…

Panoramic views from Sign Hill in South San Francisco California

Oyster Point Park & Marina

Soak up stunning views of the San Francisco Bay at Oyster Point Park & Marina. The 408-berth public marina and 33-acre park features popular hiking and jogging trails, a fishing pier, picnic areas and a 2.5-acre sandy beach area. Traveling with your pup? Oyster Point Park & Marina is dog-friendly. Owners are asked to keep pets on a…

Oyster Point SSF Bay

San Francisco Wine School

Put your wine knowledge to the test at the San Francisco Wine School. Founded by Master Sommelier David Glancy, the San Francisco Wine School is the largest wine education center in the United States. The school offers 18 certification programs and over 100 workshops available to the public seven days a week. There’s even a Secret…

SSF Wine School
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A DAY IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO

  • 4 min read

South San Francisco is a landmark city primarily known for being the "birthplace of biotechnology" – however, visitors who spend time exploring this vibrant destination discover it offers much more than its industrial reputation suggests. Outdoor Adventures at Sign Hill Park Sign Hill Park…

A DAY IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO

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San Francisco Bay Ferry

  • South San Francisco Terminal

The San Francisco Bay Ferry is the easy way to cross the Bay! Whether you’re commuting to work or taking a weekend outing with family or friends, enjoy the comfort, convenience and stress-free experience of ferry travel. No bridge traffic or tolls. Just a scenic, calming ride to locations across the Bay while you enjoy…

San Francisco Bay Ferry

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is South San Francisco, CA?

 South San Francisco is a bayside city on The San Francisco Peninsula. “South City,” as locals call it, is nestled between Brisbane and San Bruno. It’s easily accessible by public transportation and is only minutes away from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

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What is South San Francisco famous for? 

South San Francisco is famous for being the “Biotech Capital of the World.” The pioneering biotech company Genentech was founded in South San Francisco in 1976, and today, the city is home to dozens of other leading biotech companies. 

What are the top things to do in South San Francisco, CA?

There are plenty of exciting things to see and do in South San Francisco. Take a hike to the iconic “SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY" sign at Sign Hill Park; visit the South San Francisco History Museum, or learn about wine at the San Francisco Wine School.

Best places to eat in South San Francisco, CA?

Pack your appetite. South San Francisco is filled with unique and locally-loved dining options. A few favorites include Hidden Spot – South San Francisco, Ristorante Buon Gusto and La Tapatia.