The Best Nicknames For San Francisco

San Francisco People
San Francisco People | © Marc Tarlock
Aimee Rose

San Francisco is home to hippies, techies, and fashionistas while being known for its summers, landmarks, architecture, fog and rolling hills. San Francisco also holds many nicknames for all of the things above, which we profile here.

San Francisco US

The City

You can definitely identify yourself as a local if you refer to your city as The City. When you refer to San Francisco as The City, people best know you’re talking about San Francisco because there’s no other real city near. This is the city. People all over the Bay, from Marin to Richmond to Dublin to San Jose, know where you’re going if you say you’re headed to The City.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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VIDEO FEATURE

Sam Johnson – San Francisco, or better known as “The City” / 3:25

City by the Bay

Natives don’t mind this affectionate nickname because San Franciscans like to be reminded of the city’s beautiful location. Even natives are still blown away by the view every time they cross the Golden Gate or the Bay Bridge.

San Fran

So now we get to the ‘uncool’ nickname. There’s a pretty big debate, with some saying that some locals like it but for the most part, usage of this nickname is the mark of an outsider. While in conversation it might flow, you’ll get some looks when saying, “I’m headed into San Fran for the day.” LA natives often refer to San Francisco as San Fran and they get dirty looks every time.

San Francisco US

The Golden City

Derived from the Gold Rush, San Francisco got a pretty rad nickname that locals use and might add to a feeling a tad self entitled. They know their city is actually The Golden City because it’s honestly so great, but that doesn’t mean they literally use the nickname. The Golden City is a proved nickname from our Golden Gate Bridge to the golden hills all the way to the golden sunset. Even though locals know the truth, outsiders shouldn’t start calling San Francisco The Golden City.

‘Frisco

Ah, the great debate along San Francisco and the rest of the country. It makes sense in a way, but the thing is that there are two other actual towns in the country named Frisco. There is no point constructing a name that’s just a shortened form of the original, just like people don’t say they are going to ‘Angles’ when they are going to Los Angeles or ‘Nork’ when they are going to New York. You will run into a number of San Franciscans that get angry and say something when you call San Francisco this name, just because this is not what you call San Francisco.

Stairs San Francisco US

People from California don’t say ‘Cali.’ When they say ‘Cal,’ they mean UC Berkeley, and they don’t butcher the name of San Francisco. If you say ‘Frisco or San Fran, you’re letting people know you aren’t from San Francisco and setting yourself up for dirty looks. If you’re a local, or just trying to fit in, stick with The City.

San Francisco People
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