South San Francisco

South San Francisco is a city in San Mateo County, located on the San Francisco Peninsula in California. The area spans hills and flat zones, with views toward San Francisco Bay and the surrounding mountains.

The area belonged to Rancho Buri Buri in 1835, when Charles Lux purchased land sections and established the settlement of Baden. In the later 19th century the place grew with industrial development and later received its current name.

The name refers to its location south of San Francisco, though the city operates as an independent municipality with its own administration. Many residents commute to work in surrounding areas and contribute to a lively mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods.

The city sits right next to Interstate 280 and US Route 101, making access from different directions easy. Several public facilities and shops can be found along the main streets, where visitors can get a first impression of daily life.

Sign Hill displays large letters reading South San Francisco The Industrial City, visible from afar and recalling the manufacturing tradition. This inscription was originally installed in 1923 and now ranks among the best-known landmarks in the area.