Location: San Francisco

LeverageRE

San Francisco, founded in 1776 by Spanish explorers, was quickly settled and named for Saint Francis of Assisi. The city boomed during the 1849 gold rush, it was at the center of the 1960s and 1970s American hippie counterculture, and it stands today as one of the most innovative and flourishing technology hubs in the world.

Clearly, this city has a knack for rebooting and remaining relevant -- no matter the decade -- which is something that Leverage Partner Vanguard Properties has witnessed time and time again.

But beyond industries and movements, there are plenty of reasons to love the Golden Gate City, starting with the iconic landmarks and the ample green spaces that beckon one to go hiking and exploring. San Francisco's area is approximately 49 square miles. Packed into this space, colorful Victorian residences dot the landscape, around 3,400 restaurants (the most per capita of any city in the United States) serve up tasty, surprising dishes, and 24 blocks make up the largest Chinatown in the country.

The city is walkable and easy to maneuver, and it also has distinct neighborhoods that tempt one to explore the many shops in Union Square, the attractions on the bay, and more than one or two of the historical markers. Here, a few of our favorites:

THE PALACE HOTEL Built 1875 to celebrate the West Coast boom, this hotel is one of San Francisco's most treasured landmarks. After a recent renovation, the hotel's luxuriously-appointed rooms reflect a modern sophistication complemented by original design elements, which capture a timeless sophistication that is as distinct as it is inviting.

QUINCE This restaurant features California contemporary cuisine, incorporating luxury ingredients and highlighting the best of the Bay Area's seasonal ingredients.

HAYES VALLEY This neighborhood, situated just above the Mission District, became iconic after Erich von Stroheim shot his 1924 film Greed at the corner of Laguna and Hayes. Today it's home to ultra-trendy shops and hip bites.

FERRY BUILDING Fresh produce, shops, and restaurants galore make this a delightful stop for both locals and tourists.

GOLDEN GATE PARK Anytime is a great time to visit this park, complete with gardens, green space, trails, and monuments. Check out the calendar before you go to catch special concerts and festivals.

CRISSY FIELD/PRESIDIO Watch the sun dip into the water from the venue of this open lawn on the northern shoreline. Don't forget to pack a blanket and a picnic-it's the perfect place to enjoy postcard-worthy views.

WATERBAR RESTAURANT The views don't get better and the food doesn't get tastier than at this San Francisco seafood restaurant. The menu is extensive and the catches come in fresh every day

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE Easily the most well-recognized destination in San Francisco. A sunset walk across this landmark won't disappoint.

VALENCIA CORRIDOR If you love to shop, take note: there's no better place in the city to find funky, eclectic treasures than on Valencia Street.

MUIR WOODS Just outside the city limits, Muir Woods offers some of the best hiking and natural attractions in the country. The national park has two self-guided programs and operates shuttles through mid-October.

NEIGHBORHOODS: GRANT AVENUE/UNION SQUARE CHINATOWN/NORTH BEACH The special character of San Francisco lies in its eclectic and accepting nature, and its neighborhoods testify to this characteristic. Start at Grant Avenue, then stroll along one of the oldest streets in Chinatown, shop in Union Square, and end the day at Fisherman's Wharf in North Beach.