#TBT: San Francisco's Iconic Landmarks Before They Were Famous

#TBT: San Francisco's Iconic Landmarks Before They Were Famous

By
V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Jun 01, 2017

It's impossible to imagine San Francisco without certain landmarks.

What would the city be without curvy Lombard Street, luxurious Union Square or, gasp, the Golden Gate Bridge? But once upon a time, these now-iconic landmarks were in their infant stages. Take a crazy look back at some postcard views before they were famous.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic symbols not just of San Francisco, but of California as a whole. But in 1934 (when this photo was most likely taken), this was all that stood over the Golden Gate Strait. (via San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)

Related Articles From Your Site
Related Articles Around the Web
san francisco public librarysan francisco historical societygolden gate bridge
Related Articles
a boathouse on a pier in the middle of water with a set of buildings against the shore

The beloved boat shack at this iconic Tomales Bay retreat is back two years after it was destroyed by fire.

bottle of red wine from iron horse with a book by sylvia a earle on the ocean next to it

11 Local Wineries That Give Back to the Community with Every Bottle

players at a mahjong table with food and beer

Where to Play Mahjong in San Francisco (Almost) Any Day of the Week

A table spread with beautiful grilled oysters and pickled veggies and wine

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Yountville Right Now

shoppers checking out at in a store decked for the holidays

32 Fun Things to Do This Week (12.01.25)

beach with turquoise water and tall buildings

Honolulu's legendary Waikīkī makes a comeback with new stays, restaurants, and things to do.

View of the East Bay and Mount Tam from a green park

Trade Black Friday shopping for one of these beautiful Bay Area hikes.

Cozy rustic nook with wood walls, string lights, ski decor, and a central fire pit.

Deck the Halls in Wine Country: 17 Can't Miss Holiday Events and Celebrations in Sonoma + Napa

Starry night sky with a vibrant Milky Way over a dark horizon and water.

Where to find the darkest skies in California and Nevada.

Most Popular
Dancer in vibrant costume leaps during a festive performance with a Christmas tree backdrop.

Behind the Scenes at 'Nutcracker,' the SF Ballet's Beloved Holiday Classic

a boathouse on a pier in the middle of water with a set of buildings against the shore

The beloved boat shack at this iconic Tomales Bay retreat is back two years after it was destroyed by fire.

bottle of red wine from iron horse with a book by sylvia a earle on the ocean next to it

11 Local Wineries That Give Back to the Community with Every Bottle

View this profile on Instagram

7x7 (@7x7bayarea) • Instagram photos and videos

Neighborhoods
Vibrant Chinese festival with a giant colorful deity figure and red lanterns overhead.

Chinatown’s Hungry Ghost Festival, the only one of its kind in the U.S., returns to San Francisco.

Street mural of a superhero with "Bay View Forever" text on an urban building wall.

Renaissance in Bayview-Hunters Point: Best Places to Eat and Things to Do Now in the Historic Neighborhood

Sunset over city skyline with clouds, viewed from an outdoor patio with tables and chairs.

New Zine 'Alameduh' Spotlights the Best Things to Do, Eat, and See in Alameda

From Our Partners
Nine ornate tequila bottles on a bar under pendant lights.

4 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Clase Azul México in the Bay Area

People viewing outdoor art exhibit with paintings in front of a building.

University of San Francisco's graduate programs are stepping stones to public service.

Conductor in a dark suit leading an orchestra in dim lighting.

Marin Symphony Welcomes Maestro Fawzi Haimor for an Inspired New Era