San Francisco has at least 43 named hills, but only seven of them are original.
1. Nob Hill
Nob Hill is a tony neighborhood perched above Union Square near the intersection of California and Powell streets. In the late 19th century Nob Hill became an exclusive enclave; many tycoons built mansions here. Although most of these houses were destroyed during the 1906 earthquake, this area remains affluent and exclusive. Anchored by luxury hotels and private clubs, Nob Hill (also called Snob Hill by locals) provides some of the best views in the city. 2. Russian Hill
During the Gold Rush, settlers found a small Russian cemetery at the top of what is now called Russian Hill. The graves probably belonged to Russian fur traders and sailors from nearby Fort Ross, and old Russian outpost north of San Francisco. The cemetery was removed but the name remains. This residential neighborhood is chockablock with eclectic shops and is home to the prestigious San Francisco Art Institute.
