49 Vintage Photos of San Francisco (1890s-1970s)

All Nostalgia 3 days ago

San Francisco is a city with a past as vibrant as its famous skyline. From the horse-drawn carriages of the 1890s to the counterculture revolution of the 1970s, these 49 vintage photos capture the evolution of the Golden Gate City through moments both iconic and everyday.

Whether it’s the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, bustling Chinatown streets, or the changing face of Haight-Ashbury, each image tells a story of a city shaped by resilience, innovation, and culture. Step back in time and see how San Francisco transformed over nearly a century.

1. The Black Hawk in 1961

Nighttime street scene with neon signs and lights outside a jazz club called "The Black Hawk." A sign advertises "Now Miles Davis." Classic cars and two people on the street are visible, adding a vintage feel to the urban setting.
GoodGriefWhatsNext

The Black Hawk was a San Francisco nightclub featuring live jazz performances from 1949 to 1963. It was located at the corner of Turk Street and Hyde Street in the Tenderloin district.

2. A couple of hippies on Haight St. in 1967

Two people in 1960s-style clothing stand on a street corner. One wears a patterned hat and coat, the other a denim jacket over a green shirt. Posters and signs cover the wall behind them. A sign reads "BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE.
5_Frog_margin

3. Powell Street at O’Farrell Street in 1959

A bustling 1950s urban street scene with vintage cars, a trolleybus, and cable cars. Tall buildings line the street, featuring signs for a hotel, shops, and a garage. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalks, and traffic lights control the intersection.
sussouthemoon

4. Open-air church service during the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic

A historical black-and-white photo of a large group of people seated outdoors on a sidewalk. They are wearing coats, hats, and face masks. A man stands at the edge of the group. Buildings and a trolley are visible in the background.
cluelessmanatee

5. Cliff House in 1890

A vintage black and white photograph of people in old-fashioned attire walking along a beach. In the background, a large, ornate building perched on a rocky cliff overlooks the ocean waves.
blrghh

6. Jazz in 1958, possibly at the Black Hawk

A black-and-white photo of a jazz band performing. The pianist, playing energetically, is leaning back with a joyful expression. A trombonist, saxophonist, and bassist are also engaged in the performance, creating an energetic atmosphere.

In this photo are the bandleader and pianist Earl “Fatha” Hines, trombonist Jimmy Archey, and corenettist “Mugsy” Spanier.

7. “My grandma and great-grandpa at their home in San Francisco circa 1940s”

A vintage photo of a man in a suit and hat standing on a sidewalk, looking up at a young girl in a dress who is standing on the brick steps of a building. The building has an arched entrance and a "146" sign.
userdeleted

8. A mechanic working on her van in 1975

A person with long hair, wearing a tank top and jeans, sits on a wooden platform next to a turquoise van. They are holding a wrench. Nearby are a can and a tray. The setting appears to be a parking lot.
Beaucaillou

Also, check out that pulltop can of Coca-Cola.

9. The Sila Palmer House on the NW corner of Van Ness and Washington, in 1940

A black-and-white photo of a Victorian-style house with intricate detailing, located on a street corner. Several vintage cars are parked along the street, and a person stands in front, facing the house. Trees surround the area, with buildings nearby.
sussoutthemoon

10. A long figure walking through the rubble of the 1906 earthquake.

A vintage photograph of a city street features a lone pedestrian walking towards a tram in the distance. On the left, a tall, ornate building stands near another high-rise, while a simpler structure is on the right. Rubble is scattered in the foreground.
imrussellcrowe

11. A sailor and his girlfriend walking down the street in Chinatown in 1953

A smiling couple walks hand in hand on a city sidewalk. The man, in a black uniform, holds a newspaper. The woman wears a light-colored dress. Vintage cars and a street vendor are visible in the background.
oldsoul8789

12. Auto race by the Tower of Jewels in 1915

A vintage car races on a broad street lined with palm trees, passing a grand, ornate building with statues and a tower. The scene is misty, with another majestic structure visible in the background, under a cloudy sky.
coffyrocket

13. Pine Street in Nob Hill in 1964

A man walks past a steep San Francisco street where vintage cars are parked perpendicular to the sloped road. A street sign reads "Pine." The street appears quiet with buildings alongside.
HesJuggernaut

14. San Francisco burns after the great earthquake of 1906

A historical black and white photo shows people sitting on a hill, observing a city engulfed in smoke and flames. The skyline is dominated by large plumes of smoke. The clothing suggests an early 20th-century setting.
dannydutch1

15. A basement bar in 1953

A group of people socializing at a bar. A man in a bow tie leans on the counter, while a woman smokes a cigarette. Glasses and ashtrays are on the bar. Others sit and chat in the background. The setting appears to be from the mid-20th century.
AxlCobainVedder

16. Looking into Chinatown onto Grant st. from Bush st. in 1966

A vibrant city street with a steep incline is lined with vintage cars. Signs for businesses, including "Rustic Lodge," "Big Ben's Chuck Burgers," and "Coca-Cola," are visible. The architecture is a blend of classic and early modern styles.

17. Lombard Street, 1975

A curvy, flower-lined street filled with parked cars. People are gathered at the sidewalk's edge admiring the lush greenery and vibrant blooms. Buildings flank the road, and the scene is bustling with color and life.

18. Moving a house in San Francisco in 1908

A historic Victorian-style house is being relocated down a street using horse-drawn equipment. The house is elevated on wooden beams with nearby similarly-styled buildings lining the street.
justblue

19. Mother and child in 1952

A woman in a dark coat and heels walks on a city street, holding a purse. A small child in a coat and hat follows her. Cars and storefronts, including "Mule's" and "Gaysons," are visible in the background. The scene has a vintage feel.
sussoutthemoon

20. “My mom in San Francisco in 1977.”

A person in 1970s attire leans against a pole on a steep San Francisco street. Cars are parked along the road, with Alcatraz Island visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Aerisrain

21. The Essex Super Six at the El Capitan Theatre in the Mission, 1932

Five women in matching outfits pose on and around a vintage car parked on a street lined with shops and signs. The background features a theater marquee and storefronts with vintage advertisements.
shorpy/ocdshmuck

22. Jaywalkers on Market Street on April 26, 1937

A vintage street scene featuring a streetcar labeled "31" approaching as two people walk across the tracks. They're dressed in early 20th-century attire. A man runs in the background, with buildings and old cars visible.
blrghh

23. Parking on the street in 1948

A woman in a dress struggles to open the door of a vintage convertible car parked on a steep street. Her skirt blows in the breeze, and buildings line the background. The scene is in black and white.
HesJuggernaut

24. 1930s San Francisco Steamliner with a dapper gent and his 1934 Chrysler Airflow

A man in a blue suit and hat stands beside a vintage brown car. Behind them, there's a large, streamlined, yellow train carriage. Other people are visible in the background. The setting appears to be an outdoor display area.
fjbuzr

25. Walts Diner at 7th st. and King st. in 1981

A small, rustic diner with a sign reading "WALTS DINER FOOD TO TAKE OUT" is on a street corner. Several people are sitting and standing outside. A few signs advertise Coca-Cola and Sprite. A utility pole and the road are in the foreground.
Janey Delaney / sussoutthemoon

26. Drive-in theater, 1948

A black and white photo of a crowded drive-in theater filled with classic cars facing a large screen. The screen displays a movie scene of a person in a white cloak. Trees and power lines are visible in the background.
freckfactor / Allan Grant

27. Novelty shop by the Powell Theater, 1949

A man in a suit and hat stands outside a vintage stationery and novelties shop. The storefront displays signs for horoscopes, greeting cards, photographic views, and more. The shop is brightly lit, showcasing a variety of items through the window.
Fred Lyon / HesJuggernaut

28. A maintenance worker climbing the Golden Gate Bridge in the 1940s

A construction worker stands on a high cable of the Golden Gate Bridge, holding a bucket in one hand. The bridge and surrounding landscape, including the coastline and roads, are visible below. The image is in black and white.
caffieneShadow

29. Men having lunch on an awning over the corner of Post St. and Kearny St.

People gathered at a busy intersection near construction workers sitting on a ledge in a city. The scene includes vintage street signs and buildings with large windows. The men on the ledge appear relaxed, watching the crowd below.
caffieneShadow

30. Kids sledding down a steep hill in San Francisco

Two people are riding makeshift wooden carts downhill on a steep city street. The road is lined with parked cars and buildings. The front rider appears excited, gripping a rope, while the second person follows behind.
caffieneShadow

31. Fisherman pulling their nets in from the San Francisco bay

Black and white photo of three fishermen pulling a fishing net from the shore amid rocks and water. The background shows a coastal village with several buildings. The scene is lit by soft, diffused light.
caffieneShadow

32. Market Street in 1898. The tall building is the Call Building.

A vintage photo shows a bustling city street with a tall, ornate building, likely from the early 20th century. Horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians fill the street. Storefronts and signs, including one for booksellers, are visible along the road.
HesJuggernaut

33. San Francisco at night in 1904

A sepia-toned nighttime cityscape from 1900 shows a brightly lit, domed building in the distance. Streets are illuminated by streetlights, with a prominent moon in the cloudy sky above. Multiple buildings and hills are visible in the background.
Willard E. Worden

34. “Photo of my great-grandfather at the 1915 World’s Fair in San Francisco.”

A sepia-toned vintage photo of a large open-sided vehicle filled with men and women wearing hats and suits. The vehicle is labeled "Pacific No. 48." A man in a suit and hat stands in front of the vehicle.
rj826123

35. Van Ness Street and Caesar Chavez Street in 1947. Golden State Cleaners is still in business.

A black-and-white photo of a hillside densely packed with houses. In the foreground, a vintage bus and cars are parked on the street. Laundry hangs on a line between buildings, and signs of urban life are evident.
sussoutthemoon

36. The corner of California Street and Hyde Street in the late 40s

A steep city street with vintage 1950s cars parked along the side. An old cable car sits on the tracks, with two workers nearby. A "slippery when wet" sign is visible. Tall buildings line the street.
HesJuggernaut

37. The opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on May 27, 1937.

A historical black-and-white photo showing a massive crowd of people tightly packed and walking across a large suspension bridge. Their density covers the entire span of the bridge from end to end.
Meryhathor

38. Mason Street between California and Pine in 1959

A row of 1950s cars parked diagonally along a steep, urban street lined with multi-story buildings. The street slopes downwards, creating a dramatic perspective. The buildings are detailed and closely packed.
BaronVonBroccoli

39. Newspaper delivery boy in the early 1920s

A vintage photograph of a young newspaper delivery boy riding a bicycle. He wears a cap and carries a large sack full of newspapers on the bike. The background shows a building with two windows.
Laura40M

40. The opening of the first The North Face store. The Grateful Dead played live, and the HA were hired as security. 1966.

A black-and-white photo of people, some wearing cowboy hats and quilted vests, standing in and around a store entrance. The store, The North Face, displays skiing posters on the door and window. Streets and buildings are visible outside at night.
ExtraFattyTuna

41. San Francisco Bay before the Golden Gate Bridge in 1933

Aerial view of the Golden Gate Strait, showing the early construction of the Golden Gate Bridge with towers partially built. Surrounding hills and coastline are visible under a cloudy sky.
daymondonline

42. The Supremes in San Francisco in 1966

Three women in 1960s attire joyfully ride on the side of a vintage San Francisco cable car labeled "Van Ness Ave & Market." One woman in a car waves in the background. The scene captures a lively street with vintage cars and historic buildings.
userdeleted

43. Ocean Beach and the Cliff House in the early 1900s

A Victorian-style building with red roofs overlooks a beach crowded with people dressed in vintage clothing. Waves crash against rocks in the ocean, and the sky is clear.
Magnetron85

44. Walking the “dog” in San Francisco around 1975

A person walks across a city street holding a shopping bag and leash attached to a raccoon. They're wearing bell-bottoms and a patterned shirt. A vintage car and brick building are in the background.
notbob1959

45. Sitting in a San Francisco cafe in 1969. Possibly Caffe Trieste in North Beach.

A woman with long red hair and a man with blonde hair sit at a marble table in a dimly lit café, holding cups. Through the large window, city buildings and parked cars are visible. Other patrons are seated in the background.
blrghh

46. Shortly after the 1906 earthquake

A historic black and white photo shows a busy city street with men and women in early 20th-century attire. Smoke rises in the distance, and people are gathered along the sidewalks and streetcar tracks. Buildings line both sides of the street.
Dormouse_in_a_teapot

47. Automobile riders in front of the Cliff House circa 1900

A vintage black and white photo of seven people in an early automobile with large wheels, parked on a street. A man on horseback stands nearby. The passengers and driver wear formal clothing, and an arched building facade is visible in the background.
CorvidaeSF

48. Cable Car turnaround on Powell Street in 1945

Streetcar in a bustling city intersection with people boarding and disembarking. Surrounding buildings display vintage signage. A car waits behind the streetcar, and pedestrians walk nearby. The scene captures a lively urban atmosphere.

Smith Collection/Gado/Contributor

49. A fencing club in San Francisco in the early 1900s

A vintage photograph depicts a group of men and women in a room with patterned wallpaper and framed pictures. They are dressed in historical fencing attire, with some holding practice swords and masks lying on the floor.
ThiefLUPIN
Tags:

About Author

You May Also Like

The image is a split-screen showing two different photos of the same man with shoulder-length hair. In the left image, he is holding a microphone and appears to be singing. In the right image, he is resting his chin on his hand, looking contemplative.
All Celebrity Entertainment
19 Guy Clark Quotes To Tip Your Hat To
A collage of some visually stunning doors.
All Entertainment
21 Wild Doors You Don’t Walk Through Every Day