Kathleen from San Francisco
The Golden Fire Hydrant San Francisco
Small but mighty
Imagine it’s April 18, 1906. There are virtually no conveniences like today. Most communications are community-based. San Francisco is rocked by an earthquake causing the city to become engulfed in flames. But that isn’t the least of your worries. There’s virtually no water in a city surrounded by it.
Fast forward to today… ninety percent of the damage to the city in 1906 was due to fires caused by ruptured gas lines and broken water mains. The Mission Dolores Park is literally across the street from the one thing that saved the Mission District from total destruction; the Golden Fire Hydrant.
Sitting on the corner of Church and 20th Streets, it was the sole operating hydrant in the area. All others were bone dry and it took neighborhood residents, exhausted firefighters, and fire engines to get enough water to fight the massive fires and save the neighborhood.
In spite of the fact that a fire hydrant is not a sentient entity, it is honored every April 18th, at 5:21 am, with a fresh coat of gold paint for accomplishing that colossal task. And it stands proudly exhibiting its very golden finish.
I’ve lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years and never heard of this small, but mighty, fire hydrant. Amazing what you can find when you wander about the place you live with eyes wide open. It gives a very literal meaning to “stop and smell the roses”…er...fire hydrants.
About this spot
3899 20th Street
- 24 hours daily
US$
free
Our San Francisco City Guide
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
City Arts & Lectures
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Swensen's Ice Cream
Same corner since '48
"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Pug Sunday
Fun for dogs and humans
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
by
Sasha
Sommer
Victoria Pastry Co.
All the major food groups
"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Oracle Park
Baseball by the bay
"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
SOMArts
Some arts
"SOMArts" is a perfect example of what I enjoy about San Francisco. It's an old warehouse that's a boundary-pushing hotspot for local art & music...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Ocean Aquarium
Hidden fish store
"Ocean Aquarium" in San Francisco is a beautiful fish & aquarium store on the most unremarkable side alleyway you can think of. So glad we found it...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Liguria Bakery
A little Italy in SF
The focaccia at "Liguria Bakery" brings Italy to San Francisco. The place feels so familiar for locals. Everyone has a story about the first time they tried.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Golden Boy Pizza
A gold rush
"Golden Boy Pizza" is far and away the best pizza place in San Francisco. I know this is a bold claim, but everything about it is perfection...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
