Standing on a hilly peninsula in northern California, San Francisco defies the conventional model of most major cities. For one thing, it's not a big city at all, at least not in terms of size. About 800,000 people reside in only 49 square miles, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. Contributing to the unique feel of the city are her breathtaking hills, which rise up to dizzying heights and reward you with stunning views of the city and the water below. If the hills and the bay are the face of San Francisco, then its heartbeat is the vast diversity, both ethnic and cultural, that enriches the feel and flavor of the city. Listen to this audio guide to get an overview of the city and helpful tips for when you get to visit the "city by the bay".