The most recognisable landmark in South San Francisco is invisible unless you know where to look: the words "South San Francisco — The Industrial City" spelled out in white letters on the hillside of Sign Hill above the town. The sign dates from 1923, when the city was promoted as an industrial hub, and has survived intact while the industries below it transformed from meat-packing and steel into genomics and biopharmaceuticals.
Sign Hill Park surrounds the landmark and offers 45 acres of hiking trails through open grassland with panoramic views across the Bay toward San Francisco and the mountains to the east. The trails are well-maintained and popular with local dog walkers. On a clear day — which is most days, as SSF sits in the lee of the hills and catches less fog than the city — the views are excellent.