Did You Know: San Francisco Bay Was “Discovered” by Accident—And Nobody Realized It?

By theFrontSteps Real Estate on February 14, 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

Ever walked past something important and not even noticed? Like that one coffee shop that everyone raves about, but somehow you missed for years? Well, that’s basically how San Francisco Bay got “discovered” in 1769—except instead of a good latte, it was one of the greatest natural harbors in the world.

Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá and his crew were sent to find Monterey Bay. But when they got there, things didn’t look like they expected. Instead of trusting the map—or maybe just admitting they were lost—they kept heading north.

By November 4, 1769, exhausted and probably regretting all their life choices, the group climbed up Sweeney Ridge (not too far from what we now call Pacifica). That’s when they spotted a massive body of water stretching inland. Instead of celebrating, they were… confused. They thought it was just another part of Drakes Bay. They didn’t realize they were looking at San Francisco Bay for the first time.

Even better? After all that effort, they still didn’t find Monterey. So, they gave up and went back to San Diego. Just packed up and left—completely unaware of what they had stumbled upon. It took years before Spain figured out what was actually there.

So next time you’re taking in the view from Lands End or standing at Ocean Beach wondering how explorers ever missed something so obvious, just remember: even the professionals get it wrong sometimes.

Bet you didn’t know that…or maybe you did.