Discovering San Francisco Bay

Upon reaching the San Francisco Bay, Spanish explorers came upon the largest inland network of tidal wetlands and marshes they had ever seen. View these segments to learn

  • how Portolá discovered the San Francisco estuary by mistake.
  • how the appearance of the San Francisco Bay Area has changed dramatically since its discovery.
  • why the San Francisco Bay–Delta region is one of the most productive ecosystems in the western Americas.

Download the Viewing Guide for pre- and post-viewing discussion questions, activities, and additional resources to use with students.


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