North Beach San Francisco

Things to Do & See In this Popular SF Neighborhood

The North Beach San Francisco neighborhood has several tourist attractions. Here you will find Coit Tower, Beach Blanket Babylon, Washington Square Park and dozens of Italians restaurants. This SF neighborhood also has plenty of small shops, cafes and unique bars.

north beach san francisco

Originally, the edges of this neighborhood sat right on the waterfront. It got its name from its location along the water and the fact that it was the northern most San Francisco neighborhood.

In the 1800s, the city filled in part of the shoreline of San Francisco. This extended the city out quite a few blocks. Even through its still called North Beach, you will no longer find a 'beach' anywhere in North Beach San Francisco.

Top Things to See & Do In North Beach San Francisco

Check Out the Big Hats at Beach Blanket Babylon San Francisco

Big hats are the norm in this long running musical satire. These sold out performances keep the audience laughing as the actors poke fun at pop culture.

You will never see the same show twice as they are frequently updated to get a laugh on current events. It's a fun and unique experience that is truly San Francisco.

Learn More: Beach Blanket Babylon San Francisco

Get a Taste of Italy on the Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour

little italy in north beach Would you love to sample food and cheeses while walking around North Beach? This walking tour combines both food and culture in the Italian North Beach San Francisco neighborhood.

Your guide will give you an overview of the culinary history of San Francisco while you stroll the streets of North Beach and try some of its delicious treats.

Learn More: Additional Information & Booking Details

Climb the Stairs & Get Great Views of the City at Coit Tower

coit tower san francisco Coit Tower is a San Francisco attraction that sits atop Telegraph Hill in San Francisco North Beach. It is one of the most visited attractions in the neighborhood.

The tower was finished in 1933. The towers height and the large hill it sits on makes it an easy landmark to see from most of the eastern side of San Francisco.

The tower is open every day except a few major holidays.

Learn More: Coit Tower

Enjoy a Local Beer & Some History on the North Beach Pub Crawl

san francisco pub crawl north beach Are you more interested in the pub scene that made this San Francisco neighborhood so famous? During this 2.5 hour walking tour, you will get to know the bohemian hangouts, the off-the-wall pubs and their stories.

Find out more about the famous people from San Francisco that frequented them while you enjoy some local beer and wine.

Learn More: Additional Information & Booking Details

Laugh Until It Hurts at a Comedy Show or Festival

comedy in north beach North Beach San Francisco is also home to most of the comedy clubs in San Francisco. You will find big name acts as well as large comedy festivals. Most of them take place right here in North Beach. You'll want to get your tickets in advance though, since most shows sell out quickly.

Find the top comedy shows and festivals by month: San Francisco Events

Celebrate with the Locals at the North Beach Festival

If you are lucky enough to travel to San Francisco in June, you should check out the North Beach Festival. This street festival is one of the largest in San Francisco and a local favorite.

The event showcases arts and crafts from hundreds of artists, gourmet food, three stages with live entertainment, beer gardens and more. The festival is spread out on many of the main streets in North Beach San Francisco.

This internationally recognized event is one you won't want to miss!

Learn More: San Francisco Festivals

Learn About the Beat Generation at the Beat Museum

San Francisco was the heart of the Beat Generation in the mid to late 1950s. Members of this generation were famous writers that created and publicized information about their unique culture. It included everything from experimental drugs & sex to an overly expressive way of living life.

The three most famous of the group include Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsbery and Lawrence Felinghetti. All three spent quite a bit of time in North Beach San Francisco. This museum is dedicated to their legacy and perfect for those wanting to learn more about this generation.

Learn More: Beat Museum San Francisco

Enjoy the Sunshine in Washington Square Park

washington park san francisco One of the cornerstones of this neighborhood is the large and beautiful Washington Square Park. The park is right on Columbus Street between Union and Filbert Streets.

On a nice sunny day, this park is full of activity. It's fun to grab a coffee and spent a little time here. There are several restaurants and cafes that line the park too.

Saint Peter and Paul's Church is on the north side of the park on Filbert Street.

Visit Saint Peter and Paul's Church

Just a little over a block east of Columbus Avenue on Filbert Street is Saints Peter and Paul Church. It's a large Italian cathedral that was built in 1924.

North Beach San Francisco is the home of the famous baseball player, Joe DiMaggio. When Marilyn Monroe and he eloped, they were married at the San Francisco Courthouse. However, after their ceremony, they headed here for their 'wedding photos'.

It's a beautiful church and worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.

Places to Shop

Another popular activity in North Beach San Francisco is shopping. Small shops line up all along Columbus Street.

Here you can find everything from jewelry to famous Italian delights. Most are little shops owned by locals, so you can find some unique gifts and San Francisco souvenirs.

You can start your adventure around Columbus and Union Street. Here you will find some of the best shopping in the neighborhood.


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Best Restaurants

North Beach San Francisco is known for its great Italian food. You will also find some other great restaurants with a broad array of cuisines. Below is a list of some of my favorites in this San Francisco neighborhood.

North Beach Restaurant: This is one of the most popular and well known restaurants in North Beach. It sits right on the corner of Stockton at Columbus Street. They serve authentic Tuscan cuisine. It's always busy, so I recommend making a reservation.

The Stinking Rose: This is a famous hot spot for anyone that likes a little Italian food with their garlic. The name says it all and I highly recommend going only with your closest friends, since there it a LOT of garlic in the food. The atmosphere is fun and the food is good. It's located right on Columbus Avenue near Broadway Street. It's a lot more casual and budget friendly than the North Beach Restaurant. san francisco stinking rose

The House: This is a small, but great restaurant located on Grant Street near Columbus. They have an eclectic menu that is updated frequently. I recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for something a little different. Check out their menu and make a reservation ahead of time, since it only has a handful of tables.

Golden Boy Pizza: If you are looking for something really casual and laid back, then you should stop by Golden Boy Pizza on Green Street. The menu is simple (pizza and beer only) and the price is right. Don't get discouraged if you see a long line outside, most of the locals like to pop in for a quick slice and then head home. It's a fun way to experience North Beach San Francisco without the high meal bill.

Dell'uva Restaurant & Wine Bar: This is a cute, casual wine bar on Green Street at Columbus Street. Their wine list is continually evolving, so you can get some great local and international favorites. For food, you will find appetizers such as cheese plates and mixed olives. They also have a great selection of gourmet pizzas.

Best Bars in North Beach San Francisco

Vesuvio Cafe: This is a bar with a history. It's a fun, old bar right in the heart of North Beach San Francisco. It was a popular hang out for Jack Kerouac and others from the Beat Generation in the 1950s. The clientele here is quite diverse and it's a great place to grab a beer or two. Address: 255 Columbus at Jack Kerouac Alley

Amante Bar: This is a cool bar and lounge. They have plush, comfortable bar stools and benches. They also have some of the best mixed drinks in the area. If you are hungry, they also have some inexpensive small plates. Address: 570 Green Street

Northstar Cafe: Another fun place to hang out is Northstar Cafe. This bar has been in the neighborhood since the late 1880s. It's an institution in San Francisco and a great stop if you are visiting North Beach San Francisco. Address: 1560 Powell Street

Tony Nik's Cafe: This is the first official bar to open in North Beach after the prohibition. It's a fun, dive bar with great beers and a lively atmosphere. You will also find a great mix of other visitors and locals. Address: 1534 Stockton Street

How to Get to North Beach

Your best option is to take public transportation in and around San Francisco. This is especially true if you are heading to North Beach San Francisco. Parking in the neighborhood is quite difficult or really expensive.

Bus: Your best bet is to take the bus, which is currently $2 for adults. The 20, 30 and 45 run through North Beach and drop off at a variety of locations in the neighborhood.

Taxi: Another option is to take a cab. A cab from Union Square is around $10 plus tip and should take only around 10 minutes or so. It's an easy way to get around without having to worry about driving. Learn more: San Francisco taxis

Cable Car: From Union Square, you can also take the Powell/Mason Cable Car. You can pick up the cable car just a few blocks from Union Square. Hop off once you get to Columbus Street, since you will then be in the heart of North Beach San Francisco. Learn more: Cable Cars San Francisco

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