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North Beach San Francisco: Little Italy Attractions, Bars, Restaurants & Things to Do
by Jill Loeffler •
The North Beach San Francisco neighborhood is a vibrant and colorful district where you will find Coit Tower, Washington Square Park, and dozens of Italian restaurants.
The district is often called "Little Italy" and has always had a large concentration of Italian immigrants.
This area also has a lively nightlife scene. You can catch a performance by internationally recognized comedians at the local comedy clubs or grab a drink at one of Jack Kerouac's hangouts.
It also has some great boutique shops lined up along Columbus Avenue.
One of the first things you will notice is that this neighborhood is not on the waterfront. So, why is it called North Beach? The simple answer is that it used to be.
Back in the 1800s, this part of the city was right on the water. Since it was the northernmost district in SF, locals named it North Beach.
Over the years, the shoreline of San Francisco filled in quite a bit, extending the city out a few blocks. Even though the name has stuck, you will no longer find a 'beach' anywhere in this neighborhood.
North Beach in San Francisco was also home to the Beat Generation in the 1950s and 1960s. Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti called this district home during that time.
Other famous people to call this district home include Joe DiMaggio. He lived here as a boy and again in the 1950s when he was married to Marilyn Monroe.
Paul Kantner, the co-founder of Jefferson Airplane and a member of Jefferson Starship, was born in SF and also lived in this district in his later years until his death in 2016.
Where is North Beach San Francisco?
You will find North Beach San Francisco in the northeastern part of the city. It neighbors Russian Hill to the west, Fisherman's Wharf to the north, Chinatown to the southwest, and the Financial District to the south.
The borders of the district vary slightly based on who you ask. However, the heart of the action in this district is south of Bay Street and north of Broadway.
The western border is officially Columbus, but most people consider the bars and restaurants within a few blocks west of Columbus (technically Russian Hill) to be part of North Beach.
The Telegraph Hill and North Beach San Francisco districts partially overlap. Coit Tower, one of the top attractions in this area, sits on top of Telegraph Hill.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Top Things Do in North Beach San Francisco
You will find many fun things to do in North Beach in San Francisco. My list includes those officially in the district and a few just a block or two outside of it.
1. Coit Tower
Coit Tower is a San Francisco attraction that sits atop Telegraph Hill. This famous landmark is easy to spot from any of the nearby districts and from the bay looking back at the city.
You can either climb to the top of the hill for your visit or take the #39 bus. Once you arrive, step inside to admire the gorgeous murals on the first floor (one shown in the picture above). You can then pay to take the elevator to the top floor for 360-degree views of the city.
The tower is open every day except major holidays.
>> Additional visiting tips for Coit Tower
2. Comedy Shows at Cobb's Comedy Club
North Beach in 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, since most shows sell out quickly.
>> More upcoming shows at Cobb's and what you can expect
>> Find additional comedy clubs in North Beach and around SF
3. North Beach Festival
If you are lucky enough to travel to San Francisco in June, you should check out this street fair. This 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!
>> Additional festivals and events in SF each year
4. Concerts at Bimbo's 365
Another great nightlife option in North Beach San Francisco is Bimbo's 365.
This concert hall has several shows a month. Artists who perform here include Tainted Love (an 80's era cover band) and Super Diamond (a Neil Diamond cover band).
>> Find upcoming shows at Bimbo's 365
5. 'Dear San Francisco' at Club Fugazi
With rave reviews, Dear San Francisco: A High-Flying Love Story has succeeded Beach Blanket Babylon's 45-year run at the legendary Club Fugazi in North Beach.
This 90-minute acrobatic show is a contemporary portrayal of the city's rich history and diversity that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
Be wowed by performers jumping through hoops and flying through the air, combined with original music, spoken word, shadow play, and more.
>> Get tickets to see the City by the Bay come to life in unimaginable dimensions!
6. Beat Museum
In the 1950s, San Francisco became the heart of the Beat Generation, a group of writers who created and publicized information about their unique culture.
It included everything from experimental drugs and sex to an overly expressive way of living life.
The three most famous authors of the group include Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
All three spent quite a bit of time in North Beach in San Francisco. This museum is dedicated to their legacy and is a great way to learn more about their movement.
>> More on visiting the Beat Museum
7. Washington Square Park
One of the cornerstones of San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood is the large and beautiful Washington Square Park.
Established in 1847, this historic park is one of the three oldest parks in the city. It is right on Columbus Avenue between Union and Filbert Streets.
With the iconic Saints Peter and Paul church on one side and sidewalk restaurants and cafes lining the others, it's a fun place to grab a coffee and spend a little time relaxing on the lawn.
On a nice sunny day, this park is full of activity. It also hosts festivals, free movie nights, and other events throughout the year.
8. Saints Peter and Paul Church
Across from Washington Square Park—just east of where Columbus Avenue meets Filbert Street—is Saints Peter and Paul Church.
This cathedral was built in 1924 after the original was destroyed in the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. Ever since, it has served as the center of San Francisco's Italian-American community.
Fun fact: When North Beach's very own baseball hero, Joe DiMaggio, eloped with Marilyn Monroe, they were married at the San Francisco Courthouse. But afterward, they headed here for their wedding photos.
The church's towering white spires have also appeared in countless movie scenes. It's worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.
>> Learn more about visiting this beautiful church
9. National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
One of the hidden gems in the heart of San Francisco's Little Italy is the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Built in 1849, this is one of California's oldest churches, apart from the Spanish missions. Its interior was badly damaged in the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, but its exterior remained entirely intact.
Today, the church continues to build upon its historic site. You can visit the original chapel, as well as the Porziuncola Nuova, a scaled replica of Saint Francis's Porziuncola in Assisi, which was added in 2008.
The main church is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays. The new chapel is open from 10 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Saturday and 12 noon to 2 pm on Sundays.
Even though it's free, they do ask for donations. You will find it at 610 Vallejo Street.
10. North Beach San Francisco Murals
One of my favorite parts of North Beach in San Francisco is its colorful murals. One of the largest is called "Language of the Birds" and you will find it on the corner of Columbus and Broadway.
The vibrant mural pictured below is another example of the gorgeous artwork that you will discover all around Little Italy in San Francisco.
You will also find some great murals in Jack Kerouac Alley between Columbus and Grant Avenue.
>> Find additional murals all around SF
11. Explore City Lights Bookstore
City Lights Bookstore was founded in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, a famous poet of the Beat Generation.
This independent bookstore helped spread the works of this literary movement and other books that were banned in other stores.
Today, it's still one of the top independent bookstores in the US and a favorite of visitors to this beloved Italian neighborhood in San Francisco.
They offer a lesser known selection as well as a handful of mainstream books. Feel free to come in, grab a book, and spend some time reading.
You can also check their event schedule for poetry readings, celebrations of new publications, and talks with authors.
Self-Guided Tour: To make your planning process easier, I created a self-guided tour for this district called "The Perfect Day in North Beach San Francisco." It's the best way to hit all the highlights, including the top attractions, shopping on Columbus Avenue, and eating lots and lots of Italian goodies!
North Beach San Francisco Tours
If you want to learn even more about this district, head out on a guided tour. You will find several great options in Little Italy in San Francisco. These are some I recommend you check out.
Little Italy and North Beach Food Walking Tour
This three-hour urban trek allows you to sip and savor goodies from cappuccinos to fresh baked breads. You also get the chance to try some delicious olive oils, gourmet chocolates, and handmade Italian pizza.
Along the way, you will see how coffee is roasted, how chocolates are made, and how breads are baked in 130-year-old ovens. You will also get the chance to peek into several hideouts of the 1960s Beat Generation.
In addition, this tour gives you an overview of the history of the neighborhood. You'll walk by its main attractions, including Washington Square Park and some Italian cathedrals. It's also a great opportunity to hunt for Italian arts and crafts.
This tour runs daily at 10:30 am during the week and at 10 am on the weekends. All food and drinks you sample along the way are included.
The route covers about seven to eight blocks and is flat.
>> Find availability for this tour on GetYourGuide
Free SF Public Library Walks
San Francisco City Guides is a local organization sponsored by the public library that offers free walks throughout SF. Their walking tours of North Beach in San Francisco are a great way to learn more about this district.
They recommend you register for your desired walking tour online in advance, but you could show up at the designated location and join in if there is space. Here is a list of the current tours in and around this district:
- North Beach: Neighborhood Tour
- Coit Tower Murals
- Telegraph Hill Stairway Hike
>> Visit my free walking tours page for more information about SF City Guides and these tours
More Great Walking Tours in North Beach in San Francisco
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
A great option to get to North Beach in San Francisco is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. The bus route offers 15+ stops throughout SF, including North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury, and others.
The bus runs from 10 am to 6 pm daily with about a 15-minute wait between buses. You can hop off at their Broadway and Columbus stop to explore Little Italy in San Francisco for a while, and then hop back on to visit another stop on its route.
The most popular ticket is the 2-day pass. This gives you plenty of time to hit all of SF's hot spots. Find details and ticketing information.
Places to Shop
Another one of the fun things to do in North Beach San Francisco is shopping. You will find more than a dozen cute boutique shops side by side on Columbus Avenue.
They sell everything from jewelry to famous Italian delights. Most are little shops owned by locals, so you will find many unique gifts and San Francisco souvenirs.
You can start your adventure around Columbus and Union Street. This is where you will find some of the best shopping in Little Italy San Francisco.
Best Restaurants in North Beach SF
North Beach is known as San Francisco's Italian district, and the Italian food here does not disappoint. However, you will also find other great restaurants in the neighborhood representing a broad array of cuisines. Below is a list of some of my favorites.
1. The Stinking Rose
This is a famous spot for anyone who likes a little Italian food with their garlic. The name says it all, so I highly recommend going only with your closest friends. There it a LOT of garlic in the food!
They have both indoor and outdoor sidewalk seating. Either way, the atmosphere is fun and lively, and the food is good.
You can even cap off your meal with garlic ice cream for dessert. If you love garlic and Italian food, you won't want to miss this unique SF experience!
Moderately priced, 430 Columbus Avenue
2. Golden Boy Pizza
If you are looking for something really casual, then you should stop by Golden Boy Pizza on Green Street.
This family-owned joint has been a staple in SF's Little Italy since the 1970s. Their pizza style consists of fresh-baked focaccia with pizza toppings, which you can order by the slice or by the pan.
Don't get discouraged if you see a long line outside. The service is fast, as it's a to-go window.
It's a fun way to experience North Beach in San Francisco without the high bill.
Budget-friendly, 542 Green Street
3. Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Golden Boy Pizza is great for a quick slice on the run, but if you want to sit down and enjoy a true culinary experience, then head to Tony's Pizza.
The owner, Tony Gemignani, has won the World Pizza Championship in Italy more than a dozen times. It's even more impressive that he is the only non-Italian to win the competition.
He takes pride in the fact that he can offer you almost any type of pizza you desire. He equipped his kitchen with four types of ovens to be able to offer the largest and best selection of pizzas in town.
From Sicilian to New York to gluten free and much more, plus a full bar, Tony's Pizza has you covered.
Moderately priced, 1570 Stockton Street
Additional Dining Options
Here are a few additional North Beach San Francisco restaurants I love.
Italian Homemade Company: Casual Italian restaurant, 716 Columbus Avenue, moderate
Molinari Delicatessen: Casual sandwich shop, 373 Columbus Avenue, moderate
Sotto Mare: Seafood, Italian, 552 Green Street, moderate
Original Joe's: Italian, seafood, steakhouse, 601 Union Street, pricier
Best Places to Stay in Little Italy SF
Staying in North Beach in San Francisco puts you in the heart of the action. There are only a handful of hotels in this area, and most are locally owned and operated.
Here are my top picks for lodging options in San Francisco's Little Italy.
1. Hotel Boheme: 444 Columbus Avenue, 3 stars
This hotel is on the northern end of North Beach, just a few blocks away from Fisherman's Wharf.
- It's a small, local, historic hotel with a lot of character and in a great location
- Be aware that there are no elevators, so you will have to carry your luggage up the stairs
- Amenities include free wireless internet, use of a nearby fitness center for a small fee, safe deposit box at front desk, cable TV, and daily housekeeping
- Rooms start at around $225 to $300 a night
>> Find reviews and rooms for the Hotel Boheme
2. Columbus Inn: 1075 Columbus Avenue
Another highly rated hotel at a great price and location, right between North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf.
- Simple, yet clean
- On a busy street, so make sure to request a room in the back
- Amenities include free parking and free wireless internet
- Rooms range from about $198 to $300 per night
>> Find a room and accommodations at Columbus Inn
3. SW Hotel: 615 Broadway Street, 3 stars
The SW Hotel is on the border of North Beach and Chinatown. It's a smaller hotel with only 81 rooms.
- Amenities include free wireless internet, cable TV, and air conditioning
- Rooms are older, but clean; would recommend for those who don't spend a lot of time in their room
- A standard room here starts at around $139 to $179 per night
- Great value for the location
>> Find additional reviews and rooms of the SW Hotel here.
4. Royal Pacific Motor Inn: 661 Broadway Street, 2 stars
- Amenities include free parking (huge plus!), free wireless internet, coffee maker and TV in every room
- Rooms start at around $110 to $150 a night
>> Find rooms for Royal Pacific Motor Inn
5. Green Tortoise Hostel - San Francisco: 494 Broadway Street
- If you are looking to save money and don't mind a dorm-style sleeping experience, then this is a great option. It's one of my top five youth hostels in San Francisco.
- Amenities include free breakfast, free high-speed internet, laundry facilities available for a small fee
- They have a fantastic giant living room space with social events each night
- Beds here start at around $50 a night per person
- There are also private rooms available, starting around $90 a night
>> Find rooms at Green Tortoise Hostel - San Francisco
Looking for additional options?
>> Find the best deals on these and other hotels here.
Vacation Rentals Near North Beach
Best Bars in North Beach San Francisco
Vesuvio Cafe: This bar has a lot of history. It's a fun, old bar right in the heart of North Beach in San Francisco. It was a popular hangout for beatniks like Jack Kerouac in the 1950s. The clientele here is quite diverse and it's a great place to grab a beer or two. See pictures and learn more about what to expect when you stop by for a drink. 255 Columbus Avenue at Jack Kerouac Alley
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 the North Beach district. 1560 Powell Street
Tony Nik's Cafe: This was 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. 1534 Stockton Street
Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe: This fun, funky place is a great stop for a drink. It's filled with memorabilia that the bar has been collecting for years. It's a local bar hidden away in this busy, touristy district. 12 William Saroyan Place
Gino & Carlo Cocktail Lounge: Another staple in North Beach San Francisco is Gino & Carlo. This bar has been around for years. It offers a laid back feel with great drinks and beers on tap. It has a local feel and some people that have been loyal customers for decades. 548 Green Street
Parking in North Beach San Francisco
Parking is tight in this district. There are parking meters on the street, but they are tough to come by.
However, you will find a few great parking garages and lots, so you don't have to drive around for an hour looking for a spot.
Rates start at around $4 an hour and can cost up to $30 or more for the entire day. Make sure to check current rates before you park as they could be higher due to local events that day.
Here are a few of my recommendations.
721 Filbert Street: This parking garage is also on the northern end of the district. It's a great option for those heading to Cobb's Comedy Club, Bimbo's 365, or Washington Square.
1625 Powell Street: This garage is valet parking only. It's just steps to Club Fugazi and the restaurants and bars along Columbus Avenue.
735 Vallejo Street (the North Beach Garage): This public garage is usually where I park. It's on the southwest side of the district and has over 200 spots. It's always open.
How to Get Here
Your best option is to take public transportation in and around San Francisco. This is especially true if you are heading to North Beach in San Francisco.
Bus: Your best bet is to take the Muni bus, which is $3.00 cash for adults. The 30 and 45 run through North Beach and drop off at several locations in the neighborhood. The 39 will serve you particularly if you're visiting Coit Tower.
Taxi: Another option is to take a cab. A cab from Union Square is around $15 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.
Lyft/Uber: Both of these ride share companies are another great way to get here. You can do a 'shared ride' and save on your trip too.
Cable Car: From Union Square, you can also take the Powell/Mason Cable Car. Hop off once you get to Columbus Street, since you will then be in the heart of North Beach in San Francisco.
>> More tips for getting around SF
Other Fun Attractions
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!