North Beach Travel Guide

San Francisco

North Beach which includes skyline and a city
North Beach which includes street scenes and cycling
North Beach
North Beach showing signage, a coastal town and a city
North Beach

Better known as Little Italy, this neighborhood was once a hotspot for counterculture and features an array of bars, jazz clubs, galleries and cafés.

North Beach is known for its Italian heritage and bohemian culture. Shop for fine cheeses and meats in old-world delicatessens and dine in traditional Italian restaurants with red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Seek out the haunts of famous Beat Generation writers and poets, such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Though its rich counterculture history attracts a lot of tourists to the district, North Beach remains a much-loved destination for locals too. The lively neighbourhood has a high concentration of bars and nightclubs. Listen to live music in a jazz venue or chat with friends in a cosy wine bar. The area is also full of independent clothing boutiques and bookstores, making it a popular alternative shopping destination.

Book a walking tour of North Beach to discover some of the city’s finest local food. Find out how coffee is roasted and visit a deli that’s been operating since the late 19th century. Some of the best Italian restaurants and cafés in San Francisco can be found in North Beach.

Relax in Washington Square, a historic park in North Beach surrounded by sidewalk cafés and restaurants. This beautiful park also hosts movie nights and special events throughout the year. Bordering the park to the north is the Sts. Peter and Paul Church. This beautiful twin-spire cathedral was completed in the early 20th century.

The 210-foot (64-metre) tall Coit Tower stands in Pioneer Park east of Washington Square. Purchase tickets from the tower’s gift shop and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and bay. Spot the Golden Gate BridgeOpens in a new window and other San Francisco landmarks.

North Beach is north of San Francisco’s Financial DistrictOpens in a new window, about 16 miles (26 kilometres) from San Francisco International Airport. Street parking can be scarce in this area so use available parking lots or travel here by bus instead.

Spend a day exploring North Beach’s excellent bars, restaurants and cafés while learning about the area’s significant Italian and literary history.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in North Beach

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,966 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹11,966
₹17,630 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,557 reviews)
Good location
"The location was great, close to Fisherman's Wharf and downtown attractions. Our room was close to the elevator, convenient. Parking was very low (we just fit in a standard SUV). Security was courteous and very attentive. All areas were well kept, very clean. We had to search to find the fitness ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹13,190 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹13,190
₹19,479 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,656 reviews)
"Good double queen bed room and large bathroom, pool area was great but no bar facility by the pool which would have been great. Breakfast was extremely expensive, full of UPF."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹12,859 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹12,859
₹18,831 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,359 reviews)
"It was nuce for the one night we were there"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

4 out of 5
555 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹12,377 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
₹12,377
₹18,117 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,360 reviews)
"Great location...arrived early in the morning and they had our room ready to check-in right away."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹13,867 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹13,867
₹19,363 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,089 reviews)
"great location, and communal indoor and outdoor social/games area. a great place to hangout outside our room and compete on some of the activities"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹14,302 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹14,302
₹20,383 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,455 reviews)
"Lovely hotel with nice touches like use of records and taking a plant to your toom"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around North Beach

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Russian Hill

4/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers choose Russian Hill for its pristine beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop and check out top sights like Macondray Lane.

Russian Hill
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

Fisherman's Wharf
Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to TransAmerica Pyramid – discover Financial District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Financial District
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square


North Beach Travel Guide