North Beach Travel Guide

San Francisco
North Beach which includes street scenes and cycling
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 Bridge and other San Francisco landmarks.

North Beach is north of San Francisco’s Financial District, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,272 per night from 21 May to 22 May
₹11,272
per night
21 May - 22 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,192 reviews)
"Hotel is in a great location, with onsite parking, however $40 to park for hotel guests per day is excessive in my opinion. The location is great for walking to attractions like Pier 39 and the Alcatraz ferry. Breakfast was amazing with alot of selection! It gets very busy though, so get there early. ..."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹14,362 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹14,362
per night
27 May - 28 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,497 reviews)
"Great location on Fisherman's wharf. Good to have gaming area and fireside seating in court yard"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹12,700 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹12,700
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (3,552 reviews)
"It was our second time staying at this hotel. We love the cozy atmosphere there and easy in-out parking. Staff is friendly. Rooms are clean."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Argonaut Hotel
Argonaut Hotel
4.5 out of 5
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹15,138 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹15,138
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Beautiful property, fantastic restaurant and great location."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Argonaut Hotel
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹12,441 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
₹12,441
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Valet very helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

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 ₹12,692 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹12,692
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,404 reviews)
"Amazing!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
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 Lombard Street.

Russian Hill
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Chinatown Alleyways 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 marina and a city

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 Redwood Forest – 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