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 ₹9,772 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹9,772
₹15,059 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (6,604 reviews)
"Good location, easy to get around! Lots to do in the area. Room was clean. Staff friendly. The doors are loud to close could hear our neighbors coming and going and the people above us were very loud walking around as we tried to sleep! Breakfast had a good flow with the amount of people that were ..."

Reviewed on 22 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 ₹13,914 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹13,914
₹20,339 total
5 Aug - 6 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! (3,664 reviews)
"Nice hotel in a convenient location to the main activities in Fisherman's Wharf."

Reviewed on 21 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 ₹12,891 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹12,891
₹18,877 total
18 Aug - 19 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! (1,379 reviews)
"Rooms were fully stocked with amenities and with extra towels. Check in took little bit but everything else was great. Comfy lobby to hang out by the fireplace."

Reviewed on 23 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 ₹12,407 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹12,407
₹18,161 total
18 Aug - 19 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! (1,368 reviews)
"It was comfortable and fun."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹14,424 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹14,424
₹16,976 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Overall a nice experience!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹16,156 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹16,156
₹22,064 total
24 Jul - 25 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! (2,101 reviews)
"It was amazing trip for us. Love that the hotel was walking distance to the fisherman wharf. The beds were clean and comfy! Kid activity. We are staying here again!!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Zephyr 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 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