North Beach, CA

San Francisco
North Beach showing 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 neighborhood has a high concentration of bars and nightclubs. Listen to live music in a jazz venue or chat with friends in a cozy 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-meter) 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 kilometers) 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

Things to do


North Beach Hotel Deals

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 ¥21,030 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥21,030
per night
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,171 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on May 9, 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 ¥25,623 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥25,623
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,493 reviews)
"Great location on Fisherman's wharf. Good to have gaming area and fireside seating in court yard"

Reviewed on May 9, 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 ¥23,694 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥23,694
per night
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,549 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 May 8, 2024

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Argonaut Hotel
Argonaut Hotel
4.5 out of 5
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥28,167 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥28,167
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Bay View Luxury
"Awesome Bay View, large room, restaurant excellent. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on May 5, 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 ¥23,149 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
¥23,149
per night
May 31 - Jun 1
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Valet very helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on May 6, 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 ¥25,479 per night from May 29 to May 30
¥25,479
per night
May 29 - May 30
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,400 reviews)
"The stay here was amazing beautiful hotel great location. Would recommend a stay here"

Reviewed on May 3, 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 neighborhoods around North Beach

Lombard Street featuring flowers, a sunset and a house

Russian Hill

4/5(91 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lombard Street while getting to know Russian Hill, and be sure to check out the beaches. You can hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop to see more of the area.

Russian Hill
Chinatown which includes street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(268 area reviews)

Chinatown Alleyways and Dragon's Gate are top sights in Chinatown, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Chinatown
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a city and a marina

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(38 area reviews)

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in Fisherman's Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop to see more sights in the area.

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

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,100 area reviews)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4.5/5(1,246 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Financial District. Embarcadero Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at California St & Front St Stop or California St & Battery St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Financial District
Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4/5(5,164 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, CA