Northbeach
Often called San Francisco’s “Little Italy,” it is a lively and historic neighborhood known for its rich Italian heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Famous for its European-style cafes, pizzerias, and gelato shops, North Beach invites visitors to enjoy a taste of Italy in the heart of San Francisco.
Things to do and see!
Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill—Start at Coit Tower, an iconic landmark atop Telegraph Hill that offers sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Inside, you’ll find beautiful murals depicting California life in the 1930s, painted as part of a New Deal program. The tower is especially stunning at sunset. Visitors can climb to the top of the 212-foot-high tower and marvel at 360° views of SF, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and much more. In addition to the stunning views, the tower’s base has 26 vibrant frescoes painted inside it in 1934 by local artists.
Location: 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard.
Washington Square Park—This charming park is the heart of North Beach. Cafés, historic structures, and the magnificent Saints Peter and Paul Church—a stunning Italianate-style church—are all located close to the park. Washington Square is a popular spot for locals to relax, have a picnic, or do Tai Chi in the mornings.
City Lights Bookstore—This famous bookstore and book publisher is the epicenter of the beat poet scene in SF and an amazing place to visit. The shop features stories of books from both major publishing houses and smaller, harder-to-find specialty publishers. The top floor is dedicated entirely to poetry and houses one of the nation’s largest poetry collections.
Location: 261 Columbus Avenue.
Jack Kerouac Alley—Just outside City Lights Bookstore is Jack Kerouac Alley, named after the famed Beat writer. The alley is lined with murals and quotes from notable literary figures, creating a tribute to San Francisco’s literary past. It connects North Beach with Chinatown, making it an ideal route between the two neighborhoods.
The Beat Museum—Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Beat Generation, The Beat Museum is home to artifacts, manuscripts, and photos related to Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and other writers who helped shape American counterculture. It’s an engaging stop for anyone interested in literature and the history of the 1950s and 1960s.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul—This beautiful Roman Catholic church, often called “the Italian Cathedral of the West,” is located on Washington Square Park and boasts twin spires and stunning stained glass. Known for its Italian heritage, the church has been a central part of North Beach’s community life and is even where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio posed for wedding photos.
Grant Avenue and Columbus Avenue—Wander along these main streets to experience the essence of North Beach. Grant Avenue is lined with cozy Italian eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops, while Columbus Avenue is bustling with cafés, pizzerias, and bars, each with its own charm.
Explore Local Art Galleries—North Beach has several small art galleries featuring local artists. Live Worms Gallery and Meyerovich Gallery are excellent places to check out contemporary art, and many exhibits reflect San Francisco’s cultural diversity and bohemian history.
Walk Down Telegraph Hill’s Filbert Steps—For a scenic detour, take the Filbert Steps down Telegraph Hill. This winding stairway offers lush greenery, beautiful gardens, and even occasional sightings of the area’s famous wild parrots, offering a serene escape with great views.
Beach Blanket Babylon (in memoriam)—Although it closed in 2019, Beach Blanket Babylon was one of the longest-running musical revues in the world and a North Beach staple. While you can’t catch a show here anymore, walking past the former location reminds visitors of the neighborhood’s theatrical history.
The Condor Club—is a strip club. The Condor became the world’s first topless bar in 1964 and the world’s first bottomless bar in 1969, thanks to their star, Carol Doda. In 1972, bottomless dancing became illegal in California, but Doda continued dancing topless until 1986. Whether you stop by or not, The Condor Club is an important part of North Beach’s history.
Location: 560 Broadway Street.