Named one of the Ten Great Neighborhoods in America, North Beach has a rich and interesting history. Located in the Northeast corner of San Francisco, the neighborhood borders on Fisherman’s Wharf, The Financial District and Russian Hill. Historically, the neighborhood consisted of a large Italian American population, which resulted in a large number of Italian restaurants and cafes, however in the present day, the population has become much more diverse. Because of the long standing Italian restaurants and shops, the area is San Francisco’s answer to “Little Italy”.
The proximity to the Financial District and the lively atmosphere make North Beach one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in. The streets are lined with fun bars, cute shops and great restaurants as well as some historically significant attractions. High above North Beach on Telegraph Hill is Coit Tower. An integral part of the San Francisco Skyline, the 210-foot tower is a monument dedicated to firefighters that died in some of San Francisco’s major fires. Opened to the public in 1933, the tower features murals painted by 27 different artists as well as a large observation deck offering 360 degree views of the city and the bay. Also on top of Telegraph Hill are a large flock of brightly-colored parrots who have decided to call the area their home. An unusual species to inhabit Northern California, the flock has inspired a popular 2003 documentary titled “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”.
Below Telegraph Hill, there are even more historically significant reasons to visit North Beach. It was the epicenter for the rise of the Beat Generation, which was characterized as a “media stereotype” to describe a like-minded group of people who believed in a social movement involving artistic self-expression and the rejection of conventional societal norms Called “beatniks”, a term coined by famous journalist Herb Caen, the group settled in North Beach during the 1950s. You can still see some influences in North Beach from the famous movement and even stop by the Beat Museum on Broadway to learn more.
North Beach has been the home to a long list of famous people including former San Francisco Mayor, Joseph Alioto, however baseball legend, Joe DiMaggio was probably the most well known. Aside from being one of the best baseball players of all time, DiMaggio made International headlines due to his wedding. He married his first wife in North Beach at the Saints Peter and Paul Church and then after getting married to Marilyn Monroe, he returned to the church to take wedding pictures.
North Beach is a popular place for tourism due to the many historic landmarks in the area. Besides Coit Tower and Saint Pater and Paul Church, there are many other things to see. Washington Square Park, located in the center of the neighborhood is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the beautiful San Francisco weather. There are also a number of famous restaurants and cafes such as The Stinking Rose, Cafe Trieste, The Saloon (one of the oldest bars in San Francisco), Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe and the location of Mabuhay Gardens, a famous punk rock club.
EXPLORE EVENTS
Upcoming San Francisco Events
26
June
2025
James Blunt: Back To Bedlam 20th Anniversary Tour
27
June
2025
Randy Feltface at Cobb’s Comedy Club
27
June
2025
Electrolux Pride ’25 at The Midway
28
June
2025
Polyglamorous PINK BLOCK PARTY
28
June
2025
SoSF Festival
28
June
2025
Randy Feltface Cobb’s Comedy Club Night Two
30
June
2025
Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran – World Tour
01
July
2025
Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour
04
July
2025
San Francisco Fourth Of July Pub Crawl & Hot Dog Eating Contest
05
July
2025
Independence Day Bar Crawl San Francisco
12
July
2025
Cody Jinks The Hippies and Cowboys Tour with special guest Tanner Usrey
15
July
2025
The Driver Era: Obsession Tour
18
July
2025
Cosmo Sheldrake at Rickshaw Stop
19
July
2025
My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade
21
July
2025
Ben Kweller The Mirrors Tour
30
July
2025
mekons, Jill Sobule at Great American Music Hall
01
August
2025
Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started
02
August
2025
Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls Yes We Are Tour
09
August
2025
Creed Summer of 99 Tour
14
August
2025
RÜFÜS DU SOL Inhale/ Exhale World Tour
22
August
2025
Weird Al Yankovic Bigger & Weirder 2025
22
August
2025
Nelly with Ja Rule, Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
23
August
2025
An Evening with Mt. Joy at The Greek Theater
25
August
2025
Toto + Christopher Cross + Men At Work
04
September
2025
Goo Goo Dolls Summer Anthem Tour | Dashboard Confessional
05
September
2025
Teddy Swims I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour
06
September
2025
Booka Shade (Live Set)
16
September
2025
Stardew Valley: Symphony Of Seasons
19
September
2025
Maz Jobrani at Cobb’s Comedy Club
20
September
2025
Maz Jobrani Show at Cobb’s Comedy Club Night Two
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