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
06
June
2025
Neil deGrasse Tyson at The Paramount Theatre
06
June
2025
The Wedding Present Bizarro 35th Anniversary Tour
08
June
2025
Urzila Carlson: Just Jokes Tour
10
June
2025
Peach Pit & Britton Maroney
11
June
2025
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE – MIGHT NOT MAKE IT HOME TOUR
12
June
2025
The Cat Empire: Bird in Paradise Album Tour
13
June
2025
Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder The Brotherhood of Rock Tour
15
June
2025
OMD With Walt Disco at The Fox Theater
15
June
2025
Ninja Sex Party and TWRP: Pure Elegance Tour
16
June
2025
Panchiko Featuring: Tanukichan at The Fox Theater
17
June
2025
Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton
20
June
2025
Metallica M72 World Tour – Presented by: 107.7 The Bone
22
June
2025
Metallica M72 World Tour Presented By: 107.7 The Bone Night Two
25
June
2025
Pierce The Veil – I Can’t Hear You World Tour
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
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