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
23
October
2024
PJ Morton at Fox Theater
24
October
2024
Pumpkin Decorating & Halloween Cocktails
24
October
2024
Haunted Howl-o-ween Party for Dogs
24
October
2024
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Fox Theater
24
October
2024
Black Angels
25
October
2024
San Francisco Halloween Weekend
25
October
2024
Mushroom Masquerade at the Ferry Building
25
October
2024
Japantown Children’s Halloween Carnival
25
October
2024
Halloween Costume Bike Ride
25
October
2024
Crawloween San Francisco Halloween Bar Crawl
25
October
2024
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Fox Theater
25
October
2024
Nightmare House on Franklin Street
25
October
2024
Halloween Ball at the Redwood Room
25
October
2024
Green Gorilla Lounge Masquerade Halloween Party
25
October
2024
DEATHPACT / STACKED Halloween at Hibernia SF
25
October
2024
Casa Tulum Halloween
25
October
2024
House of Dragons Halloween
25
October
2024
Princess Halloween: Boo! Ball
25
October
2024
Halloween Fright Night Costume Cruise
26
October
2024
Halloween Family Fest at Alameda South Shore Center
26
October
2024
San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl
26
October
2024
21st Annual Pirate Ship Party
26
October
2024
Toasted Life x Halloween Costume Day Party
26
October
2024
Nightmare House on Franklin Street
26
October
2024
Trick or Treat! Fun-Size Spooky Scenes 10/26
26
October
2024
Dia De Los Muertos at Novela
26
October
2024
Nightmare on Montgomery Street
26
October
2024
Intimate Night Halloween Carnival
26
October
2024
Halloween Party at Toy Soldier SF
26
October
2024
Wicked 33 and 1/3 Halloween Jam
San Francisco Events
You Drink, We Drive
The Best Pub Crawls in San Francisco
Holiday Insights