North Beach
- Address: Columbus Avenue, between Bay Street and Broadway, San Francisco
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Good Place to Drink,
Good Place to Eat,
People Watching,
Neighborhood
Standing at the apex of the Filbert Street Steps, you can understand what Italian fishermen and beat poets saw in North Beach: tough climbs and giddy vistas, a place with more sky than ground, an area that was civilized by not entirely tamed.
A vibrant Italian community thrives in North Beach, which is home to dozens of Italian restaurants and coffeehouses. Columbus Avenue, the neighborhood's main street, is lined with many eclectic shops and one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques - perfect for an afternoon stroll. An alleyway off of Columbus, between Kearny Street and Broadway, is named for Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac, who once lived there. Kerouac also regularly visited the famous City Lights Bookstore, on the corner of Columbus and Broadway, a must-stop for book lovers. Broadway, east of Columbus Avenue, still serves as the city's main red-light and nightclub district, bustling as it does with many bars, nightclubs, jazz clubs.
You won’t find an actual beach in North Beach, though you will discover natural beauty atop Telegraph Hill, the neighborhood’s bucolic centerpiece. A hike up the Filbert or Greenwich street steps will put you at the top, where you can take in panoramic views of the city from Coit Tower. Or forego the climb and watch wild parrots frolic in the treetops from the friendly confines of a park bench in Washington Square.
Latest Reviews
Review by Coach01, June 2012
Doing what: Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour
Fantastic tour starting with a real coffee and then onto bread making, pastries , chocolate, fresh fish tacos and finishing with olive oil tastings and the very best pizza. Tom our guide was excellent, knows his food and loves his city. Is was a a great overall view of downtown little Italy. Highly recommend.
Review by Joanne T, August 2008
Doing what: Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour
Review by Diane C, May 2013
Doing what: Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour
Guide was full of information. Great insight into little Italy.
Practical Info
North Beach lies just below the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf. The neighborhood is easily accessible by bus and cable cars. The Powell-Mason cable car turnaround is on the northwest corner of North Beach, and travels down Columbus Avenue, turning up toward Nob Hill. You’ll find plenty of dining and shopping on Columbus Avenue as well as on Grant Avenue and Washington Street.
