San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide - 2025 VPG

You won’t find a beach in this lively neighborhood, but you will find echoes of Kerouac and fantastic restaurants, courtesy of San Francisco’s Italian American community.

SEE & DO

Head up Telegraph Hill to tour Coit Tower, a 1930s landmark with prized skyline views. City Lights bookstore showcases the Beat Generation, who made North Beach their stomping ground in the 1940s and ’50s. While away some hours on Grant Avenue, rich with one-of-a-kind vintage shops. When the sun goes down, the music clubs of Broadway light up, including Keys Jazz Bistro and The Speakeasy. For one of the more unique experiences in town, catch an acrobatic ode to San Francisco at Club Fugazi.

EAT & DRINK

It’s all about Italian food in North Beach. Original Joe’s has been a red-sauce staple for more than 75 years, while Tony’s Pizza Napoletana imports many of its ingredients directly from Naples. Some argue that Sotto Mare has the best cioppino in the city. And Golden Boy, serving “San Francilian” pizza by the slice or pan, is a popular late-night spot. Still hungry? Book a walk with Local Tastes of the City Tours.

WHERE TO STAY

For a quaint getaway in the middle of it all, Hotel Bohème and Washington Square Inn are fantastic options. Or, try something different at Green Tortoise Hostel, which offers shared dorms and private rooms along with a large common area and kitchen.

Neighborhood Voice

Where can you find the heart of the city in North Beach? According to artist Jeremy Fish, the answer is Caffe Trieste, the oldest espresso bar on the West Coast. “It has a very timeless quality to it. And it just has this energy that is irreplaceable.” Find Your Heart