There are a number of places in North Beach, San Francisco, that are worth a visit. The buzzing Italian-American neighborhood is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s filled with cafes, coffee shops, and retro-flavored bars. North Beach is also home to the iconic Beat Generation-inspired City Lights bookstore and the Vesuvio Cafe bar. The nearby Telegraph Hill offers scenic views and a hike to the iconic Coit Tower and its WPA-era murals.
Washington Square Park
When you visit San Francisco, be sure to visit the famous Washington Square Park. This historic square was first established in 1847 and is one of the oldest parks in the city. Today, the park is surrounded by sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and Sts. Peter and Paul Church.
This park is a great place for people watching and picnicking. It has a typical San Francisco vibe, and is rarely crowded. There is also a playground in the park, perfect for children. It’s also a popular place to catch a movie. The playground is a great spot for children and is recently renovated.
If you want to go beyond the park, you can visit the nearby Little Italy neighborhood. You can also visit the Saints Peter and Paul Church on 666 Filbert Street, which is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. The church is also the location where movie stars like Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were married.
The City Lights Bookstore is another great option in North Beach. You can check out some rare books at this bookstore, which is considered to be one of the best in the country. You can also enjoy a good meal at Mama’s Café, which has been serving breakfast in North Beach for over 50 years.
You can also check out the Washington Square San Francisco Hotel, located in the heart of Little Italy. The hotel overlooks the park and is surrounded by an urban oasis of shops and cafes. It offers fifteen luxurious rooms. Moreover, the Washington Square Inn San Francisco hotel has a video of a Washington Square Walking Tour that you can watch on its Facebook page.
North Beach San Francisco is a fun and lively neighborhood that has a lot to offer. This neighborhood contains Coit Tower and Washington Square Park. There are also dozens of Italian restaurants. Known as Little Italy, the Italian population in North Beach has always been a significant part of San Francisco’s population. The neighborhood also has a vibrant nightlife scene. You can catch international comedians at the local comedy clubs. You can also visit Jack Kerouac’s hangouts along Columbus Avenue.
Comstock Saloon
If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy live jazz and cocktails, Comstock Saloon should be on your list. This historic bar was founded in 1907 and features live music every night. There’s no cover charge and you can grab a seat at the bar or high-top tables. This historic bar also offers a wide variety of classic drinks and an extensive cocktail menu. It also serves free lunch on Fridays, and has live jazz several times a week.
In June, the Absinthe Group announced plans to reopen the Comstock Saloon in late October. The company didn’t provide any additional information, but it posted a message on Instagram stating, “Mark your calendars, get your drinking boots on, and get ready to party.” The announcement came just before the Oct. 19 date set by city officials.
Located at 155 Columbus Street, Comstock Saloon is a historic bar that has been serving drinks since 1907. It was once known as Andromeda, a popular hangout for boxers. The bar here is made of ornate mahogany, with oversize booths and live music. This is a great place to end a night out on North Beach.
Another great place to enjoy live music in North Beach is Maggie McGarry’s on Columbus Avenue. There are murals on the first floor of the bar and a great view of the city. It’s also home to one of San Francisco’s best comedy clubs, with many big names performing. It also hosts karaoke nights and free shows.
North Beach is one of San Francisco’s quintessential drinking neighborhoods, although it has competition from other iconic neighborhoods such as Key West and New Orleans. North Beach bars and cafes are more booze-centric than other parts of the city. You’ll find a variety of dining and drinking establishments here, and many of them are within walking distance.
Washington Square
If you love the feeling of a town square, then Washington Square is the place to be. There are lots of people milling around here and there are benches lining the paths. You can also find plenty of grassy areas for kids to play. The park is also the site of many special events.
This cosmopolitan neighborhood also has many unique shops and restaurants. The area also has a unique art scene. You can explore the neighborhood on foot or hire a tour guide to take you around. The volunteer-led San Francisco City Guides will help you find the best places to visit in the neighborhood. The website also has self-guided walking tours for those who are unsure of their surroundings. You can also browse boutiques and record stores and try local artisan food markets.
While you’re exploring the neighborhood, make sure to visit Washington Square, the first city park in San Francisco. The square is filled with a variety of green spaces, and it is a good place to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park is also conveniently close to many cafes, markets, and restaurants. This park is also a great place for a picnic. The surrounding area also includes Saint Peter & Paul’s Church, a historic church with WPA-era murals.
Saints Peter and Paul Church is a popular landmark. It sits right across Washington Square Park on the north side. Although the church is not a cathedral, it is a beautiful twin-spired structure. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their wedding photos taken here. The church is also a great picnic spot.
You can also visit the National Shrine of St Francis of Assisi on Vallejo St, which was originally built in 1860. During the 1906 earthquake, it was damaged, but was rebuilt in 1919. It contains a mural by Luigi Brusatori. Another place to visit in North Beach is Washington Square, which is located at Columbus Avenue. It has a small playground and green space.
Bodega
If you’re looking for a place to eat in North Beach that has it all, a bodega is worth checking out. This cozy cafe offers locally sourced fare, local wine, and plenty of good coffee. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Bodega Bay is an area rich in history, with many Miwok and Pomo Indians living there. Later, Russian fur traders and lumber barrons flocked to the area to harvest otter pelts and hardwoods. These days, the town has become a sleepy fishing village with about 100 full-time residents.
The town of Bodega is on a 55-mile stretch of the Pacific Coastline. It is home to a thriving fishing fleet and quaint oceanfront shops. There are also plenty of hiking trails and beautiful vistas. Bodega is also a great place for a picnic. The town also has two kite shops. If you’re into bird-watching, make sure you visit Bodega Head trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
If you love oysters, you can visit Fisherman’s Cove restaurant in Bodega Bay. The restaurant offers harbor views and serves grilled oysters. The restaurant sources oysters directly from local oyster farmers. The menu also includes specialty fish tacos and vegetarian dishes.
Bodega Bay is also home to the Children’s Bell Tower. This monument honors a seven-year-old boy who tragically died during a family trip to Italy in 1994. His parents donated his organs to Italian people and also started a public awareness campaign to promote organ donation.
Bodega is also known for its golf courses. The links at Bodega Harbour opened in 1978, and was later expanded with the front nine holes. Both courses feature dramatic Pacific Ocean views. The courses at Bodega Bay are rated four stars by Golf Digest.
Bodega is also home to a campground that is perfect for RVs and tents. While the campground doesn’t offer electric hookups, there are picnic tables and fire rings, coin-operated showers, and potable water spigots. The campground also has a loose network of hiking and horseback riding trails. For those looking for a more secluded setting, you can head to Doran Beach.
