North Beach San Francisco is one of the cities most interesting neighborhoods. Don't miss this "funky" area on your San Francisco Weekend Getaway. Another great area is The Marina.
On my last trip to San Francisco, I got to check out North Beach since my nephew, Dan, is now living in this area. We had the BEST Thai meal at a restaurant here which I just found out closed (too bad!)
There are loads of interesting cafes and restaurants. San Francisco North beach is located between Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf.
There actually was a beach (on Columbus toward the Transamerica Building) until the 1860s when landfill changed things.
Many fishing immigrants from Italy (especially Genoa and Sicily) came in large numbers 1870 and later. By 1930s there were about 60,000 Italian Americans living here. Their numbers dwindled until the 1950s when North Beach San Francisco became a haven for writers and artists during the "beat" era. There are still many Italian businesses in this area.
North Beach in San Francisco sites
Nearby Telegraph Hill (around 1850) alerted residents of ships.
"Coit Tower", on the top of the hill, was erected in 1933. There are murals in the tower to check out and a fee to climb the tower. The 360 degree view of the city is breathtaking.
Sts. Peter and Paul Church is called the "Church of the fisherman" (still has a yearly "blessing of the fishing fleet". Italian craftsman carved the beautiful altar and ornate columns and made the stained glass windows.
Washington Square adjacent to church - large grassy area where Tai chi is practiced in the mornings and artists sell their creations on the weekends.
Bronze Firemen Statue - Made in honor of firemen who in 1933 saved a young girl from a tragic fire.
North Beach Museum 1435 Stockton - contains photos of old North Beach and it's settlers.
Bill Weber mural Broadway & Columbus - tells the history of North Beach and Chinatown.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi 610 Vallejo St. - original church built in 1856, first California church founded since the time of the Spanish Missions.
City Lights Bookstore 261 Columbus. First paperback bookstore opened in 1953 and popular during "beat" era.
North Beach Restaurants San Francisco
Mama's is famous for it's great breakfast.
North Beach Pizza 1499 Grant - known for it's great pizza.
Caffe Sport 574 Green - Sicilian cuisine in "old world" setting.
Trattoria Contadina - great authentic Italian food.
Cafes recommended by my nephew: Cafe Roma (North Beach), Cafe Sapore
San Remo Hotel
- 2237 Mason St. Family-owned small 62 room Victorian style hotel in North Beach. Simple, inexpensive rooms with shared bathrooms.
Washington Square Inn Bed and Breakfast -1660 Stockton Street Fifteen room European-style Inn, serves wine and cheese snack in the late afternoon, simple Breakfast, smaller rooms are less expensive.
Two other interesting San Francisco Neighborhoods to check out are Chinatown SF and San Francisco Marina. Enjoy your visits to these charming San Francisco neighborhoods.
There actually was a beach (on Columbus toward the Transamerica Building) until the 1860s when landfill changed things. 
