Just as the hills of San Francisco twist and turn in different directions, so too do its neighborhoods. From one block to the next, you just might stumble upon a city within a city, one with its own culture, history, and distinctive appeal. Easily one of San Francisco’s most well-known neighborhoods is North Beach, the city’s own Little Italy.
While Italian flags wave here more frequently than American ones, honoring the area’s strong Italian roots from the late 1800s, North Beach has also been home to the Beat Movement and baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. While you can enjoy plenty of pasta and cannoli here, there’s much more to this iconic neighborhood than meets the pizza pie. Here are a few sights that provide insight into this San Francisco staple.
City Lights Bookstore & Jack Kerouac Alley
City Lights Bookstore by Caroline Culler (User:Wgreaves) licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
For a taste of North Beach’s literary and bohemian past, step inside City Lights Bookstore, co-founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. This independent bookstore was a hub of the Beat Generation, publishing works like Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, and remains a gathering place for readers, writers, and free thinkers.
Right outside, Jack Kerouac Alley — named after the famed On the Road author — connects North Beach to Chinatown and is lined with engraved literary quotes from writers in multiple languages. Once a neglected alleyway, it was revitalized in 2007 and now stands as a space celebrating creativity, culture, and the city’s enduring spirit of rebellion.
Washington Square Park
Saints Peter and Paul Church, Washington Square Park
A centerpiece of the neighborhood, Washington Square Park is one of San Francisco’s oldest parks and serves as North Beach’s unofficial town square. Locals gather here for picnics, tai chi, and people-watching beneath the towering twin spires of Saints Peter and Paul Church.
Built in 1924, this striking Roman Catholic church has deep ties to San Francisco history. While Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe weren’t married inside (due to Monroe’s prior divorce), the baseball great posed for wedding photos here after their civil ceremony. The grand façade and intricate stained glass make it a must-visit landmark in the neighborhood.
Filbert Steps
Filbert Steps
If you’re looking for a scenic walk, head to the Filbert Steps on the southeastern side of Coit Tower. These lush, leafy steps wind their way up Telegraph Hill, flanked by charming gardens and offering stunning views of the city. As you climb, keep an eye out for the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill, a flock of bright green birds that have made this area their home.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower
Anchoring North Beach, Coit Tower provides some of the best panoramic views in San Francisco. Rising from Telegraph Hill, this 210-foot tower was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a local philanthropist who wanted to beautify the city’s skyline.
Completed in 1933, the tower features striking Depression-era murals, painted as part of the Public Works of Art Project. A quick elevator ride to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the city and the bay, making this Art Deco landmark a must-see in North Beach.
Did we leave out your favorite sight in North Beach? Tell us about it in the comments below!
