The Italian influence on North Beach peaked between the two World Wars when over 60,000 of its residents claimed Italian ancestry and five Italian language newspapers circulated the neighborhood. By the 1920s, North Beach was predominantly Italian and known as "Little Italy." North Beach has retained much of its Italian flavor, especially in terms of the restaurants, cafes, and bakeries which attract residents and tourists far and wide. Italian restaurants, delis, and bakeries are still abundant, and the smells of Italian cooking wafts through the area.
The center of North Beach is Washington Square Park a grassy respit from te bustling neighborhood. - SF Chronicle columnist Herb Caen remarked about Washington Square - "...its heart is Washington Square, which isn't on Washington Street, isn't a square, doesn't contain a statue of Washington but of Benjamin Franklin."
Nearby Points of Interest
Union Square: Just 1.3 miles northeast. It offers hours of shopping, dining, and people watching.
Chinatown: is a few blocks from Union Square, and the Westfield Shopping Centre is even closer on Market Street.
Haight Ashbury: Is 2.4 miles away, offering clothing stores, unique boutiques, and used music retailer Amoeba Music.
Alamo Square: Home to the Victorian Painted Ladies shown in the opening credits of Full House, is within walking distance at about a mile away. Food and dining options are also available in the area, and the green space of Alamo Park make for a relaxing break from the rest of the city.
The Castro District: Considered the heart of gay culture in San Francisco, the Castro district is 2.3 miles away. Catch the F line from Market Street to visit this dynamic neighborhood and spend hours shopping, dining, or barhopping.
Golden Gate Park: 4.5 miles west. Where else can you see carnivorous plants, a herd of bison, centuries-old artwork, and year-round concerts? Golden Gate Park has something to offer everyone. Rent a paddleboat on Stow Lake, bike on a surrey around the park, or take a Segway tour and learn the park’s history. Whatever activity you choose, you are sure to have a blast!
Little Italy and North Beach is featured on:
- Private CharterHoliday Lights & Sites Private Jeep City Tour in San Francisco
Available Dec 15th until Dec 24th Nightly
5:00pm or 7:00pm
How long?Approx. 1.5 hoursWhen?Dec 15th until Dec 24th NightlyDo we fit?Seats up to 6 (Ages 3+)How much?From $410.00Celebrate the season in an open-top Jeep! Our 1.5-hour private group Holiday Lights outings include yummy hot chocolate, candy canes, fuzzy Santa hats and plenty of sing-along holiday tunes on board..
- Public TourHoliday Lights & Sites Lucky Tuk Tuk Tour in San Francisco
Available December 15th to 24th Nightly
5:00 PM and 7:00 PM
How long?Approx. 1.5 hoursWhen?December 15th to 24th NightlyDo we fit?Seats 6 (Ages 5+)How much?From $410.00Celebrate the season in a Tuk Tuk! Our 1.5 hour San Francisco Holiday Lights outings include yummy hot chocolate, candy canes, fuzzy Santa hats and plenty of sing-along holiday karaoke tunes on board.
- Private CharterPrivate Charter San Francisco Tuk Tuk City Tour
Available Daily
9 AM or 1 PM
How long?Approx. 2 hoursWhen?DailyDo we fit?Seats 6 (Child ages 5+)How much?From $380.00Explore beautiful San Francisco in your own private, electric Tuk Tuk! Perfect for families and groups. A personal guide for your party commandeers this modern-day rickshaw at a pace that’s right for you!
- Private CharterLucky Tuk Tuk at Night Private Charter - San Francisco Lights Tour
Available Late Afternoons and Evenings
5 PM or 6 PM
How long?Approx. 2 hoursWhen?Late Afternoons and EveningsDo we fit?Seats 6 (Ages 5+)How much?From $380.00Explore San Francisco at night in a cozy, electric Tuk Tuk! Get up close to the glittering lights and go where buses don’t dare in this modern-day rickshaw. Live commentary included!