Located on the north end of San Francisco and encompassing Fisherman’s Wharf, Telegraph Hill, and Embarcadero, North Beach is a large neighborhood on the bay with diverse neighborhoods and plenty to do. Some of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks are located here, including Pioneer Park, Coit Tower, Pier 39, and Washington Square. Considered one of the nation’s best neighborhoods, North Beach started out as an actual beach and was filled in during the late 1800s.
During the 1950s, North Beach was a meeting place for the Beat Generation, a literary movement that included several famous authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Learn more about this important movement at the Beat Museum, located off Broadway. North Beach is hilly, and several famous staircases are located throughout. Climb to the top of the Peter Macciarini Steps for terrific views of the Financial District, the Vallejo Stairs for beautiful bay views, or the garden-filled Filbert Street Stairs.
