North Beach San Francisco

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Location: Area around Columbus Square, San Francisco

North Beach is one of San Francisco’s many wonderful historic neighborhoods. The area made a name for itself as the center of the Beatnik movement in the 1960s, associated with such famous names as Jack Kerouac. “Little Italy” is also a part of this colorful neighborhood, situated in an urban valley between Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill. There are a number of excellent sites to see in and around North Beach.

The most prominent landmark in the neighborhood is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in the Romanesque style of architecture and dubbed “The Italian Cathedral.” Another church that’s worth a visit is St. Francis of Assisi, is the oldest parish church in the city, established during the Gold Rush era.

Grant Avenue is where the Beatniks hung out and the street is still decidedly Bohemian in nature, full of artsy boutiques and small cafes that are fun to visit. And while the neighborhood is now an eclectic mix of nationalities, you can still find lots of Italian influences, especially in the wonderful eateries that are prominent in this area.