Washington Square, Oakland Travel Guide

4.5 (4989)

A historic and vibrant park in San Francisco's North Beach, perfect for relaxation, community events, and exploring Italian culture.

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Washington Square

Nestled in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach neighborhood, Washington Square is one of the city's oldest parks, established in 1847. Surrounded by historic landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church, cafes, and shops, it's a beloved gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Washington Square

Filbert St & Stockton Street, San Francisco, North Beach, CA, 94133, US
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Monday 5 am-12 am
Tuesday 5 am-12 am
Wednesday 5 am-12 am
Thursday 5 am-12 am
Friday 5 am-12 am
Saturday 5 am-12 am
Sunday 5 am-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Washington Square.

Visit on a sunny day to enjoy the park's atmosphere, but bring a blanket as the grass can be muddy.
Explore the surrounding North Beach neighborhood for cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Check for community events like outdoor concerts and movie nights.
Admire the architecture of Saints Peter and Paul Church on the north side of the park.

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Explore Washington Square on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Washington Square, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Fisherman's Wharf, walk south along Columbus Avenue for about 15-20 minutes. Washington Square will be on your left, bordered by Saints Peter and Paul Church. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Union Square, take bus line 30 towards North Beach. The ride is approximately 20 minutes. Get off at the Union St & Columbus Ave stop, which is a 1-minute walk to the park. A single ride fare is $3.00, or $2.50 with a Clipper card.
Cable Car

From Powell St & Market St, take the Powell-Mason cable car to the Mason St & Filbert St stop. From there, walk one block to Washington Square. The cable car fare is $8 per ride.

Discover more about Washington Square

Washington Square, located in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach (Little Italy) , is a historic park that provides a serene escape from the urban bustle. Established in 1847, it is one of San Francisco's first parks.Originally, the area was used for potato farming and cattle-raising in the 19th century. By the 1860s, it transformed into a place for celebrations, including Fourth of July and Italian festivals. The construction of Columbus Avenue in 1873-1875 cut through the square, promoting interaction between North Beach and the Financial District.Washington Square has served as a refuge during fires and after the 1906 earthquake. Today, it is a vibrant community hub where people practice Tai Chi, relax on the lawn, and attend outdoor concerts and movie nights. The park is bordered by sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church.The park has a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the center. A statue near Columbus Avenue honors San Francisco’s volunteer firefighters.