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Washington Square: North Beach's Green Heart

Discover historic Washington Square, a vibrant park in San Francisco's North Beach, surrounded by cafes, landmarks, and Italian culture.

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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, cafes, and Italian eateries, 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
  • Visit website
  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit on a sunny day to best enjoy the park's green space, but bring a blanket as the grass can be muddy.
  • Explore the surrounding North Beach neighborhood for authentic Italian restaurants and cafes.
  • Take a moment to admire Saints Peter and Paul Church, a beautiful architectural landmark on the park's edge.
  • Walk to nearby Coit Tower for panoramic views of San Francisco.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Ferry Building, walk north on Embarcadero, then turn left onto Columbus Avenue. Continue for about 1 mile. Washington Square will be on your right, with Saints Peter and Paul Church visible on the park's north side. This is approximately a 20-minute walk.

  • Public Transport

    From Union Square, take the 30 Stockton bus towards North Beach. The ride is approximately 20 minutes. Get off at the Union Street & Columbus Avenue stop. Washington Square will be on the immediate corner. A single ride on Muni (bus, streetcar, and cable car) is $3.

  • Parking

    There is no on-site parking at Washington Square. Several parking garages are located near Washington Square. North Beach Parking (1636 Powell St) is the closest. Parking fees range from $30-$40 for 2 hours. Street parking is also available, but limited.

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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 peaceful 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 by Mexican rancher Juana Briones. Later, it briefly served as an unofficial dump and cemetery. By the 1860s, however, it had transformed into a community gathering place, hosting Fourth of July and Italian festivals. The park served as a refuge for approximately 600 people after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Today, Washington Square is a vibrant hub. Locals practice Tai Chi, families enjoy the playground, and dog owners relish the open space. The park is bordered by cafes and restaurants, including Mama's, Tony's Pizza Napoletana, and Liguria Bakery. The striking Saints Peter and Paul Church, with its neo-Gothic design, stands on the park's northern edge. A statue of Benjamin Franklin stands in the center of the park. A monument honoring San Francisco's volunteer firefighters is located near Columbus Avenue. Washington Square has been featured in several movies, including Dirty Harry and Bedazzled.

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