Home to Little Italy, San Francisco's North Beach it is a crowded tourist destination. Whether you are looking for a new place to live or are just traveling through, you will find the people in this area are friendly and willing to point out the must sees located nearby. But with the hills of the city always present, be prepared for the above average strain that the walking will entail and know that you are staying in shape while you have fun.
Entertainment
Go dancing for the evening in one of several night clubs in the area. Work up a sweat moving to the music, and then rest awhile with a refreshment. Try out Rosewood, the Fuse and Broadway Studios for a variety of music. Broadway Studios also offers dance lessons on the floor on certain days and live music performances on occasion.
Festivals
If you show up in the area on the right weekend in June, you can experience the North Beach Festival. On hand you will find art, entertainment, food and cooking competitions. Take a walk among the exhibits that stretch several blocks and the whole of Washington Square Park. Get some fresh air and enjoy two full days of fun. Several other festivals are hosted at various times of year including Art in the Alley and the Oyster and Beer Festival.
Walk or Ride
Take a walking tour of the North Beach area and learn about the Italian neighborhood. Tours take you among historic buildings as well as a bakery and other restaurants, where you will enjoy an Italian lunch knowing that you already walked off most of the calories. Bike rentals are also available in the community if you prefer. You can take them out on your own or join a tour group. Maps are offered for those that choose to be on their own.
Parks
There are a couple of parks in North Beach that offer walking paths, views of the city and historic landmarks. Visit the murals at Coit Tower and Pioneer Park high atop the city or come down to the Washington Square Park in the middle of the community. Let the kids play in the park or have a picnic in the grass.
Food
Enjoy a wide selection of food. This is Little Italy after all, and there are some tasty places to visit. Cafes, bakeries and espresso bars are sprinkled throughout the community. Besides the obvious Italian restaurants, which serve nice soups, salads and fish dishes as well as the richer meals; there are quite a few other types of cuisine in the area. Experience Indian, Mexican, Brazilian and Chinese among others. The Citizen Thai & Monkey Noodle Bar is two restaurants joined together. The Thai section offers small plate selections that will keep you from over indulging, while the noodle bar keeps a light selection including soups and papaya salad. El Raigon offers range beef without the hormones and chemicals fed to most beef. All meat at the restaurant is grilled to bring out the best flavor and drip away excess fat.
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