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I feel like having a (fur) child opens up your sense of wonder. Everything old is new again through their eyes, perspectives, and hmm...sniffs. Washington Square Park is new and exciting every time we come by. So many people, so much to see, and sometimes the grassy area is muddy. Still we love it. It's central to North Beach with a fantastic view of the Coit Tower. Close to Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and Russian Hill. Although we don't really have a town square, I feel like this park sort of serves as one. I feel like both locals and tourists can relax here. Iconic with the Sts. Peter & Paul Church right by the side. Located on Filbert/Stockton/Union/Columbus
A neighborhood gem amidst eateries, shops, and residential. Good size open greenery, small playground, and bathrooms. A perfect place to hang out on a nice day.
Washington Square in North Beach, San Francisco is one of the city's most charming historic hubs, centered around the classic open space surrounded by Italian cafes, bakeries, and iconic landmarks. The energy here is unbeatable -- whether you're grabbing espresso or pizza, strolling past Sts. Peter & Paul Church, or soaking up the neighborhood spirit with locals and visitors alike. It's a perfect meet‑up spot or afternoon hangout with great food, people‑watching, and old‑world San Francisco character just steps from Columbus Avenue.
I've been to Washington Square Park a few times over the last couple of months and if you're thinking of visiting, here are a few things to know: -This park can get incredibly busy during certain hours. -The nearby church makes for lovely pictures and nothing more. -The central grassy area was incredibly dense and muddy every time I visited, even when it had not been raining and was not good for anything other than looking at. -There are lots of benches. -There is a little playground for toddlers and small children. -There are also lots of birds and there was at least one person feeding the birds each time I was there. -It has it's own bus stop so it is easy to get to via transit. In my opinion it is just a run of the mill park, but nevertheless a nice oasis in the city if you want a quick break.
Has a nice dog area with lots of unleashed good boys and good girls. If you're there early enough in the morning you will catch the tai chi crowd getting in their stretching and exercise. Lots of big seated area to hang out and people watch. I could see myself getting lunch and eating it here.
Beautiful view, nice place for a picnic and dog friendly. It's nice to come here and sit to people watch or just take a break from walking the streets of little Italy in SF. It's a bit small and it's a tiny bit crowded not too bad though. It could be a little bigger. But worth seeing and stopping by the church which is even more beautiful.
Right in the middle of North Beach, Washington Square Park is a bustling and busy spot. It's across the street from Saint Peter's and Paul church and near many cafes and restaurants. This is the place to come with a pizza or a coffee and just hang out and people watch. The weekends get particularly busy. The park isn't that big if compared to ones like Lafayette, Alta Plaza, or Alamo Square. I prefer those if I want to go sit somewhere more quiet and read, but this one is more about being social and the scene around. Lots of time they have activities here as well. It's right off the 8, 39, and 45 bus lines.
What a great park in the North Beach area of San Francisco, with the historical Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Church right next to it!! That famous church is literally across the street from this park, and provides an awesome backdrop to the park and really, the whole area!! This park is definitely the place to be for lots of people. Most times I have come here, it's almost always crowded with people just hanging out!! It's also centrally located, not far from all kinds of places to eat, Coit Tower is just up the hill, and you can go to Lombard Street in the other direction. You will definitely get a great feel for the city, and the North Beach area when you come here, it kind of embodies the spirit of the city to me!!!
You could say, this park embodies the spirit of San Francisco. The City is about neighborhoods. It always has been and I hope it always will be. It borders three popular ones in North Beach, Russian Hill, and Fisherman's Wharf, sitting on Columbus Street, bordered by Stockton Street, Union Street, and Filbert Street. The people who visit this park are just as diverse as the neighborhood with a mix of Chinese folk-dance groups (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=c4anKgfCB7PZ_IDoR-33xw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), Tai Chi exercise groups, local residents, dog owners both young and old, and tourists just soaking in the surroundings. Growing up in Chinatown, I spent most of my after-school play times at a playground, recreation center, and my grammar school courtyard. These days, physical activity involves mainly helping walk my friend's dogs or running errands in the various neighborhoods surrounding this park. My last time actually sitting on a bench (other than catching my breath during my fur baby's walk) was a post-dinner talk with a Yelp friend, crossing the street from Park Tavern. It's no Central Park but this is a bit of an iconic park in terms of being a neighborhood one. From tourists here to try Mama's for breakfast, parishioners catching mass at St. Peter & Paul's, diners before or after feasting at Tony's Pizza or Original Joe's to locals walking their dogs and tai chi or folk-dance groups getting together, the diversity of the visitors are obvious. Yes, there are occasional homeless people on the benches as well as young couples having a picnic on the grass. One word of caution is that, a few years ago, a lady was seriously injured when a tree branch fell on her. So please do be careful and wary of your surroundings when you are here. Another issue in the late evenings is that there was talk about herds of rats gathering and romping around here in search of food. This park is a symbolic destination in North Beach with landmarks surrounding it from all sides. Come and take a deep breath as you take in the sights. And don't stand too close to the trees and be wary of your surroundings.
The Washington square park, established in 1847, is one of the city's first parks, and it is bordered by sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and Saint Peter and Paul's Church. The small park is a natural community gathering place and a great spot to people-watch and experience the local.
The weather is nice..do you somebody here again..no..western civilization..it's not..it's so fascinating and the energy is so incredible..I went on a tour with a company that had a different perspective on the study at this park..called it Greenwich like in England..Washington like DC..and the Benjamin Franklin statue..so do your job and call it a day..cook dinner and hang out with your homeys..
Came here on a Sunday for the prints for the parks that the park association is doing. I'm all for the cause because I believe we should have more parks as a city and because it helps develop endangered inhabitants such as birds squirrels etc This was the same park/church as well Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio also got married so very beautiful and iconic park below coit tower
Great park to come for a stroll or have a picnic on the lawn. In the mornings, you will see the park filled with grannies doing their morning exercise. After work, it is filled with people picnicking or sitting on the benches with a book or pizza in hand. Dogs are usually playing in the lawn and on a nice day people are usually playing ball. There's also a public bathroom here right next to the children's playground. The park is maintained well and clean, always a great time here.
Washington Square Park is local city spots that feels alive on a beautiful day. It's nestled between Chinatown/North-point Little Italy. Grab a coffee, pastry, or a slice of pizza from one of the nearby spots, find a bench, and just enjoy the community by people watching. From locals walking their dogs to friends catching up in the sun, and even folks practicing juggling...it's the perfect place for people watching and soaking in the neighborhood feel! There's a toilet that nicely "blended" in like an informal information booth. read more
Washington Square Park is a great place to have a picnic or just a walk in the park. I bought some food nearby and had a small picnic here. There was Chinese classical music playing, and the breeze was nice. It was busy but there was still plenty of places to sit at. There is also a small playground and a bathroom. read more
SF has no shortage of parks! Washington Square Park offer a tranquil, yet busy family-friendly park in the heart of North Beach. Surrounded by delicious eateries like Mama's, Tony's Pizza, Liguria Bakery, Victoria's Pastries, it's a win-win for those looking to relax, people watch and picnic with some yummy grub. There's also the beautiful St. Peter and Paul church providing a nice backdrop. There's a nearby playground for kiddos to play and public restrooms. read more
I feel like having a (fur) child opens up your sense of wonder. Everything old is new again through their eyes, perspectives, and hmm...sniffs. Washington Square Park is new and exciting every time we come by. So many people, so much to see, and sometimes the grassy area is muddy. Still we love it. It's central to North Beach with a fantastic view of the Coit Tower. Close to Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and Russian Hill. Although we don't really have a town square, I feel like this park sort of serves as one. I feel like both locals and tourists can relax here. Iconic with the Sts. Peter & Paul Church right by the side. Located on Filbert/Stockton/Union/Columbus read more
Washington Square in North Beach, San Francisco is one of the city's most charming historic hubs, centered around the classic open space surrounded by Italian cafes, bakeries, and iconic landmarks. The energy here is unbeatable -- whether you're grabbing espresso or pizza, strolling past Sts. Peter & Paul Church, or soaking up the neighborhood spirit with locals and visitors alike. It's a perfect meet‑up spot or afternoon hangout with great food, people‑watching, and old‑world San Francisco character just steps from Columbus Avenue. read more
I've been to Washington Square Park a few times over the last couple of months and if you're thinking of visiting, here are a few things to know: -This park can get incredibly busy during certain hours. -The nearby church makes for lovely pictures and nothing more. -The central grassy area was incredibly dense and muddy every time I visited, even when it had not been raining and was not good for anything other than looking at. -There are lots of benches. -There is a little playground for toddlers and small children. -There are also lots of birds and there was at least one person feeding the birds each time I was there. -It has it's own bus stop so it is easy to get to via transit. In my opinion it is just a run of the mill park, but nevertheless a nice oasis in the city if you want a quick break. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
Has a nice dog area with lots of unleashed good boys and good girls. If you're there early enough in the morning you will catch the tai chi crowd getting in their stretching and exercise. Lots of big seated area to hang out and people watch. I could see myself getting lunch and eating it here. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful view, nice place for a picnic and dog friendly. It's nice to come here and sit to people watch or just take a break from walking the streets of little Italy in SF. It's a bit small and it's a tiny bit crowded not too bad though. It could be a little bigger. But worth seeing and stopping by the church which is even more beautiful. read more
Right in the middle of North Beach, Washington Square Park is a bustling and busy spot. It's across the street from Saint Peter's and Paul church and near many cafes and restaurants. This is the place to come with a pizza or a coffee and just hang out and people watch. The weekends get particularly busy. The park isn't that big if compared to ones like Lafayette, Alta Plaza, or Alamo Square. I prefer those if I want to go sit somewhere more quiet and read, but this one is more about being social and the scene around. Lots of time they have activities here as well. It's right off the 8, 39, and 45 bus lines. read more
1 year ago
What a great park in the North Beach area of San Francisco, with the historical Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Church right next to it!! That famous church is literally across the street from this park, and provides an awesome backdrop to the park and really, the whole area!! This park is definitely the place to be for lots of people. Most times I have come here, it's almost always crowded with people just hanging out!! It's also centrally located, not far from all kinds of places to eat, Coit Tower is just up the hill, and you can go to Lombard Street in the other direction. You will definitely get a great feel for the city, and the North Beach area when you come here, it kind of embodies the spirit of the city to me!!! read more
You could say, this park embodies the spirit of San Francisco. The City is about neighborhoods. It always has been and I hope it always will be. It borders three popular ones in North Beach, Russian Hill, and Fisherman's Wharf, sitting on Columbus Street, bordered by Stockton Street, Union Street, and Filbert Street. The people who visit this park are just as diverse as the neighborhood with a mix of Chinese folk-dance groups (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=c4anKgfCB7PZ_IDoR-33xw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), Tai Chi exercise groups, local residents, dog owners both young and old, and tourists just soaking in the surroundings. Growing up in Chinatown, I spent most of my after-school play times at a playground, recreation center, and my grammar school courtyard. These days, physical activity involves mainly helping walk my friend's dogs or running errands in the various neighborhoods surrounding this park. My last time actually sitting on a bench (other than catching my breath during my fur baby's walk) was a post-dinner talk with a Yelp friend, crossing the street from Park Tavern. It's no Central Park but this is a bit of an iconic park in terms of being a neighborhood one. From tourists here to try Mama's for breakfast, parishioners catching mass at St. Peter & Paul's, diners before or after feasting at Tony's Pizza or Original Joe's to locals walking their dogs and tai chi or folk-dance groups getting together, the diversity of the visitors are obvious. Yes, there are occasional homeless people on the benches as well as young couples having a picnic on the grass. One word of caution is that, a few years ago, a lady was seriously injured when a tree branch fell on her. So please do be careful and wary of your surroundings when you are here. Another issue in the late evenings is that there was talk about herds of rats gathering and romping around here in search of food. This park is a symbolic destination in North Beach with landmarks surrounding it from all sides. Come and take a deep breath as you take in the sights. And don't stand too close to the trees and be wary of your surroundings. read more
The Washington square park, established in 1847, is one of the city's first parks, and it is bordered by sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and Saint Peter and Paul's Church. The small park is a natural community gathering place and a great spot to people-watch and experience the local. read more
4 years ago
The weather is nice..do you somebody here again..no..western civilization..it's not..it's so fascinating and the energy is so incredible..I went on a tour with a company that had a different perspective on the study at this park..called it Greenwich like in England..Washington like DC..and the Benjamin Franklin statue..so do your job and call it a day..cook dinner and hang out with your homeys.. read more
7 months ago
Came here on a Sunday for the prints for the parks that the park association is doing. I'm all for the cause because I believe we should have more parks as a city and because it helps develop endangered inhabitants such as birds squirrels etc This was the same park/church as well Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio also got married so very beautiful and iconic park below coit tower read more
Great park to come for a stroll or have a picnic on the lawn. In the mornings, you will see the park filled with grannies doing their morning exercise. After work, it is filled with people picnicking or sitting on the benches with a book or pizza in hand. Dogs are usually playing in the lawn and on a nice day people are usually playing ball. There's also a public bathroom here right next to the children's playground. The park is maintained well and clean, always a great time here. read more
Start your tour of North Beach here! Washington Square Park is located in the North Beach district of San Francisco. It's location makes it an ideal spot to start and end one's walking tour of North Beach. The park is surrounded by wonderful restaurants, cafes and beautiful historic landmarks. In early 1800s the park and the area surrounding it was used by Juana Briones, a Mexican rancher, who raised his cattle and grew potatoes there. Then in 1847 surveyor Jasper O'Farrell who laid out San Francisco's street grid designated it a city square, and in 1850 John W. Geary, the first mayor of San Francisco, declared it a public square. It then became a dump next to a cemetery and a goat pasture. Fast forward to 1950s, thanks mostly to the efforts of Father Costanzo, of Saints Peter and Paul, and the Committee to Beautify Washington Square that believed in preserving it as an open space as the center of the neighborhood, the square was redesigned to a the configuration very similar to what we have today. Believe it or not, in 1958, the city considered building a parking garage under the square, a configuration very similar to what we have in San Francisco's Union Square today. The plan was defeated then, but kept resurfacing until the park was granted landmark status in 2000. Now that it is landmarked, any significant changes to the major features requires a public hearing and a special permit from the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board. For more on the history of the Washington Square Park go to: https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Washington_Square read more
5 years ago
What a great park to enjoy lunch on a sunny winter's day! We ordered pizza from Golden Boy down the street, then enjoyed it sitting on one of many benches at Washington Square Park. The setting is charming and peaceful and not crowded at all. It's really just a small and simple park with a large grassy area, cement trail at the border, a tiny play area and restroom at one corner, and several beautiful trees ideal for shade or climbing. We walked around the park after eating lunch, explored the area and views and enjoyed good conversation, fresh air and the sunshine. Couldn't have asked for more :) read more
70 degree weather in SF calls for a day at the park. This one is so lively and has such a great atmosphere. There's the majestic church across the street and lots of restaurants with outdoor dining in the area that makes you feel like you're in Italy. There are people relaxing on the grass, playing frisbee, dog walking. On a sunny day it's a great place to just sit, relax and people watch. There are so many great places to eat in the surrounding area and so much to explore. Suggest going around first and then bringing food to the park for a nice picnic. My husband and I bought Tony's pizza from down the street and enjoyed our meal. Parking in this area can be hard to find. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Love this park! Staple of my childhood. I used to live in CT/ Nob Hill. Came here to walk and have snack with my mom before grocery shopping. They didn't have that little playground back then but it's so nice they added it. The restroom didn't use to be that nice either. Only 2 dirty A$$ stall but now it's spacious. Today was rainy and chilly and humid. But it was nice because I got to walk around without ppl in my way. And no dogs running and barking. Really close by Pier 39 & Fishermen's Wharf. Right down the street from Little Italy. Close walk to all of Chinatown bakeries and restaurants. I can't wait til spring tho! That's when the parrots come back!! read more
Is the world going through a global pandemic? Has outdoor dining been closed, again?! Do you want to eat your food comfortably and while it's hot? Come to the park! Get takeout from your fave North Beach spot nearby and come find a bench or some grass area to sit on (bring a blanket for the latter option). A few months ago, this place had the social distance circles on the grass. When I went on 12/23/20, there were no more circles on the grass. And for lunchtime on a Wednesday, actually most benches were taken up! We ended up bring our Tony's pizza and finding one of just 2 benches left that were unoccupied. The benches are large so technically two parties can be on either end and probably be socially distanced, but these days we're trying to find as much space as possible! I would definitely say bring a blanket if you can to just sit on the grass, where there's more space. Overall, it's a nice park to chill at, with a decent size grassy area and nice view of a church! There may be a weirdo or homeless person around but I think that it's just a given, given the area and the state of the city, and they are pretty harmless. I used to live in North Beach years ago - and the other fun thing about this park is that old Chinese people do Tai Chi in the morning - I used to witness it all the time on my way to work! And it is greattt people watching lol! Enjoy!! read more
3 years ago
It's a nice park. We were pre-warned by our bellman not to leave our car unattended. Which made this event a little stressful . It took the whole trip to realize that we were at major Mark. Driving around in a BMW The three of us all have a Louis Vuitton bags and I don't dress expensive, but they sure do. Once that was pointed out, then I started getting a little worried. Car full of alcohol that we purchased at the wineries plus shopping and I happen to bring a lot of Valuables. The idea of getting broken into start really stressing me out. We just wanna eat some pizza. While we waited in a line, I stood by the car then I noticed that there was a security man and cops were driving by regularly. Minutes before the opening of Tony's Pizza I just threw caution to the wind and put it all in Gods hands. Please keep our car safe. Don't say God dont answer prayers! Came back and her car was safe and sound. #ThankGod. read more
4 years ago
It is nice this time of year when it does not smell of the "SF Funk..." I enjoyed my Tony's pizza and coffee from Victoria's pastry in the fresh air! read more
5 years ago
I've always love walking through this park. It's one of San Francisco's oldest parks. It is also surrounded by some of the best restaurants and cafes in North Beach. And you get some great views of Coit Tower and Saints Peter and Paul Church while walking through it. Washington Square Park can get a little crowded at times with both locals and tourists. I don't think I've ever seen it empty. But it is a nice place to stop and relax after a full day of walking around the city. My favorite thing about this park is when the musicians come out and play. read more
4 years ago
Great place. Very well located and super spacious and green. They also have a playground tunnel zone for kiddos with slides etc. Fun place to hang out. read more
lived next to washington square park over 20 years ago...was mainly a simple grass field in rough shape...coming back with a child and finding a modern play structure and fun mounds....grass fields looking green...park is lively with picnics and people relaxing...located between north beach and chinatown...plenty of pizza shops and restaurants near by to pick up food...coffee shops all around....gelato and more treats...nice little area to come and relax in sf and let the little one play... read more
5 years ago
Me and my family stumbled across this park while walking around Little Italy and looking for a place to relax and enjoy a little break with our cannolis and ice cream. All of benches were taken up on this particular Saturday and most of the lawn was covered in people who had the same idea. Despite that, we found a place to take a seat on the grass and feel the sun. Pro tip: if you plan ahead, bring a blanket to sit on. Even though the wind was a bit sharp for this Phoenix girl, the whole atmosphere was calm and pleasant even with all the people around. Also - what a great place to people watch. So many families and people of all ages, and my favorite - all the pups!! Plus, the church was beautiful and I loved hearing the church bells. But can we take a second to talk about the real attraction? There is this amazing "spaceship" bathroom that is so wonderful, especially when being there with kids who always need to go when there isn't one in sight. I've been to big cities and never seen one like it. Honestly, we should have these things everywhere. It was clean, smelled faintly of bleach in the best way possible, and so convenient. I don't even know how it works. When someone exits, it locks for a quick period for "cleaning," and my boys were so fascinated, they were trying to figure out how it all worked. In short, a great place to take a break while out and about. read more
Brought our ice creams here after a nice little stroll. It's a nice place to chill in the city, minus the one guy playing his video game off of a large speaker. People here are tanning, chilling, eating lunch, laying down, a very diverse park. It's not too full either, lots of puppies. There's also a clean public bathroom that's available. read more
This park is in the heart of Little Italy. Great place to relax and enjoy a lunch with a few friends. Gorgeous view of the church. It was recently renovated. They redid concrete tiles, easier drainage system, etc. because of COVID-1, they have drawn circles on the grass to remind people of social distancing. Clever, and it's been working (so far). It's a peaceful park, with plenty of restaurants nearby. read more
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More info about Washington Square Park
Filbert And Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill
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https://sfrecpark.org/902/Washington-Square
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