Washington Square is a town square and public park in San Francisco's crowded North Beach district and offers a green oasis with special events, celebrations, dining, and shopping. The park has held many roles over the years but today is known for restaurants, historic buildings, cafés, and community gatherings. 

Over the years, the square has become an iconic place and has been featured in films like "Dirty Harry," "Bedazzled," and others. It was one of the first city parks in San Francisco and has a long, fascinating history. From fine dining to cold beer and stunning architecture, it's a memorable place to visit.

Washington Square in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in San Francisco and 10 Best Parks in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

Highlights of Washington Square

Washington Square is a natural community gathering place due to its central location. The park hosts festivals and events like free film nights all year long. Plenty of quaint pavement cafés line its perimeter to offer coffee, a cold beer, or a glass of wine. You can also find great food, from casual to fine dining, within a few steps. 

The historic Saints Peter and Paul Church is a historic church just across the way with Gothic architecture. Within the park, you can also find plenty of benches and peaceful places to relax. 

Good to know about Washington Square

If you want to drive to Washington Square, be prepared to pay for street parking, as there isn't a free lot here. It's completely disability accessible and wheelchair friendly, as well as being family friendly. You should be fine to bring your dog along, but make sure it stays on-leash and clean up after your pet. 

The park offers basic amenities including bathrooms for men and women. While there aren't food vendors within the park itself, restaurants line the perimeter, so you should be able to find any food you want.

Washington Square in San Francisco

Location: Filbert St & Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight

Phone: +1 415-274-0291

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in San Francisco

Terrace/patio
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (2101)
The price is P7,823
per night
P9,207 total
includes taxes & fees
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, sun loungers
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (3373)
The price is P7,476
per night
P8,798 total
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Restaurant
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (1118)
The price is P11,500
per night
P15,714 total
includes taxes & fees
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Exterior
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
9.2 out of 10, (1517)
The price is P10,936
per night
P12,871 total
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Exterior
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
9.4 out of 10, (1704)
The price is P11,404
per night
P13,422 total
includes taxes & fees
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Terrace/patio
Fairmont San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (1134)
The price is P19,673
per night
P25,537 total
includes taxes & fees
Fairmont San Francisco
Front of property - evening/night
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
8.6 out of 10, (815)
The price is P8,464
per night
P9,962 total
includes taxes & fees
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Lobby sitting area
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
8.4 out of 10, (470)
The price is P5,640
per night
P6,638 total
includes taxes & fees
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
Breakfast and dinner served
Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton
8.8 out of 10, (515)
The price is P7,672
per night
P12,244 total
includes taxes & fees
Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton
Exterior
Handlery Union Square Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (2186)
The price is P10,279
per night
P12,098 total
includes taxes & fees
Handlery Union Square Hotel

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