Washington Square

Today had good weather and the ambiance was terrific. People sunbathing and brought their dogs out for catch. Very chilled. Facing the cathedral. I bought 2 slices of pizza from Golden Boy Pizza then walked 3 minutes to this park. Spent an hour there enjoying the view, absorbing the sun while enjoying the pizza. It was a perfect day!

Great location to relax among greenery in the middle of the city, especially on a nice sunny day.

Beautiful place. I love it. Great to relax, read or wait for your table at Tony’s IYKYK. There are always people here doing things. I love just seeing groups come together and experience nature and community. This is a true third space no expectations of spending money people of all ages being together. Love this for SanFran. Don’t forget get to grab a cannoli while you’re down here then catch the bus to the pier to watch the sunset.

Washington Square in San Francisco is a charming urban escape that blends historical significance with a relaxed atmosphere. My recent visit left me enchanted by the beautiful landscaping, the iconic St. Peter and Paul Church, and the vibrant community life that animates this delightful square. Highlights: Historic St. Peter and Paul Church: The focal point of Washington Square, the St. Peter and Paul Church, adds a touch of grandeur to the landscape. The church's iconic twin spires provide a picturesque backdrop, and its historical significance enriches the overall ambiance of the square. Lush Greenery and Landscaping: The well-maintained green spaces and manicured landscaping make Washington Square a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city. Ample seating allows visitors to relax and soak in the serenity while enjoying the surrounding architecture. Community Gathering Place: The square serves as a hub for community activities. Whether it's locals engaged in leisurely strolls, yoga enthusiasts practicing on the grass, or impromptu picnics, Washington Square fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. Bocce Ball Courts: The inclusion of bocce ball courts adds a playful and recreational element to the square. Watching or participating in a game brings an additional layer of enjoyment to the overall experience, especially during sunny afternoons. Cafés and Local Flair: Surrounding cafés and eateries contribute to the lively atmosphere. Patrons enjoying outdoor seating create a vibrant scene, and the availability of local flavors adds to the square's character. Areas for Improvement: While the square provides a serene escape, enhancing the availability of shaded areas or additional benches could improve the comfort for visitors seeking respite from the sun. Conclusion: Washington Square stands as a testament to San Francisco's ability to seamlessly blend history, nature, and community. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a leisurely stroll, or a place to connect with the local vibe, Washington Square offers a charming and welcoming haven in the heart of the city.

Beautiful place. You can hang out and eat a pizza from one of the several pizzerias nearby.

Great place to chill out enjoy a sunny Day Or Take Pic's. In the heart of North Beach. Plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Chinatown is nearby. You can walk or take the bus to Union square or to fisherman's wharf.😁😎👍

Very quiet night lots of really really tasty dining options around very nice people around here but watch out for the drunk Russians at night. Also there's a few bathrooms to choose from small playground for very small also lots of sketchy people I pretty much anytime of the day but I think it's just homeless people they look sketchy no matter what. Big trees all over. Lots of Asian people around here to I like in coit Tower is right up the way but it's a steep hike

Beautiful park. There's a beautiful church there. Difficult to find parking

This park was one of the reasons I fell in love with North Beach! For a few times, I've been there, there were musicians playing, and everyone seemed relaxed. The overall vibe of the place makes me feel peaceful, plus there's a church a stone's throw away.

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..

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

When I was a kid, Teenager, & Adult I have walked around The Washington Square Park for so many times years!!!! The one thing that is the most interesting to see is when they have Columbus Day Parade!!! And Ferrari Cars for you to see that's at the Washington Square Park!!!!!

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.

It's a pity that we have this nice huge lawn area in Washington Square Park and then you have all the dog owners take it over throughout the day, pooping and peeing all over. You have responsible owners who will pick up after their dog but yet that still leaves a residue behind. This sucks for those that would like to have their kids play in the grass but don't because of all this stuff. What a shame! There's parks specifically for dogs to roam and poop but are not being utilized to the extent they can. Perhaps the city's park and rec should do better in trying to regulate this problem.

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!!

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!

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 :)

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...

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

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.

The best area to be in north beach on such a sunny day like today. Close to a lot of cafes to grab coffee or pastries or even a picnic and lounge around the park. One of the many great parks in the city with lots to do around it.

I stumbled across Washington Square Park when I need to find a place to sit down and eat my dim sum. It's a few blocks away from Chinatown and I love the vibe of this park. It a small park but there is space for everyone. I came here three days in a row to enjoy my dim sum, roasted duck, pasta and ice cream. The weather was really nice and I love how it has a restroom and a wide open space for everyone to picnic and enjoy the nice sunny weather. There were many friends, families and dogs. I loved people watching here.

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.

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!!

I absolutely loved the vibe of this park. So many people here seating on the grass with their families, pets, or simply by them selfs Great place to walk or enjoy a picnic!!

Ahhh... such a wonderful place to stop and relax when the weather is great! We sat down for a little while yesterday to enjoy the sunshine and people watch. Many others doing the exact same thing. Always nice to pop onto a little green patch! 2021: 21/100

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.

Nice park in front of the St Peter and Paul Church. It's also very close to lots of restaurants.

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.

A park surrounded by great restaurants, Italian bakeries and beauty. Small and a natural gathering place on the weekends - a place loved by locals and tourists - and if you watch carefully even that 2am street rat. Some super popular places surround this park. Like Tony's or Mamas... a beautiful, big and landmark church. Beauty of the surrounding areas and views of Coit tower from most places from the park. Locals and tourists fill the park. At no time is it ever empty - I think whats most interesting is the 5am rush to the park. You can almost set your watch to it. Precisely at 5am a small group of people fill it every day like clock work walking in circles. One guy usually has his hands up like he is being held hostage. At 2am usually a few friendly rats with good taste see if they can find some scraps from the best eateries in the city. Yeah. They know whats good.

Nice Urban Park in a great part of San francisco. There are definitely some creepy people here at times, but it's a beautiful Green space next to a big historic church. Tons of great Italian restaurants nearby.

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.

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.

Washington Square Park is a spacious park centrally located in the North Beach area, giving city dwellers a place to lay in the grass or give the dog some running area. Lots of benches to sit down.

This is a lovely little park right in the city. Lots of shade, benches and a children's play area. Despite all the activity going on around here, it feels like you are a bit removed from it all. On a sunny day, it can be busy but it is much smaller, more relaxing and family friendly than say...Dolores Park. Pack a lunch, a book and definitely a blanket (the soil is always soft and a little damp). I love the people watching and views of the cathedral (on a good day you might catch a wedding or other big event). It's also super dog-friendly, assuming they are on-leash. Thanks to its location lots of charming street cafes, pizza or coffee if you need a break from the park. However, street parking appears to be incredibly limited.

This park really deserves a perfect 5-stars rating like most of the parks, beaches, hikes and other freebies given to the loving public. The history alone deserves 10-stars, but I just can't get past the one zillion pigeons that call Washington Square Park home. I digress it's more about the pigeon poo, or truckload, rather than the park. Washington Square Park is located between North Beach aka "Little Italy" & Chinatown, San Francisco. It is one of the oldest parks in the city established years before the California Gold Rush, in 1847. The surrounding areas include many independent cafes & coffee shops, including the famous Mama's and Liguria Bakery as well as the historic Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The Square is a natural community gathering spot with a rich history. Festivals, free movie nights, and other special ethnic events can be seen throughout the year. Washington Square Park also saw the iconic "secret" wedding photo shoot of baseball legend, Joe DiMaggio & Hollywood Icon, Marilyn Monroe. The couple actually was married elsewhere but took their infamous photos on the steps of the historic Roman Catholic Church nearby. The scenic park, with unforgettable cityscape views, can also be seen in Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" movies and Whoopi Goldberg's "Sister Act". San Franciscan, Robin Williams, with incognito baseball cap & jeans, could be seen strolling occasionally too. I'll have more on the Joe & Marilyn wedding in a future review;) Yet, with all the history, local folklore, and the Benjamin Franklin Statue at the center... I just can't forgive all those homeless pigeons that actually outnumber the homeless humans here 100 to 1, but then again if the pigeons are pooping everywhere including on Benjamin's head then maybe it's more their home than us two-legged folk... Great "city" park to enjoy if you can avoid the pigeons...

Metered street parking nearby if you are lucky. Fun and inspirational seniors practicing tai chi and dance. Makes me feel like I'd like to join them and simultaneously feel guilty that I'm in the Mama's line rather than exercising. Lol. Excellent view of Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill. Tony' s Pizza, Molinari's deli, and Sotto Mare Family restaurant is nearby.

Built in 1847 and is one of the first parks in the city. Unfortunately it is currently closed because of renovations. It sits just below Coit Tower and across the street from Saints peter and Paul Church

The park is lovely, scenic, newly renovated. Normally there are outlined spaces for you and your friends, 6ft away from other designated spaces. Its a welcome outside getaway.

This is the best park here in San Francisco. With a large space for tai chi, a morning jog or a stretch, you're at the right spot. A play structure here, it's a very good spot to take the kids along. Nice spot to congregate, relax, take a walk or a jog. There's plenty of eateries nearby so if you're hungry, then there are a lot of choices to choose from. Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown are both nearby. Also of convenience!

This park's a bit small, but it has great views of the cathedral and it was a nice place to sit and relax. I love the trees and lush green grass and it's a nice place for a picnic, dog walking, or people watching.

Having grown up in North Beach and gone to Sts. Peter's & Paul School, I took this Washington Square Park for granted. Now that I've seen and visited many other parks in the City, this open square block of grass named nestled in the busy North Beach neighborhood next to the majestic Sts. Peter & Paul church with a view of Coit Tower is an overlooked park in the City. The park is a gathering place for neighborhoods residents to watch the hustle and bustle from the park benches, take their kids to play in the little playground at one corner of the park, do their group tai chi exercises, have a picnic with the great food choices in the area like pizza from Tony's and Golden Boy or sandwiches from Molinari's or simply chill out on the grass. When in the area, take a break, be a local and check Washington Square Park.

Probably my 2nd favorite park in SF. Much chiller and adult version of Delores Park. It's situated in the center of the North Beach neighborhood. It's not too big and not too small. Less partying and drinking. So far never offered any sort of drugs like you are at Delores. I'll come sit out here on a warm day under the trees and then head over for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Figured I squeeze in a quick review before the start of 2017. Washington Square Park is a picturesque park nestled in the urban jungle of San Francisco. When exploring the city, my husband and I often walk past Washington Square Park on our way through Little Italy. There's an interesting church that serves as the focal point, but it's also a good people watching spot. As expected for a big city, there are some homeless individuals who haunt this spot, but don't let that deter you from visiting this park. Washington Square Park is a good stopping point for a breather when walking to either Chinatown or Fisherman's Wharf. YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2016: #84

A nice expanse of grass in North Beach. Flanked by Sts. Peter and Paul church on Filbert St. Surrounded by Italian cafes and restaurants. A small playground on the northwest corner. Park benches surround the perimeter. Washington Square Park provided an excellent post-dinner activity: people watching. Residents catching the last rays of the day. Dog walkers passing by. A rottweiler relieving himself 3 feet away from a pretty brunette. A baby less than a year old, taking her wobbly steps and finally, landing on the same spot where the rottweiler left its mark. My friends, that is why I sit on a park bench.

You should never knock a park no matter how grungy it can get due to human indifference. It provides the little pastoral element missing in our otherwise limited lives defined by concrete and steel. In fact, Washington Square Park is one such patch of greenery and so essential that I have to channel the Beach Boys to express my feelings.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_2PHhgtV6Y&mode=related&search= "Well...those Chinatown grannies are so hip I really dig how they wind their arms And the suburban moms with their screaming kids They knock me out with their lack of charm The tourists from Union Square really give me lots of gas While the Castro boys walk their dressed-up pups Before they give their old boyfriends a free pass I wish they all could clean Washington Square I wish they all could clean Washington Square I wish they all could clean Washington Square Park Golden Gate Park gets all the press And the DeYoung gets all the buzz I dig a Golden Gate custard tart on a stroll And a slice of pizza on the grass just because... I been all around this great big world And I seen all kinds of parks Yeah, but I couldn't wait to get back to ol' North Beach Back to the broken benches I just love I wish they all could be Washington Square I wish they all could be Washington Square I wish they all could be Washington Square Park..."

One of my good friends lived in an apartment on Union Street in Telegraph Hill which is a neighborhood within another neighborhood, North Beach, in northeast San Francisco. During my visits to see him for many years over the last decade, we would often walk by or through Washington Square Park. He lived less than two blocks away, up the hill. Washington Square always stuck out to me as a vibrant and busy park. It's popular among both locals and tourists. This is a small, flat, urban park that takes up one city block. There are trees, bushes, benches, and the grass is green and lush. For a public park in a big, dense city, the landscaping and cleanliness is decent. There are two statues: one of Benjamin Franklin and one of two firefighters to commemorate the volunteer fire department of San Francisco in the mid-1800s (this is actually one of the city's first parks; it opened in 1847). The firefighter statue was erected in 1933 "by bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit" for whom the nearby Coit Tower was erected and named after. To the east, the park has a nice view of the tower. To the north is a great view of the beautiful Saints Peter and Paul Church which sits adjacent to the park. Even though Washington Square technically sits on the western edge of North Beach, it still serves, in many respects, as the "center" of the neighborhood. It regularly hosts community meetups, various local festivals, and other special events. And for those who don't know, North Beach is regarded as San Francisco's "Little Italy" (https://www.yelp.com/biz/north-beach-san-francisco) with many great hotels, shops, and restaurants either adjacent to the square or closeby. This is a great place to bring a blanket on a sunny day with a group of friends or family and eat pizza from Tony's Pizza Napoletana (https://www.yelp.com/biz/tonys-pizza-napoletana-san-francisco) or Golden Boy Pizza (https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-boy-pizza-san-francisco) or gelato from Gelato Classico Italian (https://www.yelp.com/biz/gelato-classico-italian-san-francisco) while listening to the church bells chime as you watch dogs play and people relax. The park is maintained by San Francisco Recreation and Parks. Gender-neutral restrooms are located on-site. Official park hours are 5am to midnight (they used to be 6am to midnight). For more information on this park and for permits and reservations, visit www.sfrecpark.org.

This park has become my go-to destination on sunny days. I mean, how many places are this entertaining, gorgeous, and FREE in San Francisco? Steps to having a good time at Washington Square Park: 1. Grab a blanket, a Frisbee, and/or your dog. Make sure to pack a bottle opener and/or wine opener 2. Make a pit stop at Trader Joe's, S & S Grocery (Green & Union), or Little Vine (Grant between Union and Filbert) for some snacks and/or booze. You could also order a pizza for takeout from Tony's (some of the best pizza in California) 3. Enjoy! Take in the scenery: watch the Asian dancers, check out the artists, and gawk at the stoners Bonus: Make sure to take in the grandeur of Saints Peter and Paul Church. Joe DiMaggio famously took his photograph with Marilyn Monroe there after marrying her at SF City Hall in 1954. Joe grew up in North Beach.

Where do I even begin with this lovely neighborhood park. It's well maintained, not too crowded, and centrally located in North Beach by some great take-out spots, Italian delis, and liquor stores. I personally enjoy heading to the park after work to do some dog spotting. My GF and I have learned the names of a ton of the frequent puppers. We head out with our picnic blanket and accidentally set up camp near the group's of dogs. Inevitably, some excited puppers find their way over to us. The only downside would be the homeless, the addicts, and the crazies. Unfortunately there's overlap between all three groups. Homeless folks setup camp in certain areas and basically take over, but they keep to themselves. The crazies are pretty scary, but there are enough people around that It's likely the biggest issue will be them yelling and ranting. 5/5... I'm so happy I live nearby and that my GF and I can enjoy it. Weekends it even turns into a mini Dolores park, but with less obnoxious people.

This is one of the more iconic open spaces in ye old north beach/telegraph hill/columbus ave area. Parking? Yeah, no. There is street parking but in San Francisco that's more of a fantasy then a reality. Like most things in downtown SF you'll be wanting to get here some other way then driving. Luckily San Francisco is one of the most pedestrian and bike friendly cities on the entire planet. So that combined with an excellent mass transportation system will get you around just about anywhere, not least washington square park. It's been said that this is like the city's living room with a small playground for kids, and that's not far off the mark. It's surrounded by picturesque cafes and Saint Peter & Paul's cathedral. It has a fair amount of green space, and a couple of statues. The central one is of Benjamin Franklin and there is a time capsule buried beneath it. There are trees, benches, some not worth your time bathrooms, birds, and at any given point of time a whole lot of people-locals or otherwise-enjoying the park, Great spot for yoga, tai chi, frisbee and whatnot. In the daytime it's a perfect place to mellow and watch people for a bit, and it's mostly safe at night. The vibe here is very different at night, and late night especially may not be the best place to hang out at, but it's a perfectly acceptable park in daylight and shortly after sunset. All in all it's a very nearly perfect public space in the city, great for people watching.

What a little gem nestled in North Beach. We came across this park walking to a hole in the wall one night. What a great find! We took a seat on one of the benches and watched our surroundings for quite some time. Even though it was late at night, there were friends having picnics, people walking dogs, other walking home or to their next destination, it was quite lovely. For being in a park so late, it felt really safe. You have a great view of the neighborhood and the beginning of North Beach restaurants and bars. Cute little Italian area. It's even better during the day! So much to see and do. If you want a break away from the hustle and bustle, come here and relax.

Great place to sit and just relax given the weather permits. I sat here for about an hour watching people and enjoying the sun. There is park benches and plenty of grass to sit on. Located near the city, lots to see and walk to as well.

Beautiful park to just chill on a sunny day. The views are magnificent. Makes one thankful for the oasis's in the city

A smaller, more relaxed version of Dolores Park right in the middle of North Beach. Perfect spot for people watching or a coffee break after a good day cruising around town.