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.

There is a small play area near the bathrooms, a sculpture that honors firefighters, a sculpture in the center of the park, open lawn space, benches for sitting, and pavement for public dancing. A lovely place just across from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on the one side and some independent restaurants on the other. One drawback is that the kiddy park is on the busier traffic side instead of the lesser traffic side. This raises the noise level there. There is always traffic noise on Columbus.
Playground
A few things for the very young. There is a park more suitable for older kids not too far away by the North Beach branch of the San Francisco Public Library.
Restrooms
They are clean, but not perfectly. The frequency of use and the public tend to keep the vandals away.
Dog-friendliness
Dogs are welcome to play fetch and run about if trained, but it isn't an official dog park. People play catch too or stretch out a blanket and lay in the sun.

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
Playground
Very small trying to buy so be careful keep your eyes closed on the little ones.
Restrooms
I think there's two space toilets with your automated single-occupancy toilets that clean themselves and then an old concrete building with two separate areas for both genders
Dog-friendliness
Dogs are pretty much always no fences though so keep them on leash or you'll get a ticket
Picnic area
I think it's more like benches all over the place

first off...Washington Square is one of those places...what can I say, it's gone thru ALOT of changes thru the years...but undeniably said...the best time to be had is under a meteor showered sky...a light throw cover to just sit...chill with your favorite eats, personally...OG Joe's is my goto. corner of union and the square...Powell I think. HIT IT UP! GRAB YOUR BAYBEE downlow SmokeNDrank...feel me? 5000G
Restrooms
there...um...good much better than...letting it blow in the wind my friend.LOL They are REGULARLY CLEANED UP.
Dog-friendliness
go BIG or GO HOME ...stay home. Doggos ARE FAM.
Picnic area
Open Grassy Area atop the ....dare I say atop "BURIAL of The SAINT" HHMMM...makes 1 Think. Lights go down at 10:15pm clear skies above...LovinIT

This little area packs a lot to see - Ben Franklin Statue, Fireman Statue and, of course, Saints Peter and Paul Church. Across from The Square on west side there is a little park-like area with a few small statues. A block east and uphill is the iconic San Francisco view from the Peter Machiarrini stairs and a little further from the stairs is Coit Tower. There are restaurants near The Square. If driving, expect no parking spots, there are many one way streets and dead-ends, there are moderate hills and be prepared for jams. Anticipate moderate crowds. I recommend parking at the Wharf and walking to The Square if you're in decent shape as you'll have to ascend one moderate hill to get there. I biked there and the climbs were moderate, but not hike-a-bike.

This is a great park! The lawn in front of the tall and majestic church is crowded with residents and tourists who love it every day to relax. People come here to enjoy the sun, chat, take a walk, walk their dogs, play games, do Tai Chi, dance, play musical instruments, have parent-child games or have a picnic. It's even more lively on weekends, with people sitting on the lawn and benches. And there are often some activities held. The benches in this park almost go around the park, which is the park with the most benches I have ever seen. The various restaurants and bars around are also very popular. The transportation is also very convenient. All in all, if you like popular parks, this is the best park bar none. It’s really down to earth!

Step right up to the circus of this San Francisco park! A mashup of personalities that even reality TV can't match. Dog walkers and mime artists mingle, while tech wizards play chess with squirrels. Fitness fanatics practice interpretive dance (on roller skates, naturally), as yoga gurus debate existentialism with pigeons. The nearby pizza shops must be on speed dial for this diverse bunch. It's like a live sitcom where the plot changes hourly, and the only constant is the aromatherapy of the city's best slices. Welcome to the lovable chaos of a park that's stranger than fiction and saucier than your wildest dreams.
Playground
Yeah there is a playground

Fiesta Italiana 2019 Only one block long but what a great time. Good music, great food , and excellent wine. Met and got to chat with Tony G for a few. Great down to earth guy. The festival was a lot of fun for being so small. The Italian Festival in Portland Oregon is a full city block downtown in NW but this was just as fun. It was also very cool that they opened up the Italian Athletic Club and had some very cool exhibits inside. There were also some very cool Italian cars and motorcycles on exhibit as well. All in all, a great time in North Beach.

With so many green spaces and parks in this amazing city, this place is definitely top-5 with its prime location, history, and beauty. I love coming here for picnics and people/dog watching. A stone's throw from Chinatown and in the heart of all your favorite Italian joints, perfect appt for tourists and locals to blend. Be careful and aware, though. There are some characters and others who can be problematic. Ahem* unsupervised kids throwing footballs and kicking soccer balls where mothers are trying to have a nice park day with their little ones.

Nestled between Chinatown and little Italy - this park has sites, intrigue, history, and food. You can see Coit tower while you watch grandmas do tai-chi while you sip a latte before. Come with someone who knows the areas history, as there’s a lot of places with unique SF histories in the area (Big Joes, coffee roasters, etc) A bit damp always, always a tiny bit sketchy, homeless abound in this park, but it’s San Francisco, and that comes with the city.

Washington Square Park is within five minutes drive from my place. This is were I come to vent and relax when I want to be myself. On warmer days kids and dogs take over the grassy area. People go about their day from reading, resting, laying in the sun, socializing. A kids area with obstacles and swings nestled in corner. Restrooms are always clean and doors are closed nightly by 8pm. It's located steps from St. Peters & Paul.

The Square is a quaint, quiet, grassy area. with a few statues commemorating the Fire Dept of 1866 and Historic Society. There is a small playground for toddlers to play. Lots of seniors gather here for small talk, people lounge and enjoy the iconic Saint Peter and Paul Church where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio got married. The park is fairly crowded, meter parking is very limited. Expect some homeless residents.

Early morning , I enjoy watching the elderly Asians engage in Tai Chi while the twin steeples of a Catholic Church looms over them ; business men in casual clothes are busy making deals while making their dogs chase frisbees; the church tolls it’s bells as if to announce a completion and a consecration of a successful transaction between them. I can see the church also from window in Russian Hill.

Get lunch at the Italian deli on the corner at Columbus Ave., or pizza on the opposite (east?) corner of the park. Pick a spot to sit and enjoy. It's the closest thing to being in an actual Italian piazza that I know of. North Beach has gone through some changes but it is still thriving and Northern Italian culture hasn't lost its hold on the neighborhood.

I like how American people rest. They can just lay on the grass and relax. And it's awesome. Washington Square is definitely a great place to relax after work or and get some sun during the lunch time. I like the atmosphere + pizza place is really close so you can grab some slices of pizza and have lunch on the grass.

Washington Square is a nice little park close to St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. I would not think of this as a must see when visiting San Francisco, but it is a nice place to read, rest or just sit down for a minute. There are many good restaurants close to the park. A visit to the cathedral is also worth considering.

A gorgeous park with two landmarks overlooking it, Coit tower and Grace Cathedral. Washington Square is the gathering place for the north beach neighborhood filled with history and community. Great place to do tai chi, read a book, look at artists work, eat focaccia, enjoy people watching and more.

Always nice to see people here relaxing, exercising, the artists discussing their pieces of art, and mostly in beautiful October with perfect weather in the area! Our second time in the area on a Sunday ready for brunch!!! Will be back every time we go to San Francisco!!!!

Nice park in the city to sit and relax. A few restaurants and coffee shops are in the area. Also have bathrooms, which were fairly clean when we used them. There were various groups doing yoga and other activities when we walked by in the morning.

The Square was clean as was the fall air I walked through, the church was hallowed with the scent of frankincense and the low hum of Gregorian chants. The Holy water greeted us and the confessionals brought back the innocent days of my youth.

Visited Washington Square yesterday with my friends after a long walk completing a school work around SF. It is beautiful and calm. My only bias is the pets allowed to pee and poo on the same grass people lie on. But no one seem to complain.

The church was nice on the outside, never made it inside. There was a Nice park across the street. The public bathroom was very dirty and smelly. They were having an art show in the park as well as tai chi classes More

Washington Square with its lush lawn, trees providing shade and views of Saints Peter and Paul Church is the perfect place to spend an afternoon people watching or as a starting place for a stroll around North Beach.

Big, bustling green space in the heart of North Beach. It's a very nice spot with great views of the city skyline. There are a lot of great restaurants around it, and it's nice to get something to go and come here.

A nice small little Park, with some really cool scenery in the area like the giant church and lots of people hanging around. nice place to grab a coffee from one of the local shops and just hang out for 20 minutes.

My favorite spot in SF with a view of Coit Tower the wonderful Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the lawn, the view down Columbus Ave. and memories of a great scene from Dirty Harry. I can't get enough of this place!

Clean park located in the center of little Italy, next to the church and public toilets available. Drinking alcohol is not allowed. Sometimes you can find people offering free lessons like yoga, clown or fitness.

Nice little park north of the little Italy in front of the st. Peter and Paul church shared by many. Performers, artist, excise, and tourist. Good viewing of the church and take a break from the up hill walk.

Nice little park with good views of Coit tower. Adjacent is Peter an Paul Church. It is a beautiful building. There is an awesome little bakery called Victoria's Pastry, definitely stop a have a treat here.

Great, great park in the middle of the city. Dogs running around people of all ages kicking back chilling enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
Dog-friendliness
Dog friendly and dog owner friendly.

Took the dim sum from Chinatown down North Beach to Washington Square where I ate on a bench overlooking a group of women with fans doing Tai chi Chuan. Very active morning for an early morning meal.

it is a park for dog poodiez. not for families. not for old world residents. not for italians. just for single vapid white professionals on the phone and their pathetic dependent canine domesticates

I LOVE THAT PARK SO MUCH! I love The Catholic Church across the street from the park 10 times even more! I hope and pray that that park NEVER closes! EVER! ‍♀️

Dog owners come here in the morning. The benches are numerous enough to accommodate the lunch crowd. Yes, there are also people who may be homeless, but they are usually minding their own business.

A gem of small park very popular with tourists and local alike bring children and pets. The beautiful church adjacent to the park was the site of Joe DiMaggio's marriage to Marilyn Monroe in 1954.

We came to Washington square to have brunch at Mama's. People lined up at its door before it began. The food is realy yummy and so is the service. I shall come again if I go to San francisco.

Lovely place to start your day doing Yoga, walking, or just chill. In front you have a beautiful and clasic church. Washington Square is for all family, and also you can take your pet too.

Nice open space for soaking in the sun and for pets to run around. Not really a good place to have picnics (mats on the ground) since it's the same ground where pets relieve themselves.

Plenty of space in this nice clean, friendly Park. Conveniently located in North Beach near plenty of good food and touristy stuff to do. Arrive early and learn tai chi with the locals

Nice place to go and relax and look at the strange people.
Playground
Small kids playground
Restrooms
Dirty but they had some
Dog-friendliness
Dogs on leashes

Beautiful open space park with a view of this iconic church. Lovely place to go on a beautiful day.
Dog-friendliness
Lots of dogs and their humans playing in the park.

Absolutely exquisite cathedral! Beautiful place of worship and reflection. If you are lucky there will be a wedding and you may be invited to stay and attend. We did!

Quaint little park in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. They had tons of doggos playing around and a great place to sit and relax and get a fresh breath of air

I was there on a Sunday the park was full Of people young to old some with dogs & pets there was an art exhibit going on which was lovely and it was a lovely day

Crowded with locals here - especially during summer time. People relax or picnic here. You can smell the restaurants in the vicinity. There is also a playground.

The central park of historic North beach. A lot of good food and coffee nearby. The local community is awesome. The park isn't my favorite to hang out at though.

A nice little park to sit and relax, watch people exercise or play with their dogs. We like to get sandwiches in North Beach and eat while sitting on a bench.

Great neighborhood park. A place where doggies meet and the usual cast of neighborhood characters. Beautiful area. The crazies come out in the heat though lol

Good place to picnic with your friends. It gets crowded on a nice day. Grab a slice and relax.
Playground
Fun for toddlers
Restrooms
Cleanish

Nice park to exercise your dog or watch dogs playing with their owners, to read a book or just enjoy the outdoors.
Restrooms
Has restrooms on site

Beautiful day, great music, lots of dogs for my dogs to play with.. Grass was kinda wet & muddy.. we just sat on one of many benches.. nice day !

Really a must see place in San Francisco nestled in little Italy. Great park, adjacent restaurants, close to other tourist must see places.

Very nice when it is Sunny outside. Can be filled with homeless people from time to time.
Restrooms
There are toilets available.

This was one of the best places I visited. So many people enjoying the sunshine and each other. The cultural diversity was refreshing.

Great place to hang, people watch & catch all the natural beauty surroundings. And thwn go grab a slice of lizza & a coffee☕️ …

The square looks much better after they completed the construction. A friend and I were able to sit and enjoy nature/view.

Very beautiful park! There are nice places to eat around. Fun fact, the statue in the middle is actually Benjamin Franklin

A nice place to ground yourself in the midst of the chaos… usable bathroom. I’d like to have a sunrise Qi Gong group here!

Lovely little park. Highly recommend getting a snack from the farmers market on Saturday and then relaxing in the park :)

Great place to hang out or get something to eat with family. This location has stunning architecture and great dining.

Favorite Park! I love the Chapel, I love the view of Coit tower and I love the statue of my man, Benjamin Franklin!

Very fun, beautiful spot in San Francisco's North Beach area. Close to restaurants and dell's. Highly recommended.

Very nice park in the middle of North Beach.
Restrooms
Nice to have, but they should clean them more often.

Beware of homeless in the area but still a beautiful place. Mosquitos amd gnats everywhere too
Playgr…
More

Great park to see everything under the sun. Chi excersise, homeless, skate boarders, Catholic school kids.....

Always a pleasure to visit Washington Square. Bathroom drinking fountain dog friendly and magnificent views

A nice park for a rest! We were lucky to see a man playing on an Asian instrument.
Restrooms
Free

Super Square for a spot of R&R and people watching. Easy to get to with lots of great eateries close by

I grew up in this city ,no matter what day say about all the changes,the beautiful scenery still there!

Great Public park with a playground, it's dog friendly, has restrooms, and a big open space to lounge.

A place to bring out your concerns in a peaceful manner cordial environment I really like it

Green space amidst a concrete jungle. Made for a nice place to wander about in Little Italy.

The entire neighborhood is out here picnicking on the best of days. It's a beautiful sight.

A one square block park with a church on one of the walls and Ben Franklin in the middle.

Great little park, conveniently located near lots of restaurants. Perfect for picnics!

Beautiful park! Great place for walking the pup or handing out and reading a book.

Meals served in the parking lot every other Sunday 2pm until they run out.

Nice park. Not a lot of shade. Good spot for tai chi or walking the dog.

Calm relaxing place in little Italy. People bring their dogs here too.

Great place to chill out enjoy a sunny Day Or Take Pic's . …

⛪❤️One of the most underrated monuments in San Francisco!! …

Good for picture especially during sunset (autumn / winter time)

Solid pub fare. Cozy bar area. Gotta love Clint to enjoy fully.

Great park in sf. Mama's for Monte Cristo sandwich is the best!

pretty park and walk and run. we went there to relax a bit.

Just walk down the whole square and have some great fun

Nice park in front of the St Peter and Paul Church.

Best place in North Beach for a pizza picnic.

nice small park! gets a bit crowded sometimes

Nice little park