The Best Hotels In North Beach San Francisco

From barking sea lions by Fisherman’s Wharf to cannolis in the cafes of Little Italy, North Beach gives visitors plenty of reasons to get excited. Some of San Fran’s most notable sights are found here: Coit Tower, Pier 39 and the famous City Lights Bookstore, to name a few. Base yourself at one of the best hotels in North Beach for easy access, maximum comfort and postcard-worthy bayside views.

1. The Wharf Inn

Inn

A lounge with wraparound deck at The Wharf Inn

You’ll likely make a good saving on accommodation by booking a room in the Wharf Inn. The 51-room hotel near North Beach has unfussy rooms and suites, some with an outdoor patio or balcony space. But the true boon is the location, right in Fisherman’s Wharf and neighboring the main street. North Beach is a couple of blocks away, as are Lombard Street and Chinatown. If you come with a vehicle, your stay includes a free parking spot, too.

2. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel

Hotel Riu brings affordable, contemporary comfort to the Fisherman’s Wharf district, right next to North Beach. Rooms are understated yet stylish, with clean lines and block colors; in some, large windows frame perfect city views. There’s also a lounger-lined pool for soaking up the Cali sun, and a 24-hour gym. When it’s time to explore, Pier 39 (and all the sea lion fun that entails) is just a short stroll away.

3. Argonaut Hotel

Boutique Hotel

The yacht club-style interior of the lounge at the Argonaut Hotel has plush furnishings in nautical theme and a grand fireplace.

The white shutters and maritime paraphernalia that adorn the walls at the Argonaut Hotel make it feel more like a beach house overlooking the bay than a hotel in the heart of one of San Francisco’s busiest neighborhoods. This North Beach hotel offers guided historical waterfront tours on the weekends, and bike rentals for getting around. The adjacent Blue Mermaid Restaurant serves oceanfront specialties such as home-made clam chowder, seafood cioppino and steamed mussels.

5. Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square

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A rooftop seating area with bay views and a large firepit at Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square

Located right outside North Beach in the adjacent Ghirardelli Square, this residential-style, all-suite hotel is found in what used to be the Ghirardelli chocolate factory. This modern waterfront property features exposed brick details throughout. Each suite includes a private bedroom with en-suite bathroom, fireplace, full kitchen, living room and dining area. Terrace patios include firepits for staying warm while taking in sweeping views of San Francisco Bay.

6. Hotel Zephyr

Hotel

The whimsical, cheerfully decorated Hotel Zephyr in North Beach prides itself on being unique, with an irreverent style and thoughtful amenities throughout, such as work and docking stations, guest rooms equipped with darts and backgammon and an outdoor terrace and firepit. Situated right by Pier 39, the hotel’s 361 rooms offer views of the waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Zephyr also includes a typical San Francisco bonus: a huge yard complete with a camper van food truck that serves locally sourced, quick-serve cuisine.

7. Hotel Bohème

Hotel

Located a block away from Washington Square Park, Hotel Bohème captures the spirit of San Francisco in the late 1950s, with eclectic decor from the beatnik era and a bright, cheerful color scheme. What this intimate hotel in North Beach lacks in flashy amenities, it makes up for with charm, comfort and an unbeatable location. Take a curated walking tour designed by the hotel for a comprehensive overview of North Beach.

Sam Murray contributed additional reporting to this article.

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