Washington Square

Washington Square is an urban park with roughly three acres of grass, benches positioned along curving paths, and tall poplar trees in its center. The space is framed by residential and commercial buildings in the North Beach neighborhood.

The park was established in 1847 as one of San Francisco's early public green spaces. Following the 1906 earthquake, it provided temporary shelter for hundreds of residents who had lost their homes.

The church of Saints Peter and Paul anchors the eastern edge and serves as a gathering point for the neighborhood. Restaurants and cafés surrounding the park create a blend of outdoor green space and community activity.

The park is located at the intersection of Filbert and Stockton Streets with public restrooms nearby. Street parking is available in surrounding areas, and public transit connections make access straightforward from downtown.

A statue of Benjamin Franklin with a fountain at its base has occupied the park's center since 1879. This gift from a private donor reflects the philanthropic gestures that shaped San Francisco's public spaces in the late 1800s.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 1847

GPS coordinates: 37.80090,-122.41000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56