We're heading for San Francisco for a few days this summer and will be staying in Union Square, where we stayed the first time we traveled there. We always took the bus to North Beach, but when I looked at hopstop.com to see which one it was, walking directions came up. It says it's about a 15 minute walk, but how is the walk from Union Square to North Beach? Very hilly? If so, we'll stick with the bus. I just don't remember.

Sandy

I always walk to North Beach from Union Square sandy. Just walk over to Grant. I usually walk via Maiden Lane (which starts at Stockton where Union Square is). One block and you will reach Grant. Turn left and walk north on Grant. When you come to Broadway you will see Columbus crossing Broadway. You are at North Beach. Not hilly and I usually take longer to walk as I tend to window shop along the way. Enjoy your time in San Francisco!

Ditto L'Italy.
If you are energetic, walk down to the Ferry Bldg and then walk up to FishWharf along the Embarcaderio and come up to NB they back way.

We've also walked down to Montgomery then up to Columbus to NB.
Fairly flat...but Columbus is a bit of a long uphill grade. Not like walking from US up Powell!

Kal dear, Powell is good excersize and you walk off all that wonderful food SF has to offer, lol.

B'giorna Bella!

Mrs Kal and my beautiful SIL walked up Powell back to FW hotel complete with bags after shopping at UnSq since they didn't go out for a run that day...

Me...I get tired RIDING the cable car up Powell.

Not only do-able, but encouraged! As the others have said, you can walk one route in one direction, and a different route on the way back, and both are wonderful. There's no "real" San Francisco involved.

Well of course bello, any woman worth her salt can carry tons of shopping bags up Powell for heaven sakes!

Especially 2 strong legged Italian women!

But we know this thread ain't over until Stu Dudley sings!

Thanks to all for your very helpful responses! We took the bus last time, and we really didn't think about walking it. I think we'll give it a try this time.

LoveItaly, glad to know it's "not hilly", and the idea of window shopping along the way appeals to me.

Kal, we're somewhat energetic, but when it comes to steep hills, we try to avoid them The street cars are great for doing that!

dmlove, I figure we can always take the bus back if the walk there wears us out. Of course, we'll be stopping for lunch, so we'll have our second wind

Sandy