At times, North Beach has a reputation for being difficult to get to but it’s only a 1.5 mile 
walk from The Pickwick Hotel. A nice jaunt through downtown! And if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, North Beach should definitely be on your list of neighborhoods to see.
One of San Francisco’s oldest neighborhoods, North Beach still proudly displays elements of its past. During California’s gold rush in the late 1840s, North Beach was part of the city’s Barbary Coast—a red light district. Fast forward to the 1950s and North Beach was ground zero for the Beat Generation and its literary heros such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg.
Below are our top 5 places to visit in North Beach:
1. Washington Square
This beautiful park is an excellent place to get a sense of North Beach’s local flavor. Grab a cup of coffee at one of the many local cafes and soak in the atmosphere. There are plenty of benches in addition to the large, grassy field at the center of the action. Bonus: Washington Square is where the opening scene of the movie “Dirty Harry” was filmed!
2. City Lights Bookstore
If you are interested in San Francisco’s literary history and the Beat Generation of the 1950s, City Lights Bookstore is a must-see. It was founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlighetti and Peter Martin. The independent bookstore became a publisher in 1955 and specializes in works on progressive politics, the arts, and literature.
3. Tosca
Tosca is a local bar that feels as though it has been there forever. Old Italian songs and Rat Pack hits play on the jukebox while locals sip no-nonsense cocktails. Sit at the bar and order a house cappuccino—a delicious combination of steamed milk, Ghirardelli chocolate, and brandy.
4. A. Cavalli
A. Cavalli–a North Beach institution for 130 years–is a small shop near the corner of Stockton and Columbus, and it can easily go unnoticed. Stop in for the best cappuccino and house-made cannoli for miles. But don’t stop there! A. Cavalli specializes in authentic Italian coffees and sweets so why not order a few things to share? They also sell hard-to-find dried mushrooms. A great souvenir!
5. Coit Tower
Take a scenic post-indulgence walk to Coit Tower. The iconic art-deco tower, designed to look like a fire hose, was built in 1933. Pioneer Park, surrounding Coit Tower, boasts wonderful views of the city and San Francisco Bay. Walk around the interior base of the tower to see fresco WPA-era murals by 27 different artists. A $7.00 fee will buy you a ride to the top of Coit Tower and some of the best views around.
What are your favorite places to visit in North Beach? Join the conversation in the comments section below!
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