Exploring San Francisco’s North Beach

Traveling for work gives me very little time to play, but the travel gods decided I needed more time in San Francisco. After I realized that I wouldn’t be going home that day, my boss kindly booked me a room for the night in Union Square.

I hauled my bags back onto BART and repeated the steps I’d just done, exhausted after a full week of work. I threw a small mental temper tantrum at the thought of not ending up in my own bed or having clean clothes, but I indulged in Kimpton’s fantastic happy hour and ventured out for dinner to give the Fog City another chance.

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I woke up the next day, renewed with energy, ready to explore the North Beach and Chinatown neighborhoods. I grabbed a chai latte and almond croissant while waiting for City Lights Bookstore to open. The legendary bookseller was a hangout for beat writers like Jack Kerouac.

They also publish their own books, but I didn’t let myself buy anything. I was content wandering the traditionally Italian neighborhood, which I definitely want to spend more time in next trip.

I had until around lunchtime before I needed to leave for the airport for the second time, so I didn’t waste much time. I’d wanted to see the Coit Tower since my very first trip to San Francisco over a decade ago, so I pushed myself up the steep hills to catch a glimpse of the city’s best views. The Telegraph Hill landmark has been a part of the skyline since 1933.

The murals on the inside were created as a part of the precursor to the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s. Some parts were deemed controversial and have been covered over the years. I didn’t mind paying the admission fee to get in just to see the views of San Francisco, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Transamerica Pyramid and my first glimpse all trip of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Coit Tower is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. It costs $8 for non-resident adults to go to the top floor via elevator. For a guided tour and history of the murals, you can join one of the $7 tours. You can access Coit Tower by foot or on the #39 Muni bus.

What’s your favorite view of San Francisco?

For local experiences in San Francisco’s neighborhoods, including North Beach, check out Urban Adventures tours.