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San Francisco Historic Literary Walking Tour

New To The Site! San Francisco, USA

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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket

Overview

As an author and award-winning broadcast journalist, I give you the inside scoop on the neighborhood I've called home for more than 30 years. History, culture, and personal stories about the great writers who have worked and lived here.

Our tour is the only comprehensive historic literary tour in San Francisco. We experience the Beat generation as well as travel back in time to the Gold Rush and Barbary Coast days when writers like Mark Twain, Bret Harte, Jack London, and Ina Coolbrith called San Francisco home. Also, we talk about the unique opportunities women and writers of color have had in this open city including Maya Angelou, Amy Tan, and Bob Kaufman.

Enchanting, colorful, and oh so fascinating. Please join me on this magical trip though the wonderous city on the end of the continent.

What's Included

  • Free admission to the Beat Museum

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Jack Kerouac Alley, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

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    In the alley between City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio Bar

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Start Time

    What To Expect

    City Lights Booksellers

    We'll meet outside the historic bookstore and discuss the book trial that changed the course of American history. I'll also give some insights into my friend, store owner, and poet, the recently deceased, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and how he took on the powers that be while publishing the counterculture Beat poets and writers.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    The Beat Museum

    We'll enter the wonderworld of the counterculture Beat movement. Artifacts from the 50s and 60s on display including first edition Beat poetry and prose books, the car used in the movie, On The Road, original artwork by legendary poet and book store owner, Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Jazz mural

    Wonderfully vibrant painting in the heart of North Beach depicting the arts and Jazz scene in 50s San Francisco.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Language of the Birds

    Outdoor art installation representing the great writers of San Francisco and their works.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Li Po Cocktail Lounge

    Old-time San Francisco dive bar where writers and artists have been drinking since the 1930s!
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Show 3 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (5)

    Q: Is this an accessible Tour?

    A: Accessibility information for the San Francisco Historic Literary Walking Tour is as follows:Wheelchair accessibleTransportation options are wheelchair accessibleAll areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessibleService animals allowedPublic transportation options are available nearbyNot recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular healthSuitable for all physical fitness levels Read more Apr 2025

    The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

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    Activity code: C-322427P1


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    Cancellation Policy

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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    Free cancellation
    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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