North Beach Food & History Walking Tour

Supplied by: Gray Line San Francisco

Overview

Join the exclusive behind-the-scenes experience of the original historical and food tour in North Beach

Your tour will begin at the Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building). Home to Francis Ford Coppola's and George Lucas's "Zoetrope Film Studio." Outside Zoetrope Café, our tour guide will acknowledge the guests and review the days' itinerary.
 
As the tour progresses towards the second stop, our guide will share historical and current events that helped shape San Francisco's North Beach District. You will have the chance to experience the exquisite murals executed by the Italian fin-de-siècle painter and illustrator Luigi Brusatori, at the Saint Francis of Assisi Church.  
 
Along Columbus Avenue, we'll pass all the fantastic restaurants and their outside diners. Your tour continues with a delicious stop at Mona Lisa Restaurant, where you will get the chance to taste a sort of Antipasti. Our guide will take the opportunity to explain to you all the different origins of the food you will taste.

Arriving at Stella Pastry, we will be treated to a delicious house-made treat; biscotti, plain or dipped in chocolate, cannoli, café mocha, and many other selections to choose from. Stella Pastry has been in North Beach for over 70 years and is a staple in this close-knit community. 
  
Our casual stroll will have us arriving in Washington Square for further exploration of San Francisco's "Little Italy." As the group gathers in the park, our guide will take a moment to go over the pizza options and beverage choices for the next food portion of the tour and will relate the inside stories of the Peter and Paul Church. 
 
After we head toward "City Lights Book Publishing Company" and "Jack Kerouac Alley, the group will spend time in this iconic bookstore and visit the alley around the corner known as "Jack Kerouac Alley."

Murals adorn the walls of this one block alleyway that connects the tail end of Chinatown with North Beach.  
 
Before the end of the tour, we will spend time at one of the numerous watering holes in the area for a beer or cocktail. Take time to savor your drink while your guide summarizes the days' activities and answer any questions our guests may have.