This route meanders through wonderfully historic neighborhoods of San Francisco. Your host, Joan Gelfand, an accomplished literary figure in her own right, takes you from North Beach, home of the beats, punks and jazz; to Jackson Square where Gold Miners came to weigh gold, carouse and sleep.

This entertaining audio tour takes about an hour but there are many places to stop and linger along the way, like: City Lights Books, Purple Onion Comedy Club, and The Beat Museum.

Landmarks you will see on your tour include: the TransAmerica Building, Bay Bridge, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jackson Square, MacArthur Park, Sentinel Building, and the Condor Club

As you walk, learn the stories of Jim Dirksen, the Pope of Punk; Lawrence Ferlinghetti, poet; Jack Kerouac, writer; Francis Coppola, movie producer; and Tony Serra, attorney.

Finally, when you are ready, take a break for coffee or a meal. Your host makes recommendations, including: Cafe Vesuvio, Tosca Cafe, Cafe Trieste, Cafe Sport, Cafe Pucchini, The Stinking Rose and Stella Bakery

Departure

The tour begins at the corner of Columbus and Broadway. Get there by taking BART to Montgomery Street, then walk east on Montgomer to Columbus, or take the MUNI bus.

Know before you go

This is a self-guided audio tour. Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned on the tour are excluded from the price.

Remember your headphones and charge your phone's battery. The way the app uses GPS to play audio automatically can be battery intensive.