North Beach

The history of North Beach, a San Francisco neighborhood nestled between Telegraph and Russian Hill, is as rich and storied as they come. The area's vibrant past encompasses the formation of San Francisco's Little Italy, the Barbary Coast and the Beatnik traditions that have become so synonymous with this small section of city. The Italian influence is still ever-present today with some of the best Italian restaurants and cafes lining the streets of Columbus Avenue. Caffe Trieste is a must-see for espresso lovers and movie buffs (Francis Ford Coppola wrote parts of The Godfather sitting in this cafe). The infamous Beatnik generation called Grant Street their home in the 1960s and City Lights Bookstore and Cafe Vesuvio are the historic hangouts still popular today among the literary and liberal crowds. North Beach is also home to Lombard street, affectionately named the worlds "crookedest street" and one of the biggest tourist destinations in San Francisco. If you have enough energy to climb Coit Tower, you will find some of the best views offered in the city and may even catch a glimpse at the celebrated wild parrots that flock here.