San Francisco is a fascinating city. We’ve visited it dozens of times and every time we’re here, we find something new to do. This time we’ve decided to follow the trail of the Beat Generation through the city. After reading On the Road and several other titles, exploring Jack Kerouac’s San Francisco seemed like a perfect idea. Here is what we saw:
Six Gallery Reading
Allen Ginsberg read his poem Howl at this location for the first time. Jack Kerouac and other Beat Generation writers attended the event. The reading defined the Beat Generation and established San Francisco as the center of it. Today, you can find a commemorative plaque in honor of Allen Ginsberg in front of the building.
Jack Kerouac Alley
Although a bit neglected, the little alley connecting Chinatown and North Beach, shows off several colorful murals. There are also a couple of plaques on the ground with quotes by Jack Kerouac, John Steinbeck, and other writers.
The Vesuvio Cafe
If you want to see one of the bars that Jack Kerouac and other Beat poets frequented, head to the Vesuvio Cafe. Located in Jack Kerouac Alley, across the street from City Lights Bookstore, the bar is full of history dedicated to the Beat Generation. Don’t forget to go upstairs.
Caffe Trieste
A wonderful historic coffee shop in North Beach, Caffe Trieste was a meeting place for the Beat era poets and writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.
The Beat Museum
A great little museum dedicated to the Beat Generation. You can watch a documentary titled The Source on the Beat Generation’s pioneers such as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Neal Cassady. You can also explore a variety of memorabilia, pictures and press clippings documenting the highlights of the Beat era.
Neal and Carolyn Cassady’s House
29 Russell Street is where Neal Cassady and his wife Carolyn lived. If you’ve read Kerouac’s On the Road, you know that Dean Moriarty is Neal Cassady. Kerouac stayed here occasionally on his visits to the city.
As I said before, visiting San Francisco is always memorable. Exploring it through the eyes of Jack Kerouac and learning more about the Beat Generation was certainly fascinating. We enjoyed other touristy things as well but following the trail of the Beatniks was absolutely remarkable.
