North Beach Tour

Join us for an exciting journey through North Beach, the historic heart of San Francisco's Italian community. In partnership with the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club SFIAC, and Italian Community Services, we are thrilled to present this unique tour led by our teacher, Mattia Milone.

May 25, 2024 at 2:30pm

Starting from the corner of Mason @ Water, at the historic Hotel San Remo

Ticket Price: $50 per person (includes a complimentary drink)

This tour is OPEN TO ALL, Mattia will talk in English and Italian, so everyone can join and explore the beauty of North Beach.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Water bottle: Stay hydrated during the tour!

• Comfortable shoes: Wear sneakers for walking.

• Your camera: Don't forget to capture memories, and be sure to tag us on social media!

Tour Highlights:

• Starting from the corner of Mason @ Water, we'll explore pre-earthquake buildings and the historic Hotel San Remo, one of the first Italian-owned hotels in North Beach.
• We'll stroll along Water Street, where the beach used to reach, and learn about its fascinating history.
• Our tour will lead us to Washington Square, where we'll discuss the iconic Saints Peter and Paul Church and share the church's intriguing story.
• We'll traverse Washington Square and uncover the area's rich history as a former Mexican-owned ranch.
• The journey continues to the Pino Library, located in a historic former pasta factory building.
• As we descend Grant Street, you'll be captivated by the tales of the Saloon, the city's oldest bar, and Café Trieste, a hub for artists, musicians, and filmmakers like Coppola, the Beat poets, and 1960s San Francisco luminaries.
• We'll take a short walk to the Church of Saint Francis across the street, featuring a replica of the Porziuncola from Assisi.
• Remaining on Columbus Avenue, we'll briefly explore Broadway and Osgood Street, showcasing some of the city's oldest structures.
• Returning to Columbus, we'll share the history of the first Bank of Italy, which later became the Bank of America, and the inspiring tale of A.P. Giannini, who influenced Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life."
• Across the street, we'll encounter the Columbus Building, known today as the Coppola Building.
• We'll ascend again, passing by City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio Café, with a brief stop in Kerouac Alley.
• Continuing up to Molinari, we'll explore Cole Hardware, the former Rossi Market, and Cavalli Café, a beautiful building with Italian literary ties.
• Our tour concludes on Green Street with a visit to the Fugazi House, a historical gem.
• Finally, enjoy a stop at SFIAC for a complimentary drink

PHOTO RELEASE: By attending this event, I hereby grant ISTITUTO ITALIANO SCUOLA in San Francisco permission to use my likeness in photograph(s) in any publications or publicity materials (including but not limited to books, newsletters, videos, and Web use), in perpetuity. I will make no monetary or other claim against ISTITUTO ITALIANO SCUOLA in San Francisco for the use of the photograph(s).