The aroma of Italy still wafts through this old quartiere... now infused with teams of hard partying "youngsters" :)
Washington Square provides a much-needed block of green space and Coit Tower is a short (but steep) hike up Telegraph Hill. Alan Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac and other Beakniks started a tradition of lively drinking at Vesuvio that continues to this day. Late-night hunger pangs and alcohol overdosing can be treated with Golden Boy Pizza.
Just a quick walk up Downtown and Chinatown, and adjoining Fisherman's Wharf - North Beach is easy to combine with other adventures.
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Where's Banksy?! The iconically anonymous artist has a work visible from the massive Broadway and Columbus intersection! An extra special helping of author-love if you email (kevin@sutromedia.com) a photo of it :)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Beach
