City Lights Booksellers & Publishers: A Literary Landmark
Explore a literary landmark in North Beach: City Lights Booksellers, championing Beat Generation literature and progressive ideals since 1953.
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, a beacon of literary culture in San Francisco's North Beach, was founded in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin. As the first all-paperback bookstore in the U.S., it quickly became a haven for writers, artists, and activists. City Lights is renowned for publishing Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" and championing Beat Generation literature.
A brief summary to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
- 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94133, US
- +1415-362-8193
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
- Thursday 10 am-10 pm
- Friday 10 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Explore all three floors of the bookstore to discover a diverse range of literary genres and themed sections.
- Check the store's event calendar for author readings, book signings, and other literary events.
- Visit the Poetry Room on the top floor to browse an extensive collection of poetry and enjoy views of the neighborhood.
- Take a stroll down Jack Kerouac Alley, located next to the bookstore, to experience the heart of the Beat Generation.
- Browse the City Lights Publishers section to discover works by progressive and innovative authors.
Getting There
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Walking
City Lights is located in the North Beach neighborhood, a short walk from many popular attractions. From Washington Square Park, head northeast on Columbus Avenue for two blocks. The bookstore will be on your right, at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Broadway. From the Transamerica Pyramid, walk north on Columbus Avenue for approximately six blocks. City Lights will be on your left.
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Public Transport
Several bus lines serve the area around City Lights. Take the 8X bus to the Kearny and Pacific stop, then walk one block up Columbus to Broadway. Alternatively, take the 30 Stockton or 45 Union/Stockton bus to the Stockton & Broadway stop, then walk two blocks east to Columbus. The nearest Muni Metro station is Montgomery Street. From there, transfer to the 8X or 30 Stockton bus lines on Kearny Street, or walk approximately ten blocks north. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 with a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass, valid on all Muni buses and streetcars (excluding cable cars), is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. A short ride from downtown or Fisherman's Wharf to City Lights typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Note that prices may be higher during peak hours or special events.
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