Overview
The Beat Museum is a unique museum dedicated to the Beat Generation, a literary movement that started in the 1950s. It houses a vast collection of memorabilia, manuscripts, and artifacts related to Beat icons like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady.
The museum preserves and showcases the history and impact of the Beat Generation on American literature and culture.
Location
Address
540 Broadway, San Francisco, California
Neighborhood: North Beach
Coordinates
37.792400, -122.408300
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, September-November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild
- • Beat poetry readings
- • exhibits on Beat summer of love
summer
warm
- • extended summer exhibits
- • Beat Generation documentary screenings
autumn
cool
- • Beat literature workshops
- • Beat Generation history talks
winter
cold and rainy
- • holiday exhibits on Beat Christmas
- • Beat Generation-themed workshops
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book ahead for guided tours
- Bring ID for certain exhibits
- Check weather for outdoor exhibits
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: low
- • stairs to some exhibits
Medical facilities: first aid available
Payment Information
Accepted
credit cards, debit cards
Currency
USD
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable shoes for walking, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • 1 week
- • official website
- • 48 hours
- • available for guided tours
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Beat Museum App
Size: 30 MB
Features: Exhibit map, Audio guide, Ticket booking
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café
Charging Stations: Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Distance: 22 km
Travel Time: 30 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 3 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Rich literary history and unique exhibits
Historical Significance: Preserves the legacy of the Beat Generation
Insider Tips
- Free entry early morning for locals
- Best food at the café next door
Local Recommendations
- • Try a coffee at a nearby Beat-era café
- • Ask for the museum's recommended reading list
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Spanish
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Main exhibit area
Best Time: Daytime
Tips: Capture the detailed exhibits
Result: Great photo ops with Beat memorabilia
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
City Lights Booksellers
Distance: 200m
Walking: 3 min
Type: Bookstore
Coit Tower
Distance: 800m
Walking: 12 min
Type: Landmark
Reviews
Based on 850 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book online for faster entry"
- "Visit early to avoid crowds"
- "Don't miss the guided tours"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (1)
Quick Info
Available Tours
4
Rating
4.5 / 5.0
Reviews
850
Adult Entry
$15