Haight-Ashbury District
Simply called “The Haight,” it is a historic San Francisco neighborhood known for its role as the birthplace of 1960s counterculture. Famous for the Summer of Love in 1967, it became a gathering spot for hippies, musicians, and free thinkers. Today, Haight-Ashbury retains its bohemian vibe with vintage clothing stores, eclectic shops, and quirky cafes along Haight Street.
Things to do and see:
Explore Haight Street’s iconic shops and boutiques—Haight Street is lined with an eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and unique boutiques. The blocks of Haight Street between Stanyan Street and Divisadero are a fun place to browse. The neighborhood is full of excellent vintage and secondhand stores, like Decades of Fashion and Static.
Stop by Love on Haight for tie-dye everything or Held Over for true vintage finds. Location: 1400 Haight Street.
Amoeba Music, housed in a former bowling alley, is a must-see for music lovers with its extensive vinyl collection. Amoeba also has free concerts pretty often. Location: 1855 Haight Street.
Visit the Red Victorian—This historic, brightly colored building on Haight Street, built in 1904, was transformed into a cultural hub and boutique hotel in the 1970s. It now serves as a reminder of the neighborhood’s history as a gathering place for artists, activists, and travelers.
The Painted Ladies—The famous postcard view of the row of Victorian houses with the downtown skyline behind is just a few blocks from the Haight. Head for the block of Fulton Street between Scott and Steiner.
The Psychedelic Murals and Street Art—Haight-Ashbury is known for its vibrant street art and psychedelic murals, often honoring icons of the 1960s like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Grateful Dead. Walking around Haight Street and nearby alleys, these colorful works add to the district’s artistic energy.
See the Historic Haight-Ashbury Intersection—The famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets is necessary to photograph the district’s heyday during the Summer of Love in 1967. Many original Victorian houses remain, along with landmarks where counterculture legends once lived.
Visit the Grateful Dead House—This historic house was home to the Grateful Dead in the 1960s and became a meeting place for artists and fans. While you can’t go inside, the house remains a popular pilgrimage spot for fans and anyone interested in rock history. Location: 710 Ashbury Street.
People-Watch at Buena Vista Park—San Francisco’s oldest park, Buena Vista Park, offers fantastic views of the city from the hilltop and is a favorite spot for locals to relax, walk their dogs, or read. After exploring Haight Street, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy panoramic City views.
Parks and Open Spaces Nearby—Besides Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square Park has famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses nearby. Duboce Park is another quiet green space close to the neighborhood where you can relax.
Learn about the Area’s History at the Doolan-Larson Building—Situated at the corner of Haight and Ashbury, this building has been preserved as a historic landmark. It offers occasional tours and exhibits about the counterculture movement and the area’s role in the 1960s.
Attend a Local Event or Music Performance—Haight-Ashbury is a cultural center that regularly hosts small concerts, art shows, and events, especially in the summer. The Red Victorian and Club Deluxe are popular spots to catch live music celebrating the neighborhood’s spirit.
More on Golden Gate Park here.
Haight Street Festival
The annual street festival on Haight Street is one of the most colorful. There are lots of crafts on display and fun stalls to browse. The Haight Street Festival is held in June each year. See the Haight Ashbury festival for a future schedule.