San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood stands as a vibrant testament to a bygone era, a living echo of the counterculture revolution that swept through America in the late 1960s. More than half a century later, a visit to this iconic district still evokes a powerful sense of the freedom, rebellion, and artistic expression that defined the Summer of Love. While the neighborhood has undeniably evolved, adapting to the changing times with the arrival of upscale boutiques like John Fluevog and familiar chains such as Ben & Jerry’s, the Haight, as it’s affectionately known by locals, resolutely maintains its unique hippie spirit and an atmosphere of open-mindedness.
The main artery of the community, Haight Street, remains a bustling hub of activity, characterized by a diverse collection of smoke shops offering an array of paraphernalia, stores overflowing with exotic Tibetan wares, and a tempting selection of affordable eateries catering to a variety of tastes. Adding to the neighborhood’s distinctive charm, vibrant murals, celebrating the Haight’s one-of-a-kind identity, adorn many of the buildings, injecting bursts of color into the streetscape and harmonizing beautifully with the district’s impressive collection of Victorian houses.
With so much to explore and experience in Haight-Ashbury, deciding where to begin your adventure can be a daunting task. To help you navigate the neighborhood’s many attractions and ensure a memorable visit, here’s a curated list of ten essential things to do in Things to Do in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood.
1. Capture the Moment at the Iconic Haight-Ashbury Street Signs
No visit to the Haight is complete without a pilgrimage to the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets. This unassuming corner has become a globally recognized symbol of freedom, peace, love, and the entire counterculture movement of the 1960s. The northwest intersection, marked by the perpendicular street signs, serves as a powerful reminder of the era’s ideals and aspirations.
Join the ranks of Deadheads, hippies, and curious travelers from around the world who gather at this landmark location. Strike a pose, flash a peace sign, and enlist a friendly local to capture the moment with a photograph. Even the legendary Grateful Dead themselves have posed for photos at this iconic intersection, solidifying its place in cultural history. Standing at this intersection is one of the best Things to Do in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood.
Address: Haight St & Ashbury St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
2. Walk in the Footsteps of the Grateful Dead
The Haight is inextricably linked to the Grateful Dead, the iconic rock band whose music and ethos epitomized the spirit of the counterculture. For Deadheads, a visit to the Haight is an opportunity to walk in the band’s footsteps, relive their music, and immerse themselves in the memories of San Francisco’s Summer of Love.
Just two blocks north of Haight Street lies Panhandle Park, affectionately known as "The Panhandle" by locals. During the Haight’s heyday, this park served as a vibrant venue for countless free concerts, featuring legendary acts such as Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, and, of course, the Grateful Dead.
For a more intimate connection to the band’s history, seek out 710 Ashbury, the converted boarding house where the entire band resided for much of the late 1960s. This privately-owned Victorian, located less than two blocks south of Haight Street, between Waller and Frederick streets, served as the band’s creative hub during their formative years. It was within these walls that they honed their signature sound, experimenting with new musical ideas and solidifying their place in rock and roll history. Stories about the house abound, including tales of an infamous 1967 drug bust and a water balloon prank involving band member Bob Weir and the San Francisco Police Department. While the house may not bear obvious signs of its storied past, it remains a significant landmark for fans of the Grateful Dead. Take a moment to reflect on the history that transpired within its walls.
Address: 710 Ashbury St, San Francisco, CA 94117-4014, USA
3. Ascend to Scenic Heights at Buena Vista Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of Haight Street and ascend to the tranquil heights of Buena Vista Park, a long-standing destination on the San Francisco hippie circuit. As the city’s oldest official park, Buena Vista offers a refreshing respite from the urban landscape.
Spanning 37 acres, the park’s steep terrain rises to a height of 575 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of downtown San Francisco and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Explore the park’s network of wide pathways and forested dirt trails, providing a welcome opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Adding to the park’s unique character, fragments of marble tombstones, remnants of the city’s former Gold Rush-era graveyards, line some of the walkways. These tombstones were relocated to Colma, in the South Bay, when the cemeteries were moved. In recent years, coyote sightings have become increasingly common within the park, adding a touch of wilderness to this urban oasis.
Address: Buena Vista &, Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Phone: +1 415-831-5500
4. Immerse Yourself in Music at Amoeba Music
For music lovers, a visit to Amoeba Music is an absolute must. Opened in 1997 within the cavernous space of a former bowling alley, this massive record store has become a cultural institution in the Haight. With an expansive 24,000 square feet of retail space, Amoeba Music offers an unparalleled selection of music across various genres and formats.
As one of three locations in California, with sister stores in Berkeley and Los Angeles, Amoeba Music provides endless opportunities for exploration. Browse through aisles of new and used vinyl records, spanning genres from jazz to rock to electronic music. Discover hidden gems among the collection of audio cassettes and explore the latest releases on CD. A separate, smaller room is dedicated to DVS and VHS tapes, catering to collectors of vintage media.
Adding to the store’s vibrant atmosphere, musicians and DJs occasionally perform live at Amoeba Music, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for shoppers.
Address: 1855 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Phone: +1 415-831-1200
5. Embark on a Guided Walking Tour
To delve deeper into the Haight’s rich cultural history and uncover hidden gems, consider joining a guided walking tour. Numerous options are available, catering to a variety of interests and preferences.
Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s counterculture past with a hippie-themed tour, such as the Haight-Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour. Discover the sites of significant historical events, such as Charles Manson’s garage and the hideout house of newspaper heiress Patty Hearst during her time with the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA).
For culinary enthusiasts, embark on a food tour and sample the diverse culinary offerings of the neighborhood, from authentic Thai cuisine to innovative fusion dishes.
You can even combine multiple tours and create a full-day itinerary, exploring the Haight’s history, culture, and cuisine in depth.
6. Marvel at the Neighborhood’s Colorful Victorian Architecture
San Francisco is renowned for its spectacular Victorian architecture, and the Haight is home to some of the city’s most impressive examples. Stroll through the neighborhood and admire the bold, bright, and finely detailed Edwardian, Italianate, and Queen Anne structures that line the streets.
These Victorian homes are often adorned in a vibrant array of colors, a trend that originated in the 1960s when homeowners began customizing their homes by painting every detail in a unique shade, from the exterior balustrades to the fish-scale shingles.
Don’t miss the colorful row of Central Avenue Victorians between Haight and Page streets, and the homes on Waller Street just west of Masonic Avenue, known as the "Four Seasons."
7. Relax and Unwind on Hippie Hill
Another iconic Haight-Ashbury destination that has remained popular since the 1960s is Hippie Hill, a grassy slope located on the east end of Golden Gate Park. This legendary spot served as a gathering place for counterculture icons like Janis Joplin, and the Grateful Dead often performed impromptu jam sessions here.
Bring a picnic blanket and join the crowds of hula hoopers and frisbee throwers who gather on Hippie Hill to enjoy the sunshine and good vibes. The hill is known for its elaborate drum circles, which can attract dozens of drummers and countless dancers on a sunny day.
People-watching is a favorite pastime on Hippie Hill, but be prepared for a large crowd (and a lot of smoke) on April 20, when the hill hosts the city’s annual 420 Gathering.
Address: Hippie Hill, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
8. Explore the Eclectic Shops Along Haight Street
Haight Street offers some of the most unique and interesting shopping experiences in San Francisco. Browse through head shops, stores stocked with Tibetan rugs and wall hangings, and used-clothing boutiques offering vintage treasures.
Notable shops include Piedmont Boutique, known for its colorful drag queen regalia and the iconic fishnet-stockinged legs marking the entrance; Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, selling fedoras, floppy hats, and flat caps; and Loved to Death, with its intriguing collection of taxidermied animals and resin skulls.
Don’t miss The Booksmith, a beloved community bookstore that hosts readings, book signings, and book exchanges.
Address: Haight St, San Francisco, CA, USA
9. Join the Festivities at the Annual Street Fair
Each June, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood comes alive with the annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair, a beloved tradition that has been going strong since the 1970s. On one Sunday in June, Haight Street transforms into a pedestrian-only zone, teeming with revelers who come to partake in the festivities.
Dine on a diverse array of foods, from pad Thai to BBQ chicken legs, and browse through hundreds of vendor stalls selling hand-painted peace signs, Carnival-style party masks, and collectible Haight-Ashbury Street Fair posters.
Enjoy live music performances on stages at either end of the festival throughout the day.
10. Savor the Diverse Culinary Scene
The Haight is known for its diverse selection of food and drinks, ranging from divey martini bars to gourmet gastropubs. You’ll find a wide variety of cuisines represented, including Thai, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and Caribbean.
For a swanky dining experience, visit The Alembic or Magnolia Brewing Co. If you’re looking for live music and cocktails, Club Deluxe and Milk Bar are popular choices. Cha Cha Cha is a great option for large groups, with its shareable tapas and pitchers of sangria.
Visiting and enjoying Things to Do in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood is a great experience!
