Blog, California, Destinations, San Francisco, United States
The 10 Best Things to Do in Haight Ashbury San Francisco
Jan
Last updated on April 6th, 2025 at 04:58 pm
The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is incredibly popular with tourists and locals. The Haight became immortalized as the countercultural epicenter of the Summer of Love in the 1960s. You can still feel that energy as you walk through the neighborhood today. It’s visible in the street art, the few remaining head shops, and the skunky scent of marijuana that wafts by every now and then.
I remember in high school, I’d go to the Haight to go shopping with my mom. We would pop in and out of thrift stores, get lunch, and then wander the side streets, admiring the houses.
I still love the neighborhood for shopping and a good meal! Plus it borders Golden Gate Park so it’s easy to combine a visit to the Haight with a few hours relaxing in the park!
In this post, I share all of the best things to do in the Haight-Ashbury so you can plan your perfect day exploring this quirky San Francisco neighborhood.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure.
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The History of the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood
The Haight-Ashbury district rose to fame in the 1960s as the home of the hippie movement. The height of this occurred in the summer of 1967 when almost 100,000 people flocked to Haight-Ashbury in search of free love, like-minded anti-war sentiments, and, of course, drugs.
Artists such as the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Yoko Ono, and others made the Haight-Ashbury their home during this time, adding to the allure. If you haven’t heard it yet, this song inspired thousands of people to move to the Haight in the summer of 1967.
While it sounds like it would’ve been an interesting summer, to say the least, the neighborhood could not accommodate the large influx of people, so homelessness, crime, and addiction became a problem.
An anti-capitalist community called the Diggers organized the first free medical clinic, handed out free daily meals, and offered a free store to support the community.
As the flower power hippie movement had become a media sensation and residents were going back to school or work, residents wanted their neighborhood back. It was time to put an end to the counterculture movement. So, at the end of the summer of love, residents of the Haight Ashbury celebrated the “death to the hippie”.
However, remnants of this storied past can still be seen on the streets of Haight Ashbury. In 1966, the first head shop, the Psychedelic Shop, opened its doors, supplying the community with LSD and marijuana. Today, there is one on almost every block in this neighborhood, especially with marijuana now legal. There is still an aura of the anti-establishment mentality here, even if there is a Whole Foods at the end of the street!
What to Do in the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood
Now that you understand the history and the general vibe of Haigh-Ashbury, let’s dive into what to do while you’re there!
Go Shopping in the Haight Ashbury Stores
Today, the Haight is a popular shopping destination in San Francisco. So much so, that some chain stores have moved in. A fact that I’m sure many of its former residents would be incredibly upset about.
Don’t worry, though. Vintage shopping is alive and well in the area. Vintage stores still make up much of the storefronts along Haight Street. You’ll also find record shops, great local bookstores, and of course, multiple head shops. This is also a great place to find funky festival wear!
While I recommend checking out all of the unique stores on Haight Street, here are a few stores as a starting point to find your hidden San Francisco treasures
Wasteland
From designer vintage clothing to thrift store goods, Wasteland has it all. You’ll find some unique items to add to your wardrobe here! Just check the tags, some of the items are a bit on the pricey side.
Location: 1660 Haight
Indigo Vintage
Indigo is a female-owned and operated vintage store that offers an excellent selection of vintage denim in addition to new, local designer items. It’s worth popping into while you’re shopping on Haight!
Location: 1649 Haight
Amoeba Music
Amoeba Records has been a long time resident on the western edge of Haight. It’s known as the World’s Largest Independent music store. You’ll definitely be able to find your favroite band’s most recent record here – all at great prices. This is a must visit for music lovers.
Location: 1855 Haight
Twisted Thistle Apothecary
If you’re looking for incense, unique CBD products, clean beauty products, or healing herbs, this Apothecary is for you! This store has so many goodies, but don’t be overwhelmed. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, helping you find what you need!
Plus, it smells amazing!
Location: 1391 Haight
Top Drawer
Top Drawer offers unique Japanese-style goods, from Bento Boxes to stationary to handkerchiefs! Many of their products are designed with travelers and creatives in mind, so this is the perfect place to find a gift for the globetrotter in your life (or get something for yourself)!
Location: 1409 Haight
Admire the Stunning Victorian Homes
While you probably know of the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square, Haight Ashbury has its own ladies to show off! I think the Victorian homes in the Haight Ashbury district are more ornate and quite a bit more beautiful than their sisters on Alamo Square.
The Four Seasons Victorian homes are particularly gorgeous. Each home is decorated for Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall. You can find these on the corner of Waller and Masonic. The rest of Waller boasts stunning homes, as does Paige Street.
Alternatively, you can search out the homes of former musicians who made Haight Ashbury their home in the 1960s.
Here are a few notables:
- Grateful Dead House: 710 Ashbury Street
- Janis Joplin House: 122 Lyon Street or 635 Ashbury Street
- Jefferson Airplane (among others): 2400 Fulton Street
- Jimi Hendrix: 1524A Haight Street
Enjoy a Coffee
You’re in luck! The coffee craze has not missed Haight-Ashbury! You can re-energize after all of the shopping and climbing up hills with a coffee or tea from one of the unique coffee shops that have found their home here.
Flywheel
Flywheel is a family-owned and operated coffee shop and roaster located across the street from Golden Gate Park. The interior has a very industrial feel, with cement flooring, exposed brick, and beautiful woodwork. The baristas are always welcoming, and while I don’t drink coffee, I can say that their tea selection is excellent. My coffee-drinking friends say their coffee is one of their favorites as well.
Location: 678 Stanyan St.
Coffee to the People
Located on Masonic and Haight, this unassuming coffee shop looks like the perfect place to cozy up on a couch and read or catch up with friends. In addition to a wide selection of coffee and tea, Coffee to the People also has a variety of sandwiches and quiches to satisfy your appetite.
Location: 1206 Masonic Ave
Ritual Coffee Roasters
Ritual Coffee Roasters is located directly across from Buena Vista Park, so you can take your coffee with you on your walk through the park or stop in afterward for a pick-me-up.
Location: 1300 Haight St
California Khave
Although technically located in Golden Gate Park, it’s close enough to Haight-Ashbury that I want to include it here.
California Khave is my favorite coffee shop (I even worked there for a summer). It started as a coffee trailer at Ocean Beach during the pandemic. Then, she added a coffee truck at the Presidio Tunnel Tops. In 2024, the owner, Molly, opened a permanent location at the carousel kiosk in Golden Gate Park.
She serves one of the best matcha lattes in San Francisco and delicious sandwiches. Plus, if you have a little one, you can purchase your carousel tickets here and sip delicious coffee while your kid plays!
Location: Kezar Dr., near the carousel
Relax in One of San Francisco’s Best Parks
If you need a break from shopping, visit one of the three parks surrounding Haight-Ashbury.
Golden Gate Park
While you could easily spend multiple days in Golden Gate Park and not see it all, there are some awesome things to do near Haight Ashbury.
First and foremost is Hippie Hill. In keeping with the traditions of Haight Ashbury, Hippie Hill is where a big 420 celebration takes place every year. But also, on a random Sunday visit, there was a drum circle!
Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, or find a bench and enjoy people-watching in the sun on Hippie Hill. Also nearby is the Conservatory of Flowers, where you can learn about rare and endangered plant species. General Admission is $10-$12, depending on the day of the week you visit.
Buena Vista Park
Buena Vista Park is on the opposite end of Haight Street from Golden Gate Park. This park offers multiple trails leading uphill (it’s steep) with various places to pause to catch your breath while enjoying the view of the city below. On a clear day, you’ll have fantastic views of San Francisco. From the top of Buena Vista Park, you’ll be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge, St. Ignatius Church, Alamo Square, and the Castro.
Panhandle Park
Panhandle Park runs between Fell and Oak Streets, leading into Golden Gate Park. This park is popular amongst runners, cyclists, and dog walkers. Alternatively, find a bench under a tree, spread out a blanket, and relax with a book!
Attend a Festival
There are several festivals throughout San Francisco, especially in the summer months. Here are a few popular ones to add to your list in the Haight.
Haight Ashbury Street Fair
In the summer, the Haight Ashbury Street Fair combines good music with over 200 food and merchandise vendors on Haight Street between Masonic and Stanyan. See if it coincides with your visit to the Haight with more information here.
4/20 Day
If you’re so inclined, celebrate 420 Day on Hippie Hill. Until 2017, this celebration was a bit more underground. However, the legalization of Marijuana in 2017 created a legitimate celebration, which may have taken the fun away just a little bit. Alternatively, if this is not your scene, then plan to explore a different neighborhood in San Francisco on 4/20!
Check details for 4/20 day here.
Take a Walking Tour
Do you want to learn more about the rich history of Haight-Ashbury? Take a free walking tour with San Francisco City Guides and become a part of Haight Ashbury’s history! Learn more about the famous musicians who created unique psychedelic music in these homes. Also, learn about the most infamous resident of the neighborhood, Charles Manson!
Schedule your Haight-Ashbury walking tour here.
Have a Beer at Magnolia Brewery
Magnolia Brewery is on the corner of Haight and Masonic. This is an excellent spot for local beers (literally brewed onsite) and dinner! Stop in for a drink or dinner! I’ve been there twice (both times on dates) and really liked the ambiance.
Take a Photo of the Haight-Ashbury Sign
Perhaps the most famous street sign in San Francisco is at the corner of Haight and Ashbury. Each corner has the Haight-Ashbury intersection sign, so go pick a corner and snap a photo for your Instagram with this famous sign!
Treat Yourself to Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry’s
Just behind one of the Haight-Ashbury street signs is Ben & Jerry’s! This Vermont-based ice cream company offers a locally owned and operated shop in Haight-Ashbury. Stop in for a bite of your favorite flavor or to try something new!
How to Get to Haight Ashbury
By Car
Driving in San Francisco can be stressful, but it’s do-able.
You can drive to the Haight Ashbury neighborhood if you have a car. Street parking is metered on Haight St. However, I recommend finding parking on the side streets, such as Waller, Frederick, or Page.
Parking on these side streets is free, but it is limited to two hours (unless you have a permit). Parking enforcement is brutal in San Francisco, and you will more than likely get ticketed if you overstay. Also, double-check street cleaning signs to make sure you don’t get a ticket for parking when that is scheduled.
Car break-ins are common in the Haight, so take all valuables with you. Your window may still get smashed, but at least there won’t be anything to take.
By Bus/Muni
Public transportation is a great way to get around San Franicsco and multiple bus routes pass through or near Haight-Ashbury.
- From Ocean Beach: Take Bus 5 along Fulton to the Clayton St stop. Walk a few minutes to the Haight.
- From Downtown/Embarcadero/Hayes Valley or Sunset: Take Bus 7, which has multiple stops on Haight St.
- From Presidio Heights/Balboa Park: Take Bus 43 along Masonic Avenue, which has multiple stops on Haight St.
To find a bus route near you, use SFMTA or the MOOVIT app
Where to Stay Near Haight Ashbury
There are plenty of San Francisco hotels in Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Both locations are great places to base yourself for your San Francisco itinerary. But if you want to stay in Haight-Ashbury, these are the two best places to stay!
Stanyan Park Hotel
Stanyan Park Hotel is as close to traditional accommodations as you’ll get in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The hotel is located on Stanyan Street, directly across from Golden Gate Park. Below the hotel is the local favorite, Kezar Pub. This hotel receives high reviews for its customer service and location. However, a homeless encampment is directly across the street if that presents a problem for you.
Check rates and availability here.
The Metro Hotel
Another excellent option is The Metro Hotel on Divisadero and Page Street. This boutique hotel has comfortable rooms, a shared garden, and unique artwork adorning its walls. It’s also highly rated and in the perfect location to explore Haight, NOPA, Alamo Square, and the tasty restaurants on Divisadero.
Check rates and availability here.
I hope you have fun spending a day in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. This quirky neighborhood has so much to offer, and I’m certain you’ll find something that interests you! If I missed an activity, let me know so I can go check it out!
