The Haight is filled with colorful murals, vintage clothing stores, and affordable restaurants. Needless to say, there is plenty to do. The Haight is the birthplace of the counterculture movement that began in the 60s. Also known for the historic hippie vibe that is very much alive today. The Haight is full of history, historic homes, one of a kind stores and home to some of the best vintage/thrift stores. The Haight was one of my favorite districts when I first moved to the city, mainly for the shopping and the uniqueness – it’s truly an Aquarius heaven.
Where To Shop
If you’re into crystals and sound bath instruments there’s a great shop to check out called The Love of Ganesha. The shop is covered from floor to ceiling with all kinds of items, the women that run the shop are so sweet and loving – they’ll have you leaving with higher spirits.
Some of my favorite thrift stores can be found in the Haight. I have found many key wardrobe pieces from Italian leather jackets to cashmere sweatpants to flare jeans. The prices are a little higher than typical thrift stores but depending what you find it can be worth it.
- Wasteland
- Goodwill
- Held Over
- The Love of Ganesha
- Decades Of Fashion
Where To Eat
There’s only a handful of places that I have tried, with the most recent being, Hippie Thai. There are plenty more to choose from but so far these are my favorites that I highly recommend!
- Hippie Thai
- Cha Cha Cha
- Escape From New York Pizza
- Street Taco
- Coffee To The People
Famous Houses
Up and down the cross streets you can find unique homes that are absolutely gorgeous. Many of these homes housed some of the most interesting people.
- 710 Ashbury St.- The Grateful Dead;
- 719 Ashbury St.- The Hell’s Angels;
- 635 Ashbury St., 122 Lyon- Janis Joplin;
- 612 Ashbury St.- Country Joe McDonald;
- 1018 Page St.- Big Brother and the Holding Company;
- 1550 Page St.- “Hippie Temptation” house (site of CBS documentary);
- 1828 Page St.- Ron Donovan (psychedelic concert poster artist);
- 879 Haight St.- Flipper (famous punk band);
- 636 Cole St.- Charles Manson;
- 731 Buena Vista West- Graham Nash (and several owners later) Bobby McFerrin;
- 264 Downey St.- Michael McClure (Beat-era play-write, poet);
- 1235 Masonic Ave.- Patty Hearst hid in Symbionese Liberation Army safe-house
- 32 Delmar St.- Sid Vicious (site of non-fatal overdose after last Sex Pistols show)
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I hope you have as much fun thrifting and checking out all the unique shops that made the Haight so special! Let me know what treasures you end up finding as you explore this part of San Francisco.
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