The best unique sights and experiences that San Francisco has to offer.

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San Francisco can be a kid-friendly place if you know where to go .

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In a Nutshell...

1967 was the Summer of Looove and Haight Ashbury was the center of the hippy universe. Tens of thousands of them poured into this neighborhood near Golden Gate Park's panhandle, to tune in, turn on and drop out, as the mantra went. It was far out, man.

 

The area was referred to as Haight Ashbury after the corner of the two street of those names. This was the galactic center of the hippy happening. Time was, this was the most famous corner in the TV and newspaper worlds, as everyone on the straight planet gobbled up stories about scads of 14 year old urchins littering the sidewalks, stoned out of their little minds, lurid stories about "free love" parties on rotten old mattress on the floor and people on "bad trips" attempting to fly out of second story windows. Not so groovy, that one.

 

 

Fast forward to today, and the Haight, as it is more often referred to these days, still has a lot of its Hippy Mojo going, though the old timers grumble about gentrification. Walking though the area one is left scratching his head about what the complaint refers to.

It is still the go-to place for all your psychedelic counterculture shopping needs. There you will find marijuana dispensaries (for medicinal purposes only, wink, wink), bong shops, bookstores selling underground comics and do-it-yourself-guides on how to over throw society and used record stores and stores selling all things hemp (which, btw, will save the planet). Second hand clothing stores are particularly abundant. The area is filled with dive bars and cheap cafes and if you wander off the main drag, there are dozens of brightly colored Victorians to remind you that the deadhead spirit still lives on.

 

 

Ever since the 70's they have been holding an annual street fair in June, which celebrates all things Haight, Hippy and/or Hemp. For the latest details visit: HaightAshburryStreetFair.org

 

The area is divided into two district separated by some residential blocks, the Upper Haight and the Lower Haight. The Upper is a more happening place, but the edgier Lower is not to be missed if you want the complete Haight experience. Besides, it is home to Rosamunde, which is worth the trip down the hill in itself.

 

View Haight Street Shopping in a larger map

 

Random shots of the Haight...