The Haight - San Francisco, CA Area Guide

More than 100,000 hippies came together in Haight-Ashbury for 1967's Summer of Love, the beginning of the flower-child generation's rebellion against contemporary social and political mores. The Haight became the epicenter for alternative lifestyles, rock and roll – the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin lived there – and free love. Even now, despite inevitable cultural and commercial shifts, the neighborhood acts as a symbol of the hippie movement.

Tourists and long-time locals alike gain historical and cultural insight from the Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour, which focuses on a little bit of everything counterculture, from street art to architecture to the homes of 1960s visionaries.

Locals enjoy the annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair, which celebrates the neighborhood's rich history. Running since 1978, the one-day, mid-June festival features local artists and vendors. Live musicians and performers entertain families on several stages throughout the day.

Cheap dining destinations line Haight Street, with the best selections bunched together between Shrader and Cole. Walk along Haight to find a diverse array of international offerings nestled between pizza joints and traditional American brunch spots. Whatever you crave, you can find in the Haight.

Settle in for brunch at the Pork Store Cafe, right off the intersection of Haight and Ashbury. You might hit a line at the front door, but don't worry – it always moves fast. Eggs in a Tasty Nest has it all: eggs, sauteed vegetables, bacon and hash browns. For true brunch perfection, add sausage gravy to the biscuits that come on the side. Vegetarians, don't let the restaurant's name deceive you; the menu features tons of meat-free options, such as the fluffy banana walnut pancakes.

Immerse yourself in a Caribbean utopia at Cha Cha Cha. Start with the sangria – you'll definitely want the pitcher, enough for eight glasses, if you're dining with friends. If you're looking for a smaller amount they do serve half-pitchers too. For dinner, don't miss the Cajun shrimp, and be sure to save some bread to dip in the spicy sauce.

Meander a little farther down Haight to find Blue Front Cafe, the Mediterranean sandwich shop that draws diners from all over San Francisco. Locals come back for the falafel supreme wrap, a toasted wrap stuffed full of falafel, hummus, sun-dried tomatoes and a lentil/rice mix. Skip the Tabasco and Tapatio sauces on the table; instead, pour on some of Blue Front's perfect house-made hot sauce.

The Haight is more of a daytime destination than a nightlife mecca, but it hosts some respectable bars. If you find yourself there after dark, head to Club Deluxe. With generous bartenders and cheap drinks, Club Deluxe takes care of its patrons. Every second Thursday, this spot features Little Minsky's Burlesque, a $5 vintage extravaganza of sequins and dancing. Arrive early because the good seats go fast.

Metered parking lines Haight, and nearby streets offer street parking as well. However, finding an open spot can be near-impossible. If you need to leave the neighborhood, its central location makes access to Highways 1 and 101 a breeze; 101 takes you straight to Interstate 80 and out of San Francisco.

If your destination is close to home, walking or cycling will suffice. The neighborhood boasts a walkability score of 95 and a bike score of 87. You can find bike lanes everywhere, and drivers know how to share the road. If your travels take you farther away, consider using mass transit. Six bus lines serve the area, and you can get anywhere in the city by bus within about half an hour.

You might see taxis on the street, but you usually can't get them to stop. If you need a cab, call in advance to book one. Several companies serve the area, but locals opt for Green Cab. You can also use Uber or Lyft.

With Golden Gate Park right down the street, it's easy to forget about the parks right in the Haight Neighborhood, Still, there are some good ones. Take the family for a fun afternoon at Buena Vista Park. For no charge, you can take the kids to the playground and get the dog some exercise at the dog run. Joggers get their cardio on the park trails. Set atop a hill, this 37-acre wooded park provides beautiful views of the city below.

The Panhandle, adjacent to the entrance to Golden Gate Park, features a great track with designated bike lanes, so pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the views. With basketball courts and a playground, this is another great, free spot to take the kids.

The lively Haight-Ashbury, a cultural gem, demands a higher cost of living than the rest of San Francisco. The median rental price for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $3,100 per month. A transit ride to the city center costs $2.25 and locals pay 18 percent more per gallon of gas than the national average. Expect to pay about $4 for a pint at the neighborhood bar.

This neighborhood houses dozens of boutique and specialty stores, so if you like to shop, make your way down Haight for endless options. Whether you need clothes or shoes, records or incense, you can find it all on Haight.

For unique gifts or to stock your own supply of crystals and candles, check out The Love of Ganesha. The friendly community-minded store owner, Noot, provides drinks and fresh snacks to store visitors. Buy incense at 12 for a dollar, then slip off your shoes and spend a few minutes in the on-site meditation room.

Augment your wardrobe with special finds from the high-end Relic Vintage. While other shops in the Haight prey on tourists with inflated pricing, Relic keeps prices reasonable. Oran, the owner, loves taking the time to find the perfect piece to match your body type and aesthetic.

Music lovers frequent Amoeba Music, a Haight staple located in an old converted bowling alley. Prepare to spend hours picking through the massive selection of CDs, cassettes and vinyl, and don't forget the movie room. Amoeba regularly hosts musicians for in-store performances and signings.

Locals can stock the pantry at any of several neighborhood grocery stores such as Key Food, Bi-Rite and Whole Foods Market. Head to Haight Street Market for an impressive selection of organic foods and locally grown produce. Shop for beer, wine, cheese, freshly prepared deli items, grass-fed meats and bulk items. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee at Blue Bottle and a freshly baked pastry at the store's cafe.