The Summer of Love Still Lives

Haight-Ashbury remains the spiritual epicenter of the counterculture movement that peaked during the 1967 Summer of Love The Summer of Love in Sa…. While tech-driven gentrification has reshaped much of San Francisco, this four-hour walking route dives into the neighborhood’s enduring soul by skipping the tie-dye tourist traps in favor of authentic preservation. The journey starts at Amoeba Music, housed in a former bowling alley. It is more than a retail space; it is a repository of West Coast musical history where the red and yellow bags function as a local badge of honor The history of San Franc…. Transitioning from high-energy record crate digging to the neighborhood's curated aesthetic requires a discerning eye. The middle leg of this route emphasizes the Haight's role as a haven for self-expression through vintage fashion and street art. Avoiding the commercialized 'hippie' costumes found on the main drag allows for a deeper appreciation of the Victorian architecture and the subcultures—from Deadheads to design nerds—that still claim these streets. Ending the afternoon at Booksmith and Buena Vista Park provides a necessary exhale. This route works because it balances the sensory overload of Upper Haight’s retail with the quiet, elevated terrain of one of the city's oldest parks. It connects the literal birthplace of the hippie movement with the intellectual and physical landscapes that continue to sustain San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of the unconventional.

What to Expect

Expect heavy foot traffic on Haight Street, especially on weekends. Parking is notoriously difficult; taking the 7 or 33 MUNI bus is highly recommended. While Amoeba is spacious and accessible, the vintage shops can feel cramped. Budget approximately $50–$100 if planning to shop, as high-quality vintage and rare vinyl carry premium price tags. Dress in layers—the fog often rolls over Buena Vista Park by late afternoon, causing rapid temperature drops.

The Route

1

Amoeba Music

50

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity50

Infrastructure40

Terrain50

Safety50

Lighting50

Amenities50

Transit50

"Start your Haight-Ashbury pilgrimage by digging through the cassettes and rare posters; this massive space perfectly captures the neighborhood's original counterculture energy."

30-45 min4 min

4 min · 366 m50

2

With Love Vintage

50

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity50

Infrastructure40

Terrain50

Safety50

Lighting50

Amenities50

Transit50

"Skip the crowd and head straight for the back—it's rare to find a vintage spot that curates a dedicated plus-size section alongside great masc and femme pieces."

30-45 min4 min

4 min · 326 m50

3

Deadhead

50

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity50

Infrastructure40

Terrain50

Safety50

Lighting50

Amenities50

Transit50

"Stand precisely on the corner of Ashbury and Waller to see the hidden 'Steal Your Face' mural before the tourists swarm the stairs."

30-45 min5 min

5 min · 466 m50

4

Buena Vista Park

50

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity50

Infrastructure40

Terrain50

Safety50

Lighting50

Amenities50

Transit50

"Skip the paved paths and head for the dirt trails to find the 'hidden' vistas; it's the quietest spot in the city to clear your head above the Haight."

30-45 min8 min

8 min · 718 m50

5

Booksmith

50

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity50

Infrastructure40

Terrain50

Safety50

Lighting50

Amenities50

Transit50

"Look for the 'blind date' books wrapped in brown paper—they are the ultimate souvenirs, but make sure to check the back room first for the art collection."

45 min - 1 hr11 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions