10 Things to Do in SF: # 6 An Afternoon in the Hippie Haven Haight & Ashbury

Spending an afternoon visiting the district of Haight and Ashbury is an unusual delight, evoking the bohemian within us all.  It was the center of the hippie culture in the 60s set in colorful Victorian architecture. During the day, you'll find a mix of tourists, local and young homeless people.  Traces of peace and love vibe can be seen in the smoking shops, cafes, bookstores, high-end vintage boutiques and second hand shops.

Colorful Victorian  Architecture
One of the many coffee shops along Haight Street
Don't forget to check out the Amoeba Music Store. I spent more than an hour here browsing through old records,  CDs and DVDs and I remember purchasing a copy of Clint Eastwood's 1979 film, Escape from Alcatraz here. (I wanted to watch it before visiting the famous landmark.)

Yes it's legal for those with medical prescription
Smoke shop / Former hippie haven turned upscale neighborhood
Enjoying a lovely walk and a beer break after that
Check out those legs by the window
Inside Golden Gate Park
Lovely neighborhood
Continue walking and at the end of Haight Street intersecting Stanyan Street, you'll find the Entrance to Golden Gate Park.

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On a personal note, we have enjoyed a long weekend due to Hijri New Year + Diwali + Halloween celebrations. Despite a few party invitations, we opted to stay at home for a quiet weekend of rest and relaxation.  In the Philippines,  All Saints Day is usually spent camping with family and friends at the cemetery, lighting up candles, lots of fresh flowers and an all day picnic. Yes, that's right, morbid as it sounds,  it has been a long ongoing practice.  As for me, I lit a scented candle at home with a short prayer to remember departed family. 

What did you do for Halloween?

Have a beautiful Sunday!
Love & light,
Arni

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6 comments

  1. JaneNovember 4, 2013 at 10:58 PM

    what a charming neighborhood. i love the architecture. more and more i wish to visit one day. only got to spend a half a day in san francisco (was on my way to seattle by car from los angeles).

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  2. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 4:58 AM

    Ahh, your post is making me miss SF so much! I love all of the culture and things to do in this vibrant city :)

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  3. Sherry EllisNovember 6, 2013 at 3:27 AM

    You found some really neat places in San Francisco. Now I need to go back and see them for myself!

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  4. DeidreNovember 8, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    Love your pics of The Haight. I didn't really do anything for Halloween.

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  5. miss bNovember 8, 2013 at 6:25 PM

    There's some beautiful architecture in this neighbourgood and I especially like the houses in the first and last pictures. The first photo with the coloured houses reminds me a little of the properties in Notting Hill, London. We enjoyed lots of sweet treats this Halloween but didn't carve a pumpkin this year.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. UnknownNovember 13, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    Amazing photos!

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