San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood
Haight-Ashbury photo uploaded by wili_hybrid
In the mid-1960’s, the corner of Haight and Ashbury was one of the most famous intersections in perhaps the world, as young people flocked to the area in a search love and peace. The Summer of Love is still swinging in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, also known as the “global village.”
Only now, brightly colored Victorians, funky t-shirt shops, hookah bars, and psychedelic music and art meet hip-hop trends and the height of modern fashions. Trendy hipsters, accessorized urbanites, young professionals, and even those still living in the long-gone flower power era stroll down these few blocks of liberal quirkiness.
Whether you are looking for hot pink fishnets, a pair of fresh kicks, or a t-shirt souvenir of a neighborhood overwhelmingly “Californian,” Haight-Ashbury offers both a look into San Francisco’s hippie and Beat generation past as well as its trendy present. Located on the edge of Golden Gate Park, the Haight is the perfect place to glimpse San Francisco from a local perspective as San Franciscans from all backgrounds flock to these streets for a dose of urban diversity.
For music lovers, check out Amoeba Records for a blend of musical history, local bands, and mainstream hits. You will be sure to find that elusive record, obscure music, or a chance to trade in old CDs for new ones. Regardless of your musical preferences, Amoeba Records represents the neighborhood’s history and passion for music—and they offer amazing deals!
Ambiance, a women’s clothing store, is a great place to find high fashion at reasonable prices. If you need a fun top for a night out on the town, or something more appropriate for a work party, you will get a great price on high-end brands, such as French Connection and Free People.
For hip-hop fashion lovers, head to True. They have two locations on Haight—one for men and one for women and offer brands such as Triple Five Soul and Enyce, as well as local urban designers. It’s the perfect place to get unique t-shirts and a pair of sneakers.
For more Eastern-inspired fashions and imported items from around the world. Check out stores such as Dharma Clothing, Genesis Imports, and Tibet Styles. You can also go back in time at stores such as Distractions, where you can glimpse a psychedelic hippie shop, or head to Cheap Thrills for a taste of early 80’s vibe and fashions.
In this neighborhood most shops double as museums and landmarks, providing a living insight into 1960’s hippie culture. Check out the official website for a complete list of shops and vendors.
You may just want to relax in a café and people watch. Neo-punks, fashionites, tourists, and locals all feel at home in this relaxed and fun neighborhood, offering the perfect place to sit back and take in colorful San Franciscan characters. Café International or Cantata Coffee Co. are perfect locations to sit back with a cup of coffee or have a light lunch. All You Knead is a delicious restaurant that serves a generous helping of all-American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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