Haight-Ashbury symbolized
San Francisco to a tee! The neighborhood has everything you already know, heard of, and would love to know more about this famous city, embodying the city's unique identity for all the world to see. This is where many of America's 1960s counterculture started, giving birth to the hippie movement, highlighting the LGBTQ+ community, supporting Civil Rights, and more. Remnants of that tumultuous time remain throughout the area, from its vintage stores and record shops to the iconic Victorian homes. Discover San Francisco at its core by exploring and learning more about Haight Ashbury.
Where is Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco?
True to its name, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood lies on the intersection of the Haight and Ashbury Streets. It's right by western San Francisco, but specifically on the eastern side of Golden Gate Park. Hence, the district lies in the middle of
San Francisco's central neighborhoods. Part of why it's such a popular area is that it's easily accessible from anywhere. Public transport is easy enough to access, and other, equally popular areas surround the district itself. They include Panhandle, Corona Heights, Cole Valley, and Parnassus Heights, among others.
Is it Safe in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco?
Fortunately, it is. Central neighborhoods near Downtown San Francisco tend to suffer reputations as dangerous areas, but Haight-Ashbury doesn't! Locals and tourists alike know that it's a safe part of the city, even when it tends to get rowdy at times. Loud and gritty though it may be in certain parts, Haight-Ashbury is far from what many would consider a dangerous neighborhood. It doesn't even have high
crime rates in San Francisco. Other districts have much higher crime rates and are dangerous, no matter the time of day.
What's The Vibe in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco?
Haight-Ashbury practically defines San Francisco itself. This is where the past meets the present, upholding the city's fascinating history while providing just as much of its present-day excitement. As already mentioned, the neighborhood birthed many of the 1960s counterculture, and several of its remnants still stand strong here. From its iconic Victorian houses, now painted in bright colors, to its numerous vintage stores that keep the funky ‘60s and ‘70s alive, Haight-Ashbury keeps the past alive. It's also a very welcoming community, making it the perfect place to settle down for just about anyone
moving to San Francisco.
Is it Expensive in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco?
Haight-Ashbury is expensive in the sense that the
living costs in San Francisco are generally high. As a neighborhood within the city itself, it doesn't necessarily stand out as an expensive neighborhood. Things are still pricey here, but they're not that high compared to San Francisco's other central districts. The average rent in Haight-Ashbury, for instance, is around $3,600.00 per month, only slightly higher than the city-wide average. But compared to the rest of the US, that's already a lot! Hence, Haight-Ashbury is even more expensive than full-blown cities and small towns.
What to See in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco
Cultural landmarks define Haight-Ashbury, especially since the neighborhood itself is the historic district that helped give birth to many counterculture movements in the late 1960s. The legendary Ameoba Music store stands as the perfect example of this. Located on Haight Street, it's a record vintage shop that still champions the music of the past, almost as if you're still in the '60s or early '70s. The colorful Love on Haight vintage clothing store is very much the same, but instead of music, the place focuses on fashion. And of course, you can't forget about the beloved Golden Gate Park nearby.
What to Do in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco
Go out, meet people, make friends, enjoy local eats, and shop vintage. Haight-Ashbury is one of the best places to enjoy a day (and night) out on the town in San Francisco. The famous vintage shops offer a fascinating slice of the 1960s counterculture movements that helped define the city, offering vintage music, fashion, and more to keep the iconic hippie vibe alive. Haight Street alone also boasts a myriad of amazing restaurants, cafes, diners, bars, and more, making up the ultimate foodie scene in the city. Here, you can eat out, meet people, and make new friends along the way!
The Best Restaurants in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco
San Francisco may have many fascinating culinary scenes, but the one in Haight-Ashbury, specifically along Haight Street, is not to be missed! For one thing, this one street already offers a diverse array of eateries, serving different cuisines, providing different vibes, and most importantly, having different price points. No matter what you're craving or you can afford, you'll still find a place to enjoy here. Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill and DragonEats boast flavorful, exotic cuisines, while 1428 HAIGHT Patio Cafe & Creperie and Magnolia SF champion classic American food. What's not to love?
You’ll find some of San Francisco’s best eateries in Haight-Ashbury, including:
- 1428 HAIGHT Patio Cafe & Creperie on Haight Street
- Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill on Haight Street
- Cha Cha Cha on Haight Street
- DragonEats on Haight Street
- Magnolia SF on Haight Street
- Parada 22 on Haight Street
- Pork Store Cafe on Haight Street
- Slice House by Tony Gemignani on Haight Street
- The Alembic on Haight Street
- Uva Enoteca on Haight Street
What to Know About Renting in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco
As already mentioned, rent in Haight-Ashbury is pretty expensive. The average rent here is about $3,600.00 per month, slightly higher than the city-wide average and almost double the nationwide average in the US. So while it's not exactly particularly high compared to the rest of San Francisco, it's substantially more expensive than the rest of the country. $3,600.00 per month will already get you as much as a three-bedroom rental in other American cities, but only a one or two-bedroom
luxury apartment in San Francisco. If you want a bigger place, expect to pay a lot more per month!
To get to know Haight-Ashbury is to get to know San Francisco! It's one of the very few neighborhoods that truly embody what this colorful city is all about, from its immense diversity, fascinating history, and more.
