San Francisco was the mecca for counterculture enthusiasts during the hippie movement of the 1960s. Beatniks, poets, hippies and musician, including the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, came to San Francisco resulting in a mainstream shift in the development of the hippie movement as a social statement and part of history. There are several companies that offer walking tours of the historical sites and areas that were once frequented by the major players in this cultural phenomenon.
The Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour allows you to see and learn more about the counterculture of San Francisco during the 1960s. Filled with history lessons about hippies and architecture, participants walk 12 blocks to visit important sites that include the Psychedelic History Museum, the Grateful Dead House, Straight Theater, the Love Pageant Rally and the California Baseball League. Tours begin near Stanyan and Waller Streets, with exact meeting location details provided once you purchase your ticket. Tickets are sold online or by phone. Children under 9 are admitted free of charge. Tours last approximately 2 1/2 hours, and are held every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, no matter the weather conditions.
Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour
P.O. Box 170106
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-863-1621
haightashburytour.com
Visitors to San Francisco can attend a walking tour to learn all about the historical locations of the hippie movement. Foot! Comedy Walking Tours hosts Flashback: From the Summer of Love to the Winter of Discontent, a 2-hour trip that includes the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Participants visit historical homes of several rock 'n' roll legends, including the Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead, while learning about lifestyles, music and artwork that is significant to the hippie era. Tours cover 16 blocks of flat ground and hills. Participants must be at least 13 years old. Tickets must be purchased in advance, by phone or online, and when you purchase your ticket you will receive the meeting place address for the tour. Tours are held rain or shine.
Foot! Comedy Walking Tours
Flashback: From the Summer of Love to the Winter of Discontent
415-793-5378
foottours.com
The San Francisco City Guides (SFCG), a non-profit organization, provides free walking tours led by local volunteers. A tour of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood invites you to explore the history of this Victorian-era resort site by walking through its streets and parks. The tour is rated as somewhat strenuous and is available year-round every Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Tours last from 1 1/2 to 2 hours, rain or shine, and you do not need to make a reservation. The SFCG describe their tour as a mixture of San Franciso popular locations and little-known landmarks. Donations are welcome, and you can arrange special tours for fee by contacting the SFCG.
Meeting Location:
Park Branch Library
1833 Page St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-355-5656
San Francisco City Guides
c/o San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-557-4266
sfcityguides.org
