San Francisco - Haight District

Haight street in San Francisco has the distinction of being the centerpoint of hippy culture in the 1960's.

With the beat generation (1950's) going to North Beach the lower rent area of Haight, because of a proposed freeway, attracted the people that would become the centre of the "Summer of Love". Lots of influential rock bands started here.

After the decline of the hippie movement it became a hard drug and crime ridden area from 1968 to the early 70's. It then became the proving grounds for famous comedians then for the punk and dance music scene.

Currently it is a mix of all the above things and is great fun to walk around. For those who like used clothes shopping, there are vintage stores of many eras and stores that sell clothes of fictional vintages, like steampunk. Amoeba records is a premiere place to find music, movies and memorabilia. Here is an article from SFGATE on the Haight area and suggestions.