Syn City SF: The Haight-Ashbury

San Francisco, California, United States

(12)

Walking Tour

15 mins

3mi

About the Tour

The Haight-Ashbury is San Francisco's most colorful neighborhood! It's even more spectacular when viewed through the filter of synesthesia, a rare neurological condition that fuses one's senses. Synesthetes experience sensations such as colored music and flavored words. You'll feel the Haight-Ashbury from a synesthetic perspective as we explore this historic district.

Our route will take us along vibrant Haight Street, past landmarks important to the 1967 "Summer of Love" and San Francisco's dynamic music scene. Then, we will stroll through lush Golden Gate Park to a post-modern observation tower nine stories above the city streets. Throughout our journey, we'll explore the otherworldly experience of synesthesia as we see rainbow-hued murals and buildings adorned with psychedelic shapes.

Please join me for a fascinating walk through the hippy epicenter of 1960s counter-culture, the Haight-Ahbury!

Tour Producer

CC Hart

I am a writer, artist and synesthete; my senses are conflated through a neurological phenomenon called synesthesia. Like many people with this condition, I have multiple forms of interlinked perception. I see all of my numbers and letters in color. I feel units of time around my body. For me, music has color, texture and sensation on my skin as much as it has sound.

I feel lucky to live in San Francisco, California, an incredibly dynamic and creative city. I'm delighted to have your company on journeys that are filtered through the lens of synesthesia. Let's go!

Map

Major Landmarks

Haight Street
Ashbury Street
Golden Gate Park
DeYoung Museum

Directions to Starting Point

Our journey starts at the South-East corner of Stanyan Street and Haight Street. There is a McDonald's directly on the corner where we begin our walk.

BART: Civic Center Exit
Transfer to MUNI Metro platform and “N” Judah train
Exit "N" train at Carl St and Stanyan St
Walk 4 blocks North along Stanyan St
Our start point for Syn City SF: The Haight-Ashbury is on your right.
We begin our tour on the South-East corner of Haight St and Stanyan St.

SF MUNI Metro:
“N” Judah train
Exit "N" train at Carl St and Stanyan St
Walk 4 blocks North along Stanyan St
Our start point for Syn City SF: The Haight-Ashbury is on your right.
We begin our tour on the South-East corner of Haight St and Stanyan St.

SF MUNI Bus System:

The Haight-Ashbury is served by the 7, 7R, and the 33 lines.
Our start point for Syn City SF: The Haight-Ashbury is on the South-East corner of Haight St and Stanyan St.

Parking in the Haight-Ashbury is limited in the residential neighborhoods to 2 hours Monday through Friday. It is free on Saturday and Sunday. Parking meters offer a maximum of 2 hours parking, and are in operation Monday through Saturday. Metered parking is free on Sunday. There is street parking in Golden Gate Park; most areas allow for 4 hours of free parking. Be sure to check all parking signs for accurate information.

Our start point for Syn City SF: The Haight-Ashbury is on your left.
We begin our tour on the South-East corner of Haight St and Stanyan St.

Show Directions

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

The Haight-Ashbury is an exciting, urban neighborhood with many cafes, restaurants, and bars, should you wish to stop for refreshments. You'll find markets specializing in organic and sustainably grown foods, and breweries offering pints of local ales. Books, music, and Tibetan handcrafts are delightful souvenirs from The Haight-Ashbury. Additionally, the neighborhood's many vintage and contemporary clothing stores are favorites among locals.

Best time of day

The Haight-Ashbury and nearby Golden Gate Park are most enjoyable from mid-morning through late afternoon. Please keep in mind the DeYoung Museum, our final destination, closes at 5:15PM.

Precautions

Keep an eye on your belongings. Use caution crossing all intersections. The Haight-Ashbury has a long history as a home to itinerant individuals and communities; panhandling is common along this route. San Francisco has a maritime climate. Fog can arise quickly any time of year, especially in the summer. Bring a jacket and/or dress in layers.