Once home to famous singers, cult leaders and revolutionaries, the San Francisco neighborhood of Haight and Ashbury honors its past with its lively vintage culture. Haight and Ashbury rose to fame in the 1960s during the hippie movement, and continued to be a place of inspiration and experimentation. Artists such as Jimi Hendrix lived nearby, while John Lennon and Yoko Ono made frequent visits to this hub of creativity.

As the Vietnam War escalated and tensions rose in America, a group of over 100,000 people traveled to the Haight and Ashbury District for the Summer of Love in 1967. They gathered to celebrate and promote peace and love across the world by sharing their art, music and cultural ideas. Haight and Ashbury was the founding ground for peaceful political resistance.

As late 80s and 90s fashion trends continue to gain popularity, thrifting, especially for vintage pieces, is gaining popularity as well. Besides the obvious economic benefits, thrifting offers more—an edgier and more distinguished style.

One of the most popular thrifting sites in the world is on Haight and Ashbury—known for its vibrant artwork, culture and hippie-vibe. Haight and Ashbury’s hype as being the place to thrift is thoroughly justified. Some of the most popular thrift shops on Haight and Ashbury include Buffalo Exchange, Held Over and one of the largest Goodwills you will likely ever see, known for its vintage clothing and jewelry. If you stop by Held Over, by far the most popular thrift store in San Francisco, you will likely get major flower-power vibes. Whether you’re looking for an 80s shredded Levi’s denim vest or a 60s flower crown, Held Over is the place to go. The store is organized by decade, making shopping more convenient. Often considered the “it-store” of thrifting in the city, this store truly embodies San Francisco’s hippie culture like no other. Whether you’re thrifting as a way to transform your style, find a costume for a decade-themed party or to save money, there truly is no place more perfect for it than in this iconic San Francisco neighborhood.