We at FOOT! fun walking tours are very excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, and will be offering special FLASHBACK tours all year long. Relive the Psychedelic '60s—or experience them for the first time—on one of our fun- and fact-filled tours that explore the Haight-Ashbury district, the counterculture movement that put it on the map, the San Francisco music scene, and some of the significant figures that represent that era.
FUN FLASHBACK FACTS
Flashback examines the rise and fall of the Haight-Ashbury hippie culture. Starting in 1964 as a utopian ideal of peace, love, and flower children, the dream was virtually over by 1968 when the streets filled to capacity and the trip turned bad, man. Really bad.
We see the locations of some of the most memorable events of the tie-dyed Summer of Love, as well as the former homes of the Grateful Dead, the Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, and other notable characters. The tour also discusses the music, poster art, and lifestyles that defined the Hippie era in San Francisco’s most colorful neighborhood.
We’ll also cover the role of the Diggers, a group of activists who organized “happenings,” opened soup kitchens, and operated “free stores” in the Haight. (How were they able to give so many away free goods? Volume.)
Flashback explores a neighborhood that avoided the Great Fire of 1906, so you’ll see some old Victorian homes, as well as some of today’s colorful characters—we recommend packing a camera.
This tour discusses the sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll of the hippie era, including the San Franciscan psychedelic music scene.
tour distance: about 16 blocks
tour duration: about two hours
hills: mostly flat walking
ending location: the "Old Fire House" at Waller and Stanyan
Frequently asked questions about Flashback:
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit card. Cash is not accepted.
What if it rains?
The Flashback tour runs rain or shine! We have a bad-weather version for rainy days so you will still enjoy yourself just as much.
What if I want to go on a day and time that isn’t offered?
Additional dates and times of this tour that are not on our schedule may be available upon request, but keep in mind that there may be an additional fee per ticket charged in order to accommodate your special request. Please click on the “Contact FOOTtours” link to let us know what date and time you are interested in!
Are there any hills on this tour?
This tour is mostly level with just a couple of moderate hills.
Do we walk the whole time?
The tour is about half walking and half talking. We stop, discuss a building, person, or historical event, then move to the next stop. We will be making about 12 stops along the tour.
Are children allowed?
Due to the nature and content of this tour, we label it PG-13. Use your judgment bringing children!
Does the tour end where we start?
The tour ends at the "Old Fire House" at Waller and Stanyan. We feel we can show more of the City by ending in a different area. Plus, we don't want you to have to walk up any hills more than once!
Should we tip our guide?
We encourage it. Like all service professions, if you enjoyed the tour, the guide appreciates a tip!
Why can't we pay with cash?
Because tours often sell out in advance, tickets must be purchased ahead of time by credit card. Also, some guides are uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash through high-traffic areas. (But they do appreciate a tip at the end of the tour!)
Should we drive to where the tour starts?
We recommend NOT driving in San Francisco. It's noisy, confusing, and frustrating--then you have to park, which is more of the same (and expensive). We'll supply you with other options after you purchase your tickets.
Are there bathrooms along the way?
We have a few bathroom opportunities along the route, so if you need to stop, please let us know and we will accommodate you.
What should we bring on the tour?
Always be prepared for San Francisco's climate: dress in layers and check the forecast for tour day. Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a camera are recommended. The city has a confusing pattern of streets, so a map can be handy, too. Bring extra cash if you might want to buy coffee or a snack along the way.
Who will my tour guide be?
No particular guide is guaranteed for this tour, but all of our guides are professional entertainers and will show you a good time! From comic actors to stand up comedians and improvisers, we have it all. All of our guides are history buffs as well, and will teach you more than you can imagine about the stops along the way.
Is the tour strenuous?
No. The tour is about two hours long, covering 16 blocks of mostly flat walking.
Where should we park?
We strongly recommend public transportation. Parking is very limited and can be tricky in residential areas. We'll supply other options after you purchase your tickets. If you do park in the Haight, be sure to carefully read the street signs, as parking may be unavailable due to street cleaning, for example.
Where can I get a map?
San Francisco's streets were laid out by a drunk who received death threats for the poor job he did. A map is essential because streets can turn into paths or change names. Ask your hotel concierge for a map; they can also provide other helpful information.
Are any meals included?
No, there are no meals on this tour, but we often stop mid-way for a coffee break if our participants request it.
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Sure! Feel free to pack a light knapsack with a snack and bottle of water. There are no meals included on the tour, but we may stop for a quick coffee break if the guests request it!
Can we take pictures?
Certainly!
Can I take a stroller on the tour?
Yes, strollers are allowed on the tour, but we do go over many curbs, potholes, and doorways. It may be rather difficult to bring a stroller, but of course you are welcome to if you'd like.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the various hills, curbs, and bumps involved. Please check out one of our other tours!
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Dogs are allowed on the tour but may not be permitted in some of the buildings that we enter.
Are gift certificates available for this tour?
Yes! Gift certificates for FOOT! comedy walking tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact" link.
Can I book a private tour?
Certainly! We offer tours for private groups, family events, and corporate team building. We can accommodate a variety of special requests as well, including starting and finishing locations, topics, tour lengths, and just about anything. Please use the "Contact FOOTtours" link to inquire further about special group rates and customized tours.
THE SHORT TRIP tour details
This mini version of the FLASHBACK tour is 67 minutes of the highlights of 1967. (Since this is San Francisco, it's wise to add about 15-20 minutes to every trip.) We'll give you the basics you need to get your bearings in the Haight and of the Summer of Love, including the following:
The “Rolling J’s” Game and how the Good die Young
The Diggers: Unsung Heroes of the Summer of Love
The Human Be-In: how it all began
Unique Victorian Architecture
The Chutes
Anarchist Bookstore: Don’t Ask for the Manager
Map to the Stars’ Homes: Grateful Dead, Janis, and Jimi
Frequently asked questions about The Short Trip:
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit card. Cash is not accepted.
What if it rains?
The Short Trip tour runs rain or shine! We have a bad-weather version for rainy days so you will still enjoy yourself just as much.
What if I want to go on a day and time that isn’t offered?
Additional dates and times of this tour that are not on our schedule may be available upon request, but keep in mind that there may be an additional fee per ticket charged in order to accommodate your special request. Please click on the “Contact” link to let us know what date and time you are interested in!
Are there any hills on this tour?
This tour is mostly level with just a couple of moderate hills.
Do we walk the whole time?
The tour is about half walking and half talking. We stop, discuss a building, person, or historical event, then move to the next stop. We will be making about 10 stops along the tour.
Are children allowed?
Due to the nature and content of this tour, we label it PG-13. Use your judgment bringing children!
Does the tour end where we start?
The tour ends at Haight Street near Clayton. We feel we can show more of the City by ending in a different area. Plus, we don't want you to have to walk up any hills more than once!
Should we tip our guide?
We encourage it. Like all service professions, if you enjoyed the tour, the guide appreciates a tip!
Why can't we pay with cash?
Because tours often sell out in advance, tickets must be purchased ahead of time by credit card. Also, some guides are uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash through high-traffic areas. (But they do appreciate a tip at the end of the tour!)
Should we drive to where the tour starts?
We recommend NOT driving in San Francisco. It's noisy, confusing, and frustrating--then you have to park, which is more of the same (and expensive). We'll supply you with other options after you purchase your tickets.
Are there bathrooms along the way?
We have a few bathroom opportunities along the route, so if you need to stop, please let us know and we will accommodate you.
What should we bring on the tour?
Always be prepared for San Francisco's climate: dress in layers and check the forecast for tour day. Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a camera are recommended. The city has a confusing pattern of streets, so a map can be handy, too. Bring extra cash if you might want to buy a snack along the way.
Who will my tour guide be?
No particular guide is guaranteed for this tour, but all of our guides are professional entertainers and will show you a good time! From comic actors to stand up comedians and improvisers, we have it all. All of our guides are history buffs as well, and will teach you more than you can imagine about the stops along the way.
Is the tour strenuous?
No. The tour is over an hour long, covering 12 blocks of mostly flat walking.
Where should we park?
We strongly recommend public transportation. Parking is very limited and can be tricky in residential areas. We'll supply other options after you purchase your tickets. If you do park in the Haight, be sure to carefully read the street signs, as parking may be unavailable due to street cleaning, for example.
Where can I get a map?
San Francisco's streets were laid out by a drunk who received death threats for the poor job he did. A map is essential because streets can turn into paths or change names. Ask your hotel concierge for a map; they can also provide other helpful information.
Are any meals included?
No, there are no meals on this tour, but we are happy to offer advice on places to eat.
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Sure! Feel free to pack a light knapsack with a snack and bottle of water.
Can we take pictures?
Certainly!
Can I take a stroller on the tour?
Yes, strollers are allowed on the tour, but we do go over many curbs, potholes, and doorways. It may be rather difficult to bring a stroller, but of course you are welcome to if you'd like.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the various hills, curbs, and bumps involved. Please check out one of our other tours!
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Dogs are allowed on the tour but may not be permitted in some of the buildings that we enter.
Are gift certificates available for this tour?
Yes! Gift certificates for FOOT! comedy walking tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact FOOTtours" link.
Can I book a private tour?
Certainly! We offer tours for private groups, family events, and corporate team building. We can accommodate a variety of special requests as well, including starting and finishing locations, topics, tour lengths, and just about anything. Please use the "Contact FOOTtours" link to inquire further about special group rates and customized tours.