Grateful Dead House: A Haight-Ashbury Landmark

Visit the former home of the Grateful Dead in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, a legendary landmark of the Summer of Love and a touchstone for music and counterculture enthusiasts.

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Grateful Dead House

The Grateful Dead House, located at 710 Ashbury Street in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, stands as a testament to the city's vibrant counterculture history. From 1966 to 1968, this Victorian house served as the communal residence and headquarters for the legendary band, attracting a community of artists, musicians, and free spirits. Although now a private residence, the house remains a pilgrimage site for Deadheads and those interested in the Summer of Love era. Visitors can soak in the atmosphere of this iconic landmark and explore the surrounding Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, known for its colorful murals, vintage shops, and enduring bohemian spirit. While tours of the interior are not available, the exterior provides a tangible connection to the Grateful Dead's legacy and the cultural revolution they helped inspire. Remember to be respectful of the current residents and enjoy the historical vibe of the area.

A brief summary to Grateful Dead House

710 Ashbury St, San Francisco, Haight-Ashbury, California, 94117, US
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Local tips

Remember that the Grateful Dead House is a private residence; respect the privacy of the current owners.
Explore the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood for vintage shops, murals, and a taste of the area's bohemian spirit.
Visit nearby Amoeba Music, a legendary independent record store, to browse a vast selection of music.
Take a walk through Golden Gate Park, a short distance from Haight-Ashbury, to experience the natural beauty of San Francisco.
Check out the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, a historic institution that reflects the community's values.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, the Grateful Dead House is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Muni Metro N-Judah line to the Cole St & Carl St stop. From there, walk east on Carl Street until you reach Ashbury Street, then turn left and walk a short distance to 710 Ashbury Street. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.75 if you use a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. Alternatively, several bus lines, including the 6, 7, 33, 43, and N BUS, stop near Haight-Ashbury. Get off at Haight St & Ashbury St. and walk a block to the location.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) from downtown San Francisco to 710 Ashbury St will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. The journey usually takes around 10-20 minutes.
Walking

If you are already in the Haight-Ashbury area, the Grateful Dead House is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of Haight and Ashbury, walk north on Ashbury Street for a few blocks. The house is located on the west side of the street. Be aware that Haight-Ashbury can be hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
Driving

Driving to the Grateful Dead House is possible, but parking in Haight-Ashbury can be challenging, especially on weekends. Street parking is available, but it is often limited and time-restricted. There are some parking lots and garages in the surrounding area, such as Kezar Lot at 825 Stanyan St. Parking rates vary, but you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per hour. Be sure to check posted signs for parking regulations and restrictions.

Discover more about Grateful Dead House

The Grateful Dead House, situated at 710 Ashbury Street in San Francisco's iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, is more than just a building; it's a symbol of a generation, a monument to the Summer of Love, and a touchstone for fans of one of the most influential bands in rock history. This unassuming Victorian house served as the communal home and headquarters for the Grateful Dead during their formative years, from October 1966 to March 1968, a period that cemented their place in music history and helped define the counterculture movement. Built in 1890, the house itself is a classic example of San Francisco architecture, a three-story Victorian with a distinctive purple facade that sets it apart from its neighbors. During the Dead's residency, however, the house was less about architectural aesthetics and more about the creative energy that pulsed within its walls. It was a place where music was made, ideas were exchanged, and a community was forged. Band members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan all lived here, along with a rotating cast of friends, family, and fellow musicians. The Grateful Dead's time at 710 Ashbury was a period of intense creativity and experimentation. The band was developing its unique sound, a blend of rock, blues, folk, country, and jazz that would become their trademark. The house was a constant hive of activity, with rehearsals, jam sessions, and parties spilling out onto the streets. It became a gathering place for the Haight-Ashbury community, attracting artists, writers, poets, and anyone who felt drawn to the neighborhood's spirit of freedom and rebellion. The house also played a role in one of the most infamous events in the Grateful Dead's history: the drug bust of October 2, 1967. Narcotics officers, accompanied by reporters and TV crews, raided the house and arrested several residents for possession of marijuana. The incident became a symbol of the clash between the counterculture and the establishment, and it further cemented the Grateful Dead's image as rebels and outlaws. In response to the bust, the band held a press conference at the house, arguing for the decriminalization of marijuana and claiming that if everyone who smoked it were arrested, San Francisco would be empty. Despite the drug bust and the increasing commercialization of Haight-Ashbury, the Grateful Dead's time at 710 Ashbury remains a legendary chapter in the band's history. The house is now a private residence, and tours of the interior are not available. However, fans can still visit the exterior of the house and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic landmark. The surrounding Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is also worth exploring, with its colorful murals, vintage shops, and enduring bohemian spirit. Visiting the Grateful Dead House is like stepping back in time to the Summer of Love. The house stands as a reminder of a period of cultural upheaval and artistic innovation, a time when San Francisco was the epicenter of a global movement. Whether you're a die-hard Deadhead or simply interested in the history of the counterculture, a visit to 710 Ashbury is an essential pilgrimage. While you're in the neighborhood, be sure to check out some of the other Haight-Ashbury landmarks, such as the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets, the Psychedelic Shop, and Amoeba Music. You can also take a walk through Golden Gate Park, which is just a few blocks away. The park was a popular gathering place for hippies during the Summer of Love, and it still retains a sense of that era. The Grateful Dead House is more than just a building; it's a symbol of a generation, a monument to the Summer of Love, and a touchstone for fans of one of the most influential bands in rock history. A visit to this iconic landmark is an essential experience for anyone interested in the history of the counterculture and the legacy of the Grateful Dead. Today, the Grateful Dead House remains a significant landmark in Haight-Ashbury, drawing fans and history enthusiasts alike. Although it is a private residence and not open for tours, visitors often pause outside to take photos and reflect on the house's place in music and cultural history. The neighborhood itself retains much of its original charm, with vintage clothing stores, record shops, and colorful murals that evoke the spirit of the 1960s. A walk through Haight-Ashbury offers a glimpse into a pivotal era of social change and artistic expression, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in San Francisco's unique history. To truly immerse yourself in the Grateful Dead experience, consider exploring other related sites in the area. The Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, founded in 1967, stands as a testament to the community's commitment to providing accessible healthcare. Additionally, a visit to Amoeba Music, one of the largest independent record stores in the world, offers a chance to discover new music and connect with the spirit of the era. By venturing beyond the Grateful Dead House itself, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural forces that shaped the band and their music. The Grateful Dead House is a must-see destination for music lovers and history buffs alike. Its significance as the former home of one of the most influential bands in rock history, combined with its location in the heart of Haight-Ashbury, makes it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a die-hard Deadhead or simply curious about the counterculture movement, a visit to 710 Ashbury Street is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Grateful Dead House: A Haight-Ashbury Landmark

A brief summary to Grateful Dead House

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

Unlock the Best of Grateful Dead House

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Grateful Dead House

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Grateful Dead House

Janis Joplin's House

1524 Haight St

John Spencer House

Delano House

Alvord Lake Bridge

501 Stanyan St

Abner Phelps House

Sundial

Pink Triangle Memorial

Alfred E. Clarke Mansion

Harvey Milk Plaza

Alamo Square Historic District

William Westerfeld House

GLBT Historical Society Museum

Unmissable attractions to see

Jimi Hendrix Red House

Haight-Ashbury

Buena Vista Park

Evolutionary Rainbow

The Panhandle

Finnegans Wake

Streets of San Francisco Bike Tours

Amoeba Music

Corona Heights Park

McLaren Lodge

Essential places to dine

Nopa

Starbelly

Blind Butcher

Fable

Petit Crenn

Suppenküche

State Bird Provisions

The Progress

Chapeau

Burma Love - Mission

a Mano

Spruce

Rich Table

Chez Maman West

Nightbird

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

True

Held Over

Welcome Haight & Ashbury

Things Lucky Handicraft

San Francisco Mercantile

Land of the Sun

Rare Device

The Perish Trust

Local Take

Life

COVE

Metier

The Golden Hour

Foggy Notion

Reliquary

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Brioche Bakery & Cafe

Noc Noc

Tara Indian Cuisine

Blackbird

ABV

Dahlia SF

Smuggler's Cove