Discover the Grateful Dead House
Calling all Deadheads! Located at 710 Ashbury Street, the Grateful Dead House is an iconic purple Victorian. Back in the swinging days of the Summer of Love though, this house wasn’t just a place to crash—it was the communal headquarters for one of the most famous jam bands ever. Between October 1966 and March 1968, the house pulsed with creative energy as members of the band called it home.
Imagine a place where the air was thick with the scent of incense, the sound of impromptu jam gatherings, frequented by eccentric guests like Janis Joplin and Neal Cassady, and even the site of an infamous drug bust that made headlines in the first issue of Rolling Stone. While that might be the ins and outs of the Grateful Dead House’s colorful past, it continues to attract Deadheads from all corners of the globe, with its quirky charm enhanced by vibrant street art and a legacy that radiates the free spirit of the ‘60s.
Who Were the Grateful Dead?
The Grateful Dead were far more than just a band—they were pioneers of a musical revolution. Formed in Palo Alto, California in 1965, this group of musicians transformed the rock scene with their combination of rock, blues, jazz, folk, and country tunes, creating a psychedelic sound that resonated deeply with the era’s experimental vibe.
The original lineup—Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, and Bob Weir—pioneered the art of improvisation. While they never had radio-friendly hits, they carved out a legacy as one of the most successful touring acts ever. Their live shows, filled with extended jam sessions and pure unpredictability, captivated audiences, and their devoted fan base—known as Deadheads—followed them on every twist and turn of their musical adventures.
The band’s deep connection to San Francisco was more than geographic; it was woven into the fabric of their music, lyrics, and the overall culture they helped foster. From their early days in the Grateful Dead communal house to the countless concerts that followed, the band left a huge mark on the music world.
History of the Grateful Dead House
A Tale of Two Addresses
Before the band called 710 Ashbury home, young Jerry Garcia spent formative years at 87 Harrington Street with his grandparents following the loss of his father. This early chapter in Garcia’s life left an indelible mark on him, and later, the echoes of those days inspired his artistic endeavors—including his illustrated memoir, “Harrington Street.”
Fast forward to the Summer of Love: in 1966, the Grateful Dead moved into the grand Victorian at 710 Ashbury. What started as a boarding house quickly morphed into a buzzing hub for the band and their extended family of artists and free spirits. It wasn’t long before the house became synonymous with wild gatherings, legendary musical sessions, and infamous moments that defined an era.
The Infamous Incident
No rock ‘n’ roll tale is complete without a touch of drama, and the Grateful Dead House had its fair share. On October 2, 1967, the scene was set for what would become a notorious chapter in its history. When narcotics officers, along with reporters and TV crews, stormed the house searching for drugs, they ended up confiscating a pound of marijuana. This led to the arrest of Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, and eight others.
Although the charges were later dropped—with the offenders only receiving a modest fine—the incident catapulted the house into the limelight. In a defiant act, the band held a press conference at the very same address, arguing that if every marijuana smoker was arrested, San Francisco would be deserted. The episode made local headlines and was immortalized in the pages of Rolling Stone magazine, ensuring that the legend of the Grateful Dead House only grew with time.
Interesting Fact: Apparently, during the time of the drug bust, Jerry Garcia was hiding at the Hell’s Angels house opposite, which is how he avoided arrest!
Haight-Ashbury: The Heartbeat of the 60s
Step outside the Grateful Dead House, and you’re immediately immersed in the spirit of Haight-Ashbury—a neighborhood that became the epicenter of the counterculture movement. During the late ‘60s, Haight-Ashbury was a melting pot of art, music, and, admittedly, a bit of chaos. While the area buzzed with the energy of free spirits and revolutionary ideas, it also faced the harsher realities of urban life, including crime, health crises, and the darker side of drug use.
Despite these challenges, Haight-Ashbury’s allure remains undiminished. It’s the place where you might bump into a street performer, discover an eclectic café, or even find yourself caught up in a spontaneous celebration of life. The neighborhood’s rich history is a mix of both light and shadow, and it continues to inspire stories and songs to this day.
Visiting the Grateful Dead House
Even though the Grateful Dead House at 710 Ashbury is now a private residence, its legendary status makes it a must-see stop for any Deadhead in San Francisco.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Getting There: The house is easily accessible by public transport, on foot, or by hailing a taxi/ride sharing service.
- What to Expect: There aren’t any official tours or visitor centers, so the experience is all about the vibe. Admire the building’s historic exterior and snap some photos.
- A Note on Respect: Remember, this is someone’s home. Enjoy the historic aura and the street art, but be sure to respect the property and the privacy of its current residents.
Top Tip: Look out for the tree outside, which has become a canvas for vibrant graffiti featuring teddy bears, lightning bolts, and even a cheeky portrait of Bob Weir.
Explore Beyond the Grateful Dead House with CityDays
Why stop at the Grateful Dead House when there’s a whole city of history and fun waiting to be explored? At CityDays we offer scavenger and treasure hunt tours across San Francisco!
Scavenger Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates and colleagues—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
For more information about our San Francisco Scavenger Hunts then click here: Top 6 Immersive San Francisco Scavenger Hunts & Treasure Hunts | CityDays.
