The Magic Bus San Francisco is a unique and entertaining way to explore the iconic city. This vibrant and colorful bus takes visitors on a journey through time, delving into the rich history and culture of San Francisco. The Magic Bus experience begins with the interior of the bus transformed to resemble a 1960s hippie vehicle. This sets the stage for the immersive and nostalgic tour, which transports passengers back to the era of peace, love, and flower power. During the tour, a knowledgeable and passionate guide shares fascinating stories about the city's past, while multimedia presentations and music from the 1960s add to the immersive experience. The Magic Bus provides a glimpse into the counterculture movement, the Summer of Love, and the journey towards social change that took place in San Francisco during the 1960s.
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But perhaps no shop better embodies modern San Francisco s dual personality than Ben Jerry s, effortlessly blending counterculture and corporate culture at the very corner of Haight and Ashbury. My friend Adam a politically conservative MBA with an unlikely interest in hippie counterculture drove in from the burbs, and together we took the two-hour tour before exploring San Francisco s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the movement s rainbow-colored, tie-dyed epicenter.
The Magic Bus provides a glimpse into the counterculture movement, the Summer of Love, and the journey towards social change that took place in San Francisco during the 1960s. Passengers on the Magic Bus can expect to see famous landmarks such as Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Haight-Ashbury, all while learning about the significant events that took place in these areas during the 1960s. The tour also highlights the influential individuals who shaped San Francisco's cultural scene, including musicians, activists, and artists.
Roaming San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury aboard a Magic Bus
I’d never taken a tour on which the guide addressed the group as “my tribe,” but it felt perfectly natural aboard the Magic Bus, which calls itself a “trip” into San Francisco’s 1960s-era hippie counterculture. My friend Adam (a politically conservative MBA with an unlikely interest in hippie counterculture) drove in from the burbs, and together we took the two-hour tour before exploring San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the movement’s rainbow-colored, tie-dyed epicenter. The tab: Magic Bus tour, $61 per person; brunch for two at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery, $62.
We thought we’d made a seriously wrong turn when we entered to check out the Red Victorian (1665 Haight St.; [415] 864-1014. Hostel beds from $63, private rooms from $143) and walked in on a figure drawing class with nude models. But all was in order: The Red Vic, in the Haight since 1904, does quadruple duty as a B&B, hostel, commune and gathering place. Upstairs, it was easy to imagine bygone hippies in its wainscoted hallways and eclectically decorated private and shared rooms, most without private bath. Overnight guests (in artist-decorated rooms with names such as Redwood Forest) might sleep next door to permanent residents who organize house dinners, gallery openings and those art classes.
AdvertisementOur tour guide pointed out a ’60s-era pharmacy and lunch counter, which hippies had nicknamed “the drogstore.” It’s now Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery (1398 Haight St.; [415] 864-7468), where Adam and I shared a dynamite post-tour brunch: a smoked pastrami sandwich with French onion soup for dipping, the Hangtown Fry (fried oysters alongside eggs scrambled with bacon, spinach and caramelized onion, topped with arugula) and house-brewed beers. The counter and much of the original woodwork have been handsomely preserved, and Adam noted that Jimi Hendrix might well have visited the same restroom.
About the only conventional thing about the Magic Bus Tour ([855] 969-6244) is the boarding area amid the mainstream bus tours on Union Square. The bus, run by the local Antenna Theater Co., is painted flower-power style, and our guide, Serene Rain, was dressed in heart-shaped sunglasses and flowing hippie garb. Serene, who lovingly called us “my tribe,” passed out yellow marigolds (for our hair, naturally) and encouraged us to sing along to recordings of Joplin, Santana and the Lovin’ Spoonful. As she gave us the lowdown on Chinatown, the Financial District, Market Street, the Haight and Golden Gate Park in the ’60s, she urged us to open the bus windows, wave, smile and flash peace signs at passersby. A unique feature: Blackout screens roll down over the windows and display clips of events and venues, then lift for the big reveal when you reach the sites.
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As the 50 th anniversary of the Summer of Love approaches next year, San Francisco is both looking back and considering its present, when gentrification is a constant topic. Amid the Haight’s paradoxical mix of head shops and hipster fashions, vintage clothing stores and Whole Foods, it was encouraging to find one-of-a-kinds such as Bound Together (1369 Haight St.; [415] 431-8355,), an anarchist collective bookstore selling the “Heretic’s Guide to the Bible” and other such titles; Loved to Death (1681 Haight St.; [415] 551-1036), purveyors of the macabre: taxidermy, rat paw earrings and rings made from human teeth; and the tie-dye clothing of Jammin’ on Haight (1400 Haight St.; [415] 817-1027). But perhaps no shop better embodies modern San Francisco’s dual personality than Ben & Jerry’s, effortlessly blending counterculture and corporate culture at the very corner of Haight and Ashbury.
Building on a 30 year history of original, site-specific productions, including the original Alcatraz Cell House Tour, Antenna Theater presents a new kind of theater experience: Magic Bus.
The Magic Bus San Francisco is not just a tour; it is an experience that allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the spirit of the city. The interactive nature of the tour, combined with the vibrant atmosphere and engaging storytelling, make for a memorable and enlightening adventure. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about San Francisco's vibrant past, the Magic Bus is a must-visit attraction. It offers a unique perspective on the city's history and a chance to step back in time to an iconic era. Hop on board and let the Magic Bus take you on a journey of discovery and nostalgia through the streets of San Francisco..
Reviews for "The Magic Bus: Exploring the Music and Culture of 1960s San Francisco"
1. John Doe - 2/5
I was really disappointed with my experience on the Magic Buss tour in San Francisco. The tour guide seemed disinterested and lacked knowledge about the city's history. The stops along the route were also rushed, barely giving us enough time to take pictures and explore. The bus itself was old and uncomfortable, making it difficult to enjoy the sights. Overall, I would not recommend this tour to anyone looking for a comprehensive and enjoyable experience in San Francisco.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5
I regret booking the Magic Buss tour in San Francisco. The tour guide was unprofessional and made inappropriate jokes throughout the trip. It seemed like he was more focused on entertaining himself than catering to the needs of the tourists. The tour also did not cover many popular attractions and landmarks, leaving us feeling unsatisfied and like we missed out on experiencing the best of the city. Save your money and choose a different tour company in San Francisco.
3. Mark Johnson - 2/5
My family and I were not impressed with the Magic Buss tour in San Francisco. The tour guide's commentary was lackluster and repetitive, offering little insight into the city's history or culture. The stops were underwhelming, with not enough time allocated to each location. The bus itself was also quite cramped, making it uncomfortable for the duration of the tour. Overall, we felt that the Magic Buss tour did not live up to its promises and would not recommend it to others looking for an immersive experience in San Francisco.
4. Sarah Thompson - 3/5
While the Magic Buss tour in San Francisco had its moments, it fell short of my expectations. The tour guide seemed knowledgeable but lacked enthusiasm, making the experience feel somewhat dull. The stops along the tour were interesting, but the limited time at each location made it difficult to fully appreciate and explore. The bus itself was average, but the lack of legroom made it uncomfortable, especially during the longer stretches of the tour. Although it was not terrible, there are definitely better tour options available in San Francisco.