12 US Hippie Towns Where Love and Freedom Still Rule

Live a life of peace, love, and good vibes right here in America. It’s no secret that the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s was a significant cultural turning point in US history. While the era may have come and gone, its influence is still felt today through music, fashion, and, most importantly, lifestyle.

Although I’m not ready to give up all my earthly goods yet, I don’t mind having a bonfire at spiritual vortexes with a crew of van lifers once in a while. After road-tripping through 40 states, here are 12 hippie towns in the US that capture the culture’s free-spirited essence.

1. Mount Shasta, California

Mount Shasta is a 14,179-foot dormant volcano that New Age believers consider one of the most sacred places on Earth. It’s a spiritual headquarters for anyone seeking cosmic vibes surrounded by Cascade Range beauty.

The locals swear they’ve seen UFOs and claim the mountain has healing powers. Not too far away, many of the surrounding hot springs are undeveloped and often clothing-optional.

During my van life years, I met a crew of leather tramps here who pointed me to a weekly drum circle in the area.

2. Humboldt County, California

Humboldt County is famous for its towering redwoods and infamous for its cannabis culture that’s been thriving since way before legalization. The community is fantastic, with frequent festivals celebrating the earth, like the Mushroom Fair, the Hemp Festival, and the North Country Fair.

If Humboldt County isn’t on your hippie radar yet, it’s time to get with the program. The towns like Arcata and Eureka are filled with quirky shops, organic cafes, and people who have mastered the art of not taking life too seriously.

The coastline is rugged and beautiful, perfect for those who like their beach trips a little on the wild side.

3. Eugene, Oregon

Many towns in Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains are “hippie towns.

Eugene is like Portland’s chill, hippie cousin who’s always down for a good time. This town is great for those who love organic food, tie-dye, and living sustainably. The Saturday Market offers everything from handmade crafts to locally grown produce.

Eugene is also bike-friendly, so ditch your car and pedal your way through the scenic routes. This university town is a haven for hippies, artists, and anyone with a penchant for organic food and a good protest.

Let’s not forget the epic hippie celebration, the Oregon Country Fair, which takes place every July in nearby Veneta. Inventive costumes and eccentric performances take place for a full three days.

4. San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands are the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secret, where you can live off the grid but still be part of a community. These islands are all about sustainable living, with plenty of organic farms and eco-friendly practices.

You’ll find artists, writers, and musicians who’ve traded who want to escape the rat race and live a life of pure, unadulterated chill. The community here is tight-knit and full of creative souls.

Orcas Island is one place with an old hippy commune where many still go.

5. The Farm, Summertown, Tennessee

The Farm in Tennessee originally started as a commune but is now an intentional community focused on sustainability, spirituality, and social activism. The residents here grow their own food, generate their own power, and live by a set of shared values that emphasize peace and cooperation.

Workshops on everything from organic farming to midwifery are part of everyday life. The vibe is welcoming, and you’ll quickly be part of the family, whether you’re there for a weekend or a lifetime.

The Farm also has a rich history of activism, with members having participated in significant social movements over the years.

6. Ithaca, New York

Ithaca, New York, is where academia meets bohemia. Home to Cornell University, the town is a melting pot of intellectuals, artists, and free spirits. The city has one of the largest hippie populations in New York State.

The Ithaca Farmers Market is legendary, with everything from organic produce to handmade crafts. The gorges and waterfalls provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

Ithaca’s progressive values are evident everywhere, from cooperative businesses to eco-friendly initiatives. It hosts numerous communes, head shops, natural grocery stores, and drum circles.

7. Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee, Arizona, was once a booming mining town, but after its decline, it became a haven for artists and counterculture types. The historic district has colorful Victorian homes, galleries, and eclectic shops.

Bisbee also has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and hosts an annual Pride celebration that draws visitors from across Arizona.

8. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is easily one of the friendliest spots on the East Coast. Great bites, a vibrant experimental music scene, and a generally warm vibe make this town a must-visit for nomadic free spirits.

Asheville’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains means there are plenty of outdoor activities, and it’s a hub for eco-friendly practices.

9. Slab City, California

Slab City is like the Wild West of hippie towns. There are very few rules and no utilities unless you bring it yourself. This off-the-grid community is built on an abandoned military base and attracts a colorful mix of artists, nomads, and free spirits.

Salvation Mountain, a brightly painted art installation, is the town’s most famous landmark. However, there are other installations for casual passerby’spassersby to check out.

The living conditions can be rough, as most residents live in everything from RVs to grand makeshift shacks. And being so free, it also entices some unsavory types.

10. Many Places in Alaska

All of Alaska is a great place to be. There’s a reason why Chris McCandless went to Alaska at the end of Into the Wild.

The wilderness is vast and spectacular, and it’s easy to find your own little corner to claim as your own. Throughout the summer, there are bluegrass shows, festivals, and countless trips to enjoy. You can easily hitchhike without any trouble getting a ride.

Some of the best places to go are Delta Junction, Matanuska Valley, and Homer. On the Kenai Peninsula, many communities of individuals live life on their own terms.

11. Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico, is known for its adobe buildings and Native American heritage. Nearby Taos Pueblo is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art galleries and studios are plentiful, and the town’s spiritual retreats and workshops attract people from all over the world.

There are a few communes just outside of town. Although somewhat touristy, it hasn’t been overly influenced by mainstream society yet.

12. Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California

Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco is where it all began. This neighborhood was the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement and is still full of hippie vibes today. You’ll find plenty of head shops with psychedelic storefronts, vintage clothing stores, and quirky cafes.

While many hippies have been priced out over the decades, there’s no denying that Haight-Ashbury is an important place for free spirits to visit.

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