Gay district sf

It's a tiny park, but its main attraction draws in quite a few people. U.S. Route 101 follows a busier, more urban corridor. Folsom), private beaches and some public beaches – and Baker Beach is one of those.

When entering Baker Beach from the parking lot to the left is the ‘family-friendly’ section of the beach, but to the right you will find the nudist section.

Baker Beach is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike, both because it is a nude beach, because you can walk to the Golden Gate Bridge from here, but also because it was the location of the very first Burning Man ever – when back in 1986 the founders took a small wooden figure down to the beach to burn on the Summer Solstice.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Is it fair to say that the Golden Gate Bridge is possibly the most famous beach in the world?

You will find it right between the Castro and Mission Districts in San Francisco.

The theater also has a large stage for live performances and other celebrations, which the new owners seem to be moving toward more and more. 

Visit their site for an updated list of movies and events: Castro Theatre Website

Pink Triangle Memorial Park

Pink Triangle Memorial Park is a memorial to all of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender victims of the Nazi regime (1933 - 1945).

It is tiny, with only about 30 people, but it is also the start of what becomes known as "Gay Freedom Day."

5. With SF becoming even more welcoming of LGBTQI sexes and genders, the first "open" gay bar the Twin Peaks bar opens its doors. It was after all the district where Harvey Milk lived, and to date you can visit Harvey Milk Plaza as well as his former campaign headquarters.

Other historical landmarks to visit include the Rainbow Walk, which covers several blocks offering a walk of fame with plaques dedicated to key LGBTQ+ pioneers of the community, and Pink Triangle Park, commemorating the gay people persecuted in WW2.

Gay-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco

Without a doubt, you will be warmly welcomed as a gay traveller in pretty much any hotel you choose to stay.

Trains: There’s no direct Amtrak rail into San Francisco. A trail-blazing destination when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights in America, the city remains as progressive and forward thinking as ever.

I visited for the first time this year, and was blown away by the diversity, the attractions, the iconic landmarks, the scenery, the LGBTQ+ history, and of course – the buzzing LGBTQ+ scene itself.

It is hardly surprising then that the city attracts so many LGBTQ+ travellers each year, and the city certainly caters to their needs and provides a warm welcome.

I found San Francisco to be the most gay-friendly city I have visited in the US so far – and hopefully my Gay Guide to San Francisco will help you to enjoy your visit as much as I enjoyed mine!

Is San Francisco gay-friendly?

Is San Francisco gay-friendly?

The park has two concrete slides that are open to the public. Ownership has changed several times and each owner has added special touches. No-one actually knows the reason the sea lions decided to first reside here, but the food in the bay, and the sheltered conditions mean they decided to stay, and they have now been present at Pier 39 for over 30 years.

Whilst the number of sea lions naturally changes throughout the seasons, on average there are over 300 present, and they can be observed from the viewing platform and walkway behind Pier 39.

Pier 39 is also home to multiple shops and dining venues – many of which specialize in seafood given the location.

This is a small bed and breakfast with 21 guest rooms.

The hotel offers free breakfast and high-speed internet access.

This street dead ends into one of its trails.

GLBT Historical Society

Another great way to learn about Harvey Milk and the history of the community is by stopping by the GLBT Historical Society.

This park is one of a kind and sits proudly in the San Francisco Castro District.

Here you will find fifteen pylons with pink triangles on them. He is one of the true heroes of the gay rights movement in San Francisco and is celebrated since he is such an important figure for equality.

7. 1994: The first World AIDS Day is in the City by the Bay and Memorial Grove is dedicated to everyone affected by this horrible disease.

8. The first same-sex marriage license is given in 2004.

It is a full-on all day street party, with music, multiple stages, drag shows, comedy acts, food, drinks and of course, the most important element, the gathering of the community.

The Castro Street Fair takes place each year on the first Sunday of October, and takes over pretty much the entire commercial zone of the district, from Market Street to 19^th Street and the whole of Castro Street.

Up Your Alley Fair

The ‘Up Your Alley Fair,’ or more commonly known as Dore Alley Fair, or even simply Dore Alley is a leather and fetiʂh-event held annually in San Francisco – with a reputation for being more hardcore than Folsom and not for the faint of heart!

Up Your Alley is a weekend of fetiʂh events, circuit parties and celebrations running over the last weekend of July, in the lead up to the last Sunday of the month being the Up Your Alley Street Fair.

Located in front of the legendary Powerhouse Bar, the street fair event runs between 9^th and 10^th Street, and along Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom Streets in the Soma district.

The event attracts almost 15,000 visitors come to dance, show, watch the performances and visit the adult-themed vendors and exhibitors, with a scene for a variety of different fetiʂhes – leather, rubber, sportswear, skin gear etc.

And from Friday to Sunday a number of the city’s circuit party organisers will be hosting various Dore Alley editions of their parties, with something available for everyone.

Gay Saunas in San Francisco

It might be surprising to hear that in a city as forward thinking and open-minded as San Francisco, with so various $ex-positive events spread throughout their calendar, that gay saunas and bathhouses don’t seem to exist here.

However, there is a reason for this, which as previously mentioned dates back to the origins of the Folsom Street Fair.

In the early 1980s during the height of the AIDS crisis the city imposed a ban on bathhouses, as well as any other gay meeting place, having private rooms with a locked door.

You will find it just off Douglas and Seward Streets at Acme Alley.

Kite Hill

This is another place for amazing views all around San Francisco. You will need to cross Market Street and head about half a block west to find it.

Mission Dolores Park

You will find one of the best parks in San Francisco on the eastern end of the San Francisco Castro district.