Gay neighborhood san francisco
Home / gay topics / Gay neighborhood san francisco
This progressive and accepting neighborhood was also home to one of the most significant gay rights activists of the 1970s, Harvey Milk.
In my experience of visiting this district often, there are plenty of fun things to do here during the day and at night. As such, visiting the store on Folsom Street is a must-do for many LGBTQ+ visitors to San Francisco, especially those who are involved in the fetiʂh community.
And there you have our complete gay guide to San Francisco – the gayest city we have visited in the US.
We are already looking forward to the day we return and can explore even more.
San Francisco’s 3 most fab gay neighborhoods
Whether you’re moving to California for an extended period of time or for a month-long short stay, having a place to call home can be incredibly beneficial.
You also have the opportunity to check out the art scene in the area and visit a street fair.
Places to visit in the Castro
Some things to do and places to visit in the Castro include the following.
Ride the F-Line
Cable cars and streetcars are pretty much synonymous with San Francisco, and you have the opportunity to ride on one when in the area.
My two favorites are "Does Your Mother Know" which is a gift shop and the "Sausage Factory" an Italian restaurant serving homemade sausages.
SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you!
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home.
Absolutely yes!
Known as the original ‘gay-friendly city,’ it is little wonder that so many LGBTQ+ people have chosen to make this city their home.
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.
Pride Festival is held at Civic Centre Plaza, in front of City Hall and features a main stage with music, comedy acts and other forms of entertainment, as well as over 300 different exhibitors.
For the party animals, you can of course expect any number of different circuit parties to be running during the weekend. To this day the LGBTQ+ community in San Francisco remains one of the largest and most prominent in the United States, with almost 15% of San Franciscans identifying as LGBTQ+.
You have the option of choosing a place that is pet-friendly or close to your favorite hang out. San Francisco is known for being incredibly diverse and accepting of all types of people. It is an artsy district that has independent bookstores, loft apartments, art spaces, design studios, and many popular LGBTQ bars and nightclubs.
From Fisherman's Wharf, expect it to cost a little more -- closer to $20 to $25 each way.
Parking Tips for the San Francisco Castro
If you plan to drive to the San Francisco Castro, you will find that street parking is tight and often not very easy to find.
The below are just a few of the gay events in San Francisco that you might want to consider planning your next visit around!
Folsom Street Fair
Spanning 13 city blocks, and attracting over 400,000 fetiʂh lovers from around the world, there is a reason that San Franciscos Folsom Street Fair is known as ‘The World’s Biggest Leather Event’.
The Folsom Street Fair was born back in 1984.
The ballfield at AT&T Park is on the border of SoMa and Mission Bay. When they are in town, this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Wanting to take in some local history? You can visit Dalva or ABV on 16th Street.
Address: 401 Castro Street
Toad Hall
Another great place to check out is Toad Hall.
This one is set off Castro Street on 18th, so it isn't usually as crowded as some of the other places.
The artists and local community invite you to take a pink stone home with you as a way to continually remember the victims.
The small, triangle-shaped park is just to the north of Harvey Milk Plaza.
I love walking around this lively and colorful neighborhood.
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. Walk up Castro Street and make a left at States.
The Randall Museum (kids museum) is also right next to the park.