Visit the Castro District, the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ community, home to young professionals, families, artists and more. Enjoy its striking bay views, fantastic food scene, historic theater and plenty of double-entendre business names.
Learn about Harvey Milk, “Mayor of Castro Street,” and California’s first openly gay elected official. Since his assassination in 1978, the neighborhood has paid homage in countless ways, from the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts and the exceptional Harvey Milk Photo Center to the annual Castro Street Fair, celebrating local creativity.
Discover more at the GLBT Historical Society and Museum, with an insightful main exhibit, Queer Past Becomes Present. Follow the Rainbow Honor Walk on Castro Street, noting inlaid plaques depicting important men and women in the LGBTQ community.
Sample food from all over the world throughout the Castro, including Spanish, Middle Eastern, Asian and French flavors. The dining scene is hot, whether you’re enjoying a Michelin-starred meal or sidewalk café selections.
Visit a major historic landmark, the 1922 art deco Castro Theatre. On many nights before curtain, the hall fills with the sounds of show tunes featuring its famous organ. The theater hosts movies, both new and more obscure, filmmaker screenings and fun musical sing-alongs.
For the best views of the city, climb or drive to the summit of the two hills known as Twin Peaks. The summit is 925 feet (282 meters) above the geographical center of San Francisco. Look closely to glimpse the rare Mission butterfly.
Stay out late, walking from one of The Castro’s ubiquitous bars to the next. Look for the huge saltwater fish tank above the bar at Moby Dick or attend one of the many theme nights at Midnight Sun.
Travel to the Castro District via streetcar or Muni. Several buses pass through the Castro. From here, it’s easy to get to Haight-Ashbury, the Mission District, Downtown and Union Square. For history, food and fun, include this lively gay neighborhood in your San Francisco visit.
