It goes without saying that San Francisco is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States; but if you’re traveling to SF for the first time, you may not know where to go for your fabulous time. So let’s make this easy for you!
Whether you’re traveling alone or with your partner, you’ll want to stay in the district known as The Castro. It’s the gayest district in SF and it has everything you need for your perfect getaway i.e. hotels, restaurants, gyms and bars.
The Castro is also centrally located in SF and offers very convenient [train] transportation to practically anywhere in the city; so make sure you download the Clipper App if you plan on using MUNI public transit.
Let’s take a look at some of places any gay person visiting SF for the first time may want to check out in The Castro.
Beaux: If you’re looking for a good drag show, Beaux will be the place to go. Not only does this nightclub frequently book drag queens from the hit series Rupaul’s Drag Race, but also Beaux’s entertainers are very talented. The nightclub is designed colorfully with a modern twist and offers a unique variety of original cocktails.
Orphan Andy’s: Let’s say you’re feeling just a little bit tipsy on your night out and you have a full day of activities planned the next day. Orphan Andy’s is just the right diner for a sobering meal. The diner is a staple in The Castro and offers a satisfying variety of breakfast and dinner items that are sure to hit the spot. Not only that, the cooks and waiters are very friendly, and the diner itself is bejeweled to the next century. Oh and one more thing: it’s open 24 hours!
Fabulosa Books: Reading is a very popular hobby among San Franciscans, especially those who take public transit to-and-from work. And what better thing to do on your 30-40 minute commute than getting lost in good book. Fabulosa Books is a great place to find new reading material in The Castro. You can find anything from topics on gay history to folktales, poetry, history, fiction, etc. Enjoy!
Twin Peaks Tavern: Twin Peaks Tavern was the first gay bar in the United States to have windows facing the public sidewalk for visibility from the outside. The establishment is popular due to its conspicuous location in The Castro and accommodates a more mature crowd of patrons. Twin Peaks Tavern has a vintage look that can be enjoyed by anyone and is known for serving classic cocktails. Just make sure you bring a few twenty-dollar-bills with you because its cash-only.
Fitness SF: Before you even ask, of course there are gyms in The Castro. I mean, how else are you going to look your best before a night out? Fitness SF is perfect! Not only do they offer one-day memberships, but the amount of eye candy you’ll get to see is jaw dropping. You may even get to see some of your favorite adult stars; just don’t be a creep. People are really there to workout. The gym offers a generous amount of equipment, full locker rooms, towel service, showers and free parking.
440 Castro: If you feel more comfortable in a dive-bar, you have to check out 440 Castro. The vibe is more erotic than other venues in the area, but the customer service is just as fabulous. You’ll find soft-core adult entertainment playing on-screen in a very comfortable and respectful setting.
Auto Erotica: Auto Erotica is a hidden gem in The Castro and has “… helped preserve and share LGBTQ history…” in San Francisco for years. It is located on 18th Street between Castro and Hartford Streets just across a Starbucks. As suggested in its name, you’ll find erotic photography, magazines and other adult content that dates back to earlier San Francisco. And if you’re trying to find some sexy souvenirs for your friends back home, just walk up the stairs, as it is located on the second floor of its building.
The Mix: What makes The Mix stand out among other bars in The Castro is its obvious patio-bar separate from the main bar inside; just keep walking straight after you enter and go up a few steps. The age range of patrons is very mixed, so you’ll encounter people of all ages. The Mix is also pet friendly, offers bar games and has an incredible happy hour. It is very easy to lose track of time here since the atmosphere is casual, trendy and very cozy.
Josh Monsoon 