Gay San Francisco
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Gay San Francisco

City by the Bay

San Francisco is a port of call for the alternative, the adventurous, the creative and the aspirational. The "City by the Bay" is known as the gay capital of the US, where over 860K locals welcome nearly 17 million visitors every year. Culture is San Francisco's trademark, from the people to the politics straight down to the rainbow street art. Gay-friendly bars, restaurants and businesses are sprinkled throughout nearly every corner of the city. There are over 60 gay bars and c...

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Explore what San Francisco has to offer

How three Black trans women made San Francisco’s Tenderloin cool again

HERstory month

How three Black trans women made San Francisco’s Tenderloin cool again

Catch the game on Super Bowl Sunday at these gay sports bars

game day

Catch the game on Super Bowl Sunday at these gay sports bars

Valentine's date ideas for partners, polycules, and pals

be mine

Valentine's date ideas for partners, polycules, and pals

5 queer hangouts that welcome sober socializing

dry january

5 queer hangouts that welcome sober socializing

Top 20 gayest parties for ringing in the New Year

new queers eve

Top 20 gayest parties for ringing in the New Year

San Francisco boutique hotels within walking distance of happy hour

stay a while

San Francisco boutique hotels within walking distance of happy hour

The number lost to AIDS is staggering. Here are 7 ways to memorialize these souls.

in memory

The number lost to AIDS is staggering. Here are 7 ways to memorialize these souls.

23 gay bars in the US that opened in 2023

best of 2023

23 gay bars in the US that opened in 2023

All San Francisco Articles

Upcoming Events

Frameline Film Festival

Largest LGBTQ+ Film Fest in the US

The Castro Theatre,

June 12 - 21

San Francisco Trans March

San Francisco’s largest transgender Pride event

San Francisco

Friday, June 28

San Francisco Pride

Massive, world-renowned celebration

San Francisco

June 29 - 30

Twilight T-Dance

Party in Wine Country

La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard

Saturday, July 20

Up Your Alley

Folsom Street Fair's gay little brother

San Francisco Leather District

Sunday, July 28

Up Your Alley

For those craving more

Folsom Street between 9th and Juniper, 10th between Howard and Sheridan, and Dore from Howard to the dead end past Powerhouse

Tuesday, July 30

Bars & Clubs

440 Castro

The Castro's neighborhood leather bar
The Castro

Powerhouse

Dark and cruise-y bar
SOMA

The Cafe

Dance bar at Market and Castro Street
The Castro

Moby Dick

Welcoming place to meet with friends
The Castro

SF Eagle

Meet daddies, otters and pups
SOMA

Midnight Sun

Video bar in the heart of Castro
The Castro

Edge

Mature crowds and stiff drinks
The Castro

Lookout

Cocktails and people watching
The Castro
All San Francisco Bars & Clubs

Restaurants

Orphan Andy's

Sober up or kill a hangover
The Castro

Catch

Sophisticated seafood
The Castro

Starbelly

A crowd pleaser in the heart of the Castro
The Castro

Hot Cookie

What's in the name
The Castro

Asia SF

Sassy, savory dinner show
SOMA

Super Duper Burger

Delicious simplicity, served up on a bun
The Castro

Zuni Cafe

Watch the city rush by on Market Street
Hayes Valley

Anchor Oyster Bar

Don't show up late
The Castro
All San Francisco Restaurants

Hotels

Beck's Motor Lodge

Authentic and central motor lodge
The Castro

Parker Guest House

Boutique lodging near Dolores Park
The Castro

Bernalview Bed and Breakfast

Stunning city views
Bernal Heights

Good Hotel

Edo-friendly lodging
SOMA

Hotel Fairmont San Francisco

Experience the historic grandeur
Nob Hill

Hotel Diva

Divas only
Union Square

InterContinental San Francisco

Striking skyline building
SOMA

Hotel Kabuki

Serenity in the heart of San Francisco
Japantown
All San Francisco Hotels

Beaches & Parks

Dolores Park

Gay urban "beach"
The Castro

Baker Beach

Nude beach
Richmond

Golden Gate Park

Like central park, but bigger
Haight-Ashbury

San Francisco Zoo

Lions, Tigers and Bears oh my!
Sunset

Alamo Square Park

See the Painted Ladies from 'Full House'
Hayes Valley

Japanese Tea Garden

Oldest public Japanese garden in the United States
Golden Gate Park

Palace of Fine Arts

Otherworldly Performance Space
Russian Hill

Buena Vista Park

Oldest park in San Francisco
Haight-Ashbury
All San Francisco Beaches & Parks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco LGBTQ friendly?

Everywhere you go in San Francisco will be LGBTQ+ friendly. The city is known for its sizeable LGBTQ+ community. Practically every store, restaurant, bar, hotel, and nightclub will welcome you with open arms.

What is the gay neighborhood of San Francisco?

The Castro District is the most well-known gay neighborhood of San Francisco. The main drag of the Castro runs on Castro Street from Market to 19th although the neighborhood extends a few blocks in either direction. You know you are in the right spot when you are surrounded by beautiful rainbow flags and crosswalks! 

When is Pride in San Francisco?

San Francisco Pride has been called one of the most important Pride celebrations in the world. It's a massive and world-renowned celebration with over a million people attending annually. Pride festivities typically take place in late June, and is a vibrant two-day celebration centered around Civic Center Plaza and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Learn More

When is Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco?

The Folsom Street Fair is recognized as the largest leather event in the world, and not just for the gay community. Every September, international fetishists of every gender and sexual orientation get together for this epic annual leather event. Located on historic Folsom Street, the festival has multiple community stages with a variety of filthy entertainers performing all day long. Learn More


Gay San Francisco
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Bathhouses
Hotels
Shops
Arts
Gyms
Beaches
History
Articles
Events