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

Perfect pairing: San Francisco & Wine Country

vine not?

Perfect pairing: San Francisco & Wine Country

San Francisco city government will buy massive shopping center to create LGBTQ+ museum

bigger and better

San Francisco city government will buy massive shopping center to create LGBTQ+ museum

A queer-approved guide to 24 hours in San Francisco

joyride

A queer-approved guide to 24 hours in San Francisco

You can rent Kamala Harris' old apartment in San Francisco on Airbnb

presidential pad

You can rent Kamala Harris' old apartment in San Francisco on Airbnb

A huge concert starring trans folks is taking over American Music Hall this weekend

trans 4 trans

A huge concert starring trans folks is taking over American Music Hall this weekend

4 stunning murals of James Baldwin you have to see right now

native son

4 stunning murals of James Baldwin you have to see right now

San Francisco's first lesbian bars were a "perverts' haven," according to the press and police

Pride in Places

San Francisco's first lesbian bars were a "perverts' haven," according to the press and police

Size doesn't matter! These hotels have big style in small spaces

bigger isn't better

Size doesn't matter! These hotels have big style in small spaces

All San Francisco Articles

Upcoming Events

Bearrison Street Fair

Fun for everyone

San Francisco, CA

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Heads Will Roll: A Queer Indie Halloween Party

Safe and spooky

El Rio,

Friday, October 25, 2024

It's A New Day + Breakfast Of Champions Block Party

Block out your afternoon!

The Great Northern

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

All San Francisco Events

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

Awarded Gold in Best of GayCities
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

Silver foxes and stiff drinks
The Castro

Lookout

Nominee for Best of GayCities
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

Blush! Wine Bar

Wine and dine in the heart of the Castro
The Castro

Zuni Cafe

Watch the city rush by on Market Street
Hayes Valley
All San Francisco Restaurants

Hotels

Beck's Motor Lodge

Authentic and central motor lodge
The Castro

Parker Guest House

Awarded Silver in Best of GayCities
Boutique lodging near Dolores Park
The Castro

Hotel Fairmont San Francisco

Experience the historic grandeur
Nob Hill

Bernalview Bed and Breakfast

Stunning city views
Bernal Heights

Hotel Diva

Divas only
Union Square

InterContinental San Francisco

Striking skyline building
SOMA

Hotel Kabuki

Nominee for Best of GayCities
Serenity in the heart of San Francisco
Japantown

The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco

Landmark luxury in the heart of the city
Nob Hill
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