The Castro is home to San Francsico’s strong, powerful and fearless LBGTQ+ community. The neighborhood has a story to tell, as the epicenter of many significant events and activism - one of the first gay neighborhoods in the country, birthplace of the LBGTQ+ rights movement and where gay-rights activist and politician Harvey Milk began his political career. Today, the Castro is full of colorful small businesses and sights that guarantee a good time to any visitor or local.
Ride with Ease to the Castro
F Market & Wharves, J Church, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View, N Judah, 6 Haight/Parnassus, 7 Haight/Noriega, 22 Fillmore, 24 Divisadero, 33 Ashbury/18th Street, 35 Eureka, 37 Corbett, 48 Quintara
Shop, Dine, Explore
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Shop: You can find a gift for anyone in the Castro! From gift shops to thrift shops (and adult shopws too), you can find a gift as unique as its neighborhood. Click here for a full list of retail shops.
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Dine: Perpetually indulge in delicious dishes and libations at the countless eateries and bars the Castro has to offer. Don't miss the chance to wet your whistle at landmark bar Twin Peaks Tavern, which is the first gay bar in the country, only steps away from the Castro Station. Click here for a full list of bars in the Castro and here for a full list of cafés & restaurants.
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Explore: Experience the past, present, and future of the Castro by exploring the landmarks at the center of LGBTQ+ history. Locations to tour include; the historic landmark Castro Theatre, Harvey Milk’s photography shop, personal home campaign headquarters at 575 Castro, the rainbow flag, Harvey Milk Plaza and stroll down the rainbow honor walk.
Celebrate
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The Castro Street Fair is SF’s longest-running street fare started by Harvey Milk. Each October attendees enjoy music, drag shows, food and more. Funds raised from the fair are donated to local nonprofits within the district.
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SF Pride is the nation's largest gathering and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. While the official parade takes place along Market Street, it’s known that the Castro is the unofficial end up and afterparty spot for celebrators.
Learn more at Castro Merchants and click here for the full business directory