Castro district gay clubs
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Here are a few bits of history about how San Francisco has helped people of all sexes and genders feel at home and allowed them to be themselves with pride.
1. The Dash: This was the first out and proud gay bar in the city and it opened in 1908. They have amazing fish that is fresh and delicious. Small but powerful, it’s the first U.S.
historical landmark dedicated to the thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals who were persecuted during World War II.
Catch a show at the iconic Castro Theatre
Established in 1922, the Castro Theatre has become an architectural and cultural landmark.
After World War II, the Castro District began to shift from a working-class neighborhood into
a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking acceptance and equality during a time of widespread discrimination.
Waiters would cross dress and serve customers. However, you will find a few great garages and parking areas around the district which will make parking much easier.
Here are a few of my top recommendations.
Public Parking: There is a small parking lot right off Castro Street near 18th Street. It's a 15-acre park that offers plenty of trails and amazing views from its summit.
The theater also has a large stage for live performances and other celebrations, which the new owners seem to be moving toward more and more.
Visit their site for an updated list of movies and events: Castro Theatre Website
Pink Triangle Memorial Park
Pink Triangle Memorial Park is a memorial to all of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender victims of the Nazi regime (1933 - 1945).
Address: 401 Castro Street
Toad Hall
Another great place to check out is Toad Hall.
This one is set off Castro Street on 18th, so it isn't usually as crowded as some of the other places. If you’re craving fresh seafood, Anchor Oyster Bar has been a Castro District icon since 1977.
Dance the night away
If clubs are your scene, the Castro District’s nightlife won’t disappoint!
You will need to cross Market Street and head about half a block west to find it.
Mission Dolores Park
You will find one of the best parks in San Francisco on the eastern end of the San Francisco Castro district. It's best on the weeknights since they don't take reservations and it gets pretty crowded.
Absolutely. Thanks for your support! It eventually turned into the local community hang-out.
He did a lot for the gay community in the Castro.
You will also find two triangles with pink stones inside. On the first Sunday of October, the Castro Street Fair — founded by Harvey Milk in 1974 — brings together residents, visitors, and businesses for a day of entertainment, music, and art.
If you need another reason to visit the Castro Theater, the venue hosts numerous film festivals, including the San Francisco Film Noir Festival (Noir City) and the world-famous San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival (Frameline).
And of course, June offers an assortment of Pride celebrations, from the month-long National Queer Arts Festival to the must-see Market Street Pride Parade on the last Sunday of June.
Take a guided walking tour
If you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing, take a guided (or self-guided) walking tour of the district.
It also shows the personal struggles of the community at the time and the tragic event in 1978. Both were murdered in their offices in City Hall by former supervisor Dan White.
Not only was it a horrific situation, but White was only convicted of manslaughter. The park has two concrete slides that are open to the public. It was one of the first gay bars in San Francisco to remove the covering from their windows and 'open' themselves up to the streets of the city.
Why does that matter?
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home.