San Francisco gay guide
San Francisco is one of the LGBTQ+ capitals in the world. Enjoy SF, the culture, Alcatraz, the trams and the two main gay districts: Castro District and SoMa (South Market) around Folsom Street.
photo Nighttours
🌈Gay San Francisco 2025
Gay cruise clubs
The gay bars with a dark touch. You can go for just a beer or cruise a little more.
Gay cruise clubs
Gay parties and events
Where to stay in San Francisco
We usually recommend staying in or near the gay area of a city. For San Francisco that would be the Castro district. However there are not so many options there. Fortunately San Francisco has a very good public transport system, including their famous old trams that are still running.
A good popular area to stay is north of the Theater District. See map
We picked some hotels to stay in the list below.
Hotel recommendations
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
information1930+ rooms
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
outdoor pool
fitness
airconditioning
Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave
information160+ rooms
Courtyard by Marriott
airconditioning
parking
free wifi
Hilton Parc 55 San Francisco Union Square
information1020+ rooms
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
fitness
airconditioning
parking
San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square
information1000+ rooms
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
fitness
airconditioning
parking
San Francisco Marriott Union Square
information440+ rooms
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
fitness
airconditioning
parking
Holiday Inn San Francisco - Golden Gateway newly renovated w
information460+ rooms
Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
outdoor pool
fitness
airconditioning
more hotels: booking.com
The Castro and Folsom Street
SF has two main gay districts: Castro District (map) and SoMa, South Market (map) around Folsom Street.
The Castro is the largest of the United States' gay neighborhoods. The Castro is one of the most prominent symbols of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activism and events. In the area every seems to be gay, not just gay bars, cafes and restaurants and shops, but also banks and stores stores have large rainbow flags outside and in the shops.
In SoMa and Folsom you will find more the cruise and jeans bars.
Gay beaches and parks
The SF climate is very mild all year round, but it can be very cloudy and foggy. For those sunny days check out the beaches and parks:
