San Fran

Gay San Francisco City Guide

Planning a trip to San Francisco? Our gay San Francisco city guide is the page for you

 

San Fran

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of America’s greatest cities. It’s the home of Silicon Valley and consequently one of the world’s most expensive cities. Before the tech billionaires moved in, it was famed as America’s gay capital. By the 1970s, the Castro district was the biggest gayborhood in the country.

Although San Francisco has rapidly gentrified, making living costs too high for many, it’s still a very gay city. San Francisco is also a cultural powerhouse. Make your way through the Golden Gates to one of the most exciting - and hilly - places on the planet.

Gay bars in San Francisco

One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of San Francisco is how gay it is. Armistead Maupin immortalised San Francisco’s gay culture in his Tales Of The City books. Harvey Milk, the iconic gay politician, set up his headquarters in the Castro. Sean Pean’s film about his life and assassination was a big hit.

The Castro is packed with gay bars. Twin Peaks Tavern has been a gay bar since 1935, making it a historic institution. It’s well worth a visit. Another popular place is The Cafe, a longstanding gay bar that attracts a very trendy crowd. If you’re looking to party all night then Beaux is a good choice.

San Francisco is one of the best cities in America for gay travelers. So much gay history was made in this city. However much it gentrifies, the queer spirit of San Fran will survive. Read More: A Gay Guide to the Castro.

Gay-Popular Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco is very expensive, as we’ve already established. The hotels on offer are no different. Naturally, San Fran has a great selection of hotels. It’s a question of how far your budget will stretch. If you’re looking for the very best you’ll easily find it here.

As San Francisco is big, choosing a hotel in the right area is key. There are some hotels in the Castro but isn’t really considered to be a hotel area. SoMa district is always a great choice for hotels in San Francisco. There are many to choose from. San Francisco Proper Hotel is a popular choice. It’s in a great location and it’s very chic. Supposing money is no issue, then the Four Seasons San Francisco is divine. If you’re looking to save some Dolls, then Hampton Inn in the gay district is a good bet.

Lesbian San Francisco

Experience San Francisco

There’s so much to see in this city. You can’t really do it justice in a single trip but there are some definite highlights you should check out. The Golden Gate Bridge is so iconic. It opened in 1937 and it’s been synonymous with San Francisco ever since. You’ll also want to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively waterfront district with plenty of restaurants to explore.

Also, check out Lombard Street if you have a car - it's the famous eight hairpin turn street that's also very steep! The view of the bay from here is lovely.

If you like a bit of mystery, head to Alcatraz Island. Between 1933 and 1962 it housed some of America’s most notorious prisoners. They were kept behind bars on a small rocky island surrounded by the sea. That way there was no escape. Very Count Of Monte Cristo!

Gay bathhouses in San Francisco

America’s bathhouse scene declined in the 1980s. Some cities still have proper gay bathhouses though - San Fran isn’t one of them. At the height of the HIV pandemic, San Francisco closed its gay bathhouses. Today just one remains. EROS is the only place to go in San Francisco. There were around 30 gay bathhouses in the 1970s. The gay bathhouses may return one day. But for now, the 1984 lawsuit against San Francisco’s bathhouses prevents them from coming back. Read More: The History of America’s Gay Bathhouses and “Bathhouse Betty”.

Getting to San Francisco

It’s easy to fly to San Francisco. You can fly to San Francisco International Airport - it’s serviced by many major airlines. It takes just 30 minutes on the train from the airport to central San Francisco. There are around four trains an hour from SFO International Terminal.

Getting around San Francisco

Driving a car can be expensive in San Francisco. You’ll have parking costs and you’re likely to get stuck in traffic. It’s a very busy city. The public transport system will get you around the city the fastest and cheapest.

Cable Cars and Street Cars

The Bay Area Rapid Transits are historic transit cars that connect much of the city. They are fast and not too pricey. You can book tickets online through an app or with the exact change when you board. A quaint way of travelling.

Bus

The Muni buses will get you to and from many destinations in San Francisco and the tickets are cheap.

Metro

The Metro system is also run by Muni. You can easily get the Metro around San Francisco. It’s probably the easiest way of travelling.

Taxi

San Francisco is full of taxis. The standard starting fee is $3.50 and it is raised by set increments - the taxis are regulated across the city.

Is San Francsico Safe?

San Francisco is a pretty safe city. Check out what neighbourhood you’re staying in to be sure. As with all major cities, some neighbourhoods are less salubrious at night. Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown are considered to be the safest.

How expensive is San Francisco?

The cost of living in San Francisco is obscene. Many poorer locals have been priced out. Silicon Valley has reshaped the world and spawned many of the world’s biggest companies. Most of them are based in San Francisco. With some of the richest people in history buying up San Francisco real estate, this isn’t a great place for people on low incomes.

When To Visit San Francisco

Between November and September, the crowds are a little thinner and prices are a little lower. Prices are highest in January, November and December. Summer is the busiest time.

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