How to Visit San Francisco's Castro District
San Francisco's Castro District, known locally as "The Castro," is the city's gay and lesbian enclave. The colorful neighborhood is centered along Castro Street, from Market Street to 19th Street. According to the 2000 US Census Report, over 40 percent of neighborhood residents are gay or lesbian. The Castro, however, is very welcoming to visitors and boasts an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants and theaters.
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Instructions
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Stroll along Castro Street. The main commercial artery in The Castro, here you'll find card shops, art galleries, bookstores, restaurants and clubs. There are few chain stores here; each business is as unique as the neighborhood. Highlights include the "Does Your Mother Know" card shop on Castro Street, the "Two of Heart" gallery on 19th Street and "A Different Light" bookstore, also on Castro Street.
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Have brunch--or lunch--in a Castro eatery. The Castro boasts a diverse collection of restaurants, most of which are locally owned and operated. Vegetarian and organic food is popular and you'll also find a variety of ethnic food--from sushi to Mexican.
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Watch a film at the Castro Theater. The Moorish-style, Art Deco Castro Theater, on Castro Street, is worth a visit, whatever is playing. The elegant, partially-restored theater evokes the glamor of the 1930s with its plush seats, huge screen and original Wurlitzer organ, which entertains theatergoers prior to each film. Each June, the theater hosts the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
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Visit Harvey Milk Plaza. The Castro station for the MuniMetro light-rail subway, it is named for the openly gay San Francisco city supervisor who was slain in 1978. A rainbow flag flies over the plaza in tribute to Harvey Milk.
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Tips & Warnings
The Castro District is not well-suited to children, due to its openly gay and sometimes suggestive atmosphere.
