Things to Do in Castro, San Francisco

One of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States and still a global symbol of LGBTQ life. The Rainbow Honor Walk and the GLBT History Museum line its bar-filled blocks.

Rainbow Honor WalkMonument
Cliff’s VarietyHome Goods
GLBT History MuseumHistory Museum

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Top things to do in Castro

Rainbow Honor Walk
★ 4.6 · 131
Monument★
Stretch of sidewalk featuring bronze plaques commemorating noteworthy LGBTQ individuals.
Mon–Thu
9 AM – 5 PM
Fri
Closed
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗
Cliff’s Variety
★ 4.8 · 1.2k
Home Goods
Landmark variety shop sells an eclectic mix of goods, including housewares, toys, costumes & beyond.
Mon–Fri
10 AM – 6:30 PM
Sat
10 AM – 6:30 PM
Sun
10 AM – 6 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
GLBT History Museum
★ 4.6 · 516
History Museum
Main exhibit covering over 100 years of Bay Area's GLBT history, plus special programming.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Fri
11 AM – 1 PM, 1:30 PM – 5 PM
Sat
11 AM – 1 PM, 1:30 PM – 5 PM
Sun
11 AM – 1 PM, 1:30 PM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Fabulosa Books
★ 4.8 · 351
Bookstore
A general interest neighborhood bookstore in San Francisco's Castro District, known for its large LGBTQ+ section.
Mon–Thu
10 AM – 8 PM
Fri
10 AM – 9 PM
Sat
10 AM – 10 PM
Sun
10 AM – 8 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Sui Generis
Specialty Store
Hip resale shop with eclectic fashions for men along with sunglasses, jewelry & other accessories.
Mon
11 AM – 6 PM
Tue–Thu
12 PM – 6 PM
Fri
11 AM – 6 PM
Sat
11 AM – 6 PM
Sun
11 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Giddy Candy
★ 4.7 · 130
Candy Shop
A San Francisco sweet shop specializing in a playful lineup of gummies, from sour to sweet, and also offering bean-to-bar chocolate.
Mon–Thu
11 AM – 7 PM
Fri
11 AM – 8 PM
Sat
11 AM – 8 PM
Sun
11 AM – 7 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Five Star Truffles
Chocolate Shop· $1–10
Snug nook offering numerous flavors of handmade chocolate truffles, plus hot cocoa & coffee.
Mon–Fri
8 AM – 8 PM
Sat
9 AM – 8 PM
Sun
9 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in Castro

Anchor Oyster Bar
★ 4.7 · 1.3k
Seafood· $50–90
Landlubbers seeking a taste of the sea can be found pulling up a stool at this Castro institution, where waves of waiting diners spill out the doors.
Mon
2 PM – 8 PM
Tue–Wed
Closed
Thu–Fri
2 PM – 8 PM
Sat
2 PM – 8 PM
Sun
2 PM – 8 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Frances
★ 4.6 · 756
American· $100+
Stylish and always packed, this disarmingly personal restaurant from Chef/owner Melissa Perello remains a neighborhood favorite.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Fri
5 PM – 9:15 PM
Sat
5 PM – 9:15 PM
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Orphan Andy's Restaurant
★ 4.5 · 2.5k
Diner· $20–30
Old-school diner open 24/7 & dishing out burgers, malts & other classic all-American fare.
Mon
8 AM – 9:45 PM
Tue–Fri
12 AM – 12 AM
Sat
12 AM – 12 AM
Sun
12 AM – 9:45 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Twin Peaks Tavern
★ 4.4 · 665
Pub· $10–20
Historic gay bar in San Francisco
Mon–Wed
12 PM – 2 AM
Thu–Fri
11 AM – 2 AM
Sat
11 AM – 2 AM
Sun
11 AM – 2 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
440 Castro
★ 4.4 · 513
Pub· $10–20
Drinks & events draw casual, bearded crowds to this local gay hangout.
Every day
12 PM – 2 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
Moby Dick
★ 4.3 · 159
Pub· $10–20
This longtime gay watering hole exudes a laid-back vibe with pool, pinball & video games.
Every day
12 PM – 2 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
Starbelly
★ 4.4 · 2.1k
Pizza· $20–30
Californian comfort food & drinks are served at this cafe, which also features an outdoor patio.
Mon–Thu
11:30 AM – 9 PM
Fri
11:30 AM – 10 PM
Sat
10 AM – 10 PM
Sun
10 AM – 9 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Last Call Bar
★ 4.6 · 258
Cocktail Bar· $10–30
Low-key bar with a fireplace & '80s soundtrack claiming to have the Castro's longest happy hour.
Mon–Fri
2 PM – 2 AM
Sat
1 PM – 2 AM
Sun
1 PM – 2 AM
Website ↗Map ↗