The Castro
The Castro
4
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The area
Neighbourhood: Mission Dolores
How to get there
- Castro St • 3 min walk
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4,616 within 5 kms
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4.0
978 reviews
Excellent
426
Very good
384
Average
144
Poor
18
Terrible
6
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,780 contributions
Dec 2022
There are issues here, people on the streets and the chronic litter. But there is also lovely architecture off the main street and lots of history all around. Plus fun at the theater, the bars and the restaurants. Lots of people around. This is now an upscale neighborhood.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mykonos20
Denver, Colorado62 contributions
Jan 2020
Being a gay male the Castro was very interesting. The area had many gay stores and we made several purchases. We waked around and saw many stores. We stopped a a bar and had a drink and talked with the bar tender about what was going on for New years. Had a very interesting time.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmbassadorBas
Sydney, Australia754 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
This place has a great vibe and is really the place to go in San Francisco if your GLBT it got so many gay owned busineses, stores, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, bars and it has a great welcoming feel no matter where you walk, every one was so friendly. Had a great time here and meet alot of nice locals who were more than happy to give us the low down on San Francisco and beyond.
Written 10 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juan o
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I love in San Francisco. I love the City and I like the Castro. However, the same way I use Tripadvisor to get honest reviews and pictures when i travel overseas, I want to share real pictures that you one see on travel guides. Just be prepared for great number of homeless and tents that you’d expect in third world countries, not in a neighborhood where homes average $1.7M.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark L
San Francisco, CA79 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
OK. Let's start by having you forget the Castro depicted in the film about Harvey Milk. Significant changes have taken place since then. First, increased gentrification. Second straight people with young children peacefully coexist with the LGBT community and are often its best friend. I see this as a good thing - come a long way from the gay ghetto of the 70's.
The Castro, blessed with a mild microclimate thanks to Twin Peaks keeping the fog at bay - er on the ocean side of town, has become a bit of an expensive enclave for locals - as if San Francisco isn't already expensive enough. Regardless, there is something there for everyone. But, please bring your open mind when you visit. There are still a few extreme, shall we say, factions which allow all of us, residents and visitors alike, to witness first hand the "freedom" some choose to display. Those of us who live here - in the area - hardly give anything a second look, something that might cause a visitor from Mobile to stop, look and scratch their head.
Some say it is progress, although I'm not sure. The Castro, once thought of as the area around 18th & Castro Sts, is now well underway pushing itself closer to the newest area of gentrification - mid-Market. (e.g., Twitter headquarters in the old mart building)
Amid the new condos and apt buildings lining Market St above Octavia, one finds really good dining, like the new seafood restaurant Pesce. For the more budget minded, try the Firewood Café on 18th St between Collingwood and Diamond. Order your own choices from the menu on the blackboard, and a server will bring it to you.
There are walking tours for those who want to learn more about the area's richly varied history. Or, just wander on your own from 19th & Castro, then at 17th bear right and the commercial district continues eastward to 15th St (for now).
A word of caution as I write this. Castro St between 17th and 19th is under construction now (May 2014). Among other things, sidewalks are being widened - something that was badly needed. It's kind of a mess right now, although the city has promised it will be completed before gay pride week in June.
IMHO, it is THE capital of people watching anywhere - except for the likes of La Rambla in Barcelona or the sidewalk cafes in Rio's Copacabana and Ipanema neighborhoods.
Oh, and a final word about Harvey. His camera store is now an HRC proceeds store (Human Rights Campaign). Harvey's is a bar and restaurant at 18th & Castro, formerly "The Elephant Walk."
BTW, the "F Market" vintage streetcar line (NOT the cable cars) runs between the Castro and Fisherman's wharf running on Market St and the Embarcadero. It's a great ride, and you'll see a vast amount of the city from the streetcar.
The Castro, blessed with a mild microclimate thanks to Twin Peaks keeping the fog at bay - er on the ocean side of town, has become a bit of an expensive enclave for locals - as if San Francisco isn't already expensive enough. Regardless, there is something there for everyone. But, please bring your open mind when you visit. There are still a few extreme, shall we say, factions which allow all of us, residents and visitors alike, to witness first hand the "freedom" some choose to display. Those of us who live here - in the area - hardly give anything a second look, something that might cause a visitor from Mobile to stop, look and scratch their head.
Some say it is progress, although I'm not sure. The Castro, once thought of as the area around 18th & Castro Sts, is now well underway pushing itself closer to the newest area of gentrification - mid-Market. (e.g., Twitter headquarters in the old mart building)
Amid the new condos and apt buildings lining Market St above Octavia, one finds really good dining, like the new seafood restaurant Pesce. For the more budget minded, try the Firewood Café on 18th St between Collingwood and Diamond. Order your own choices from the menu on the blackboard, and a server will bring it to you.
There are walking tours for those who want to learn more about the area's richly varied history. Or, just wander on your own from 19th & Castro, then at 17th bear right and the commercial district continues eastward to 15th St (for now).
A word of caution as I write this. Castro St between 17th and 19th is under construction now (May 2014). Among other things, sidewalks are being widened - something that was badly needed. It's kind of a mess right now, although the city has promised it will be completed before gay pride week in June.
IMHO, it is THE capital of people watching anywhere - except for the likes of La Rambla in Barcelona or the sidewalk cafes in Rio's Copacabana and Ipanema neighborhoods.
Oh, and a final word about Harvey. His camera store is now an HRC proceeds store (Human Rights Campaign). Harvey's is a bar and restaurant at 18th & Castro, formerly "The Elephant Walk."
BTW, the "F Market" vintage streetcar line (NOT the cable cars) runs between the Castro and Fisherman's wharf running on Market St and the Embarcadero. It's a great ride, and you'll see a vast amount of the city from the streetcar.
Written 15 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
182 contributions
July 2017 • Couples
So much to offer but ruined by a few men who enjoy walking around nude in front of children. Can't believe it's legal. In most communities exposing yourself to a minor is a crime. In the Castro District it's something to be "Proud" of apparently. Wouldn't have even seen it if it hadn't been part of a city tour. There were kids on the tour. Can't imagine any city being proud about that.
Written 23 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer33709
1 contribution
Castro, nothing like it in the world. The streets filled with rainbow flags. Gay shops, restraunts, and bars. You will have a blast with your GF here. You be laughing tears.
Not recommended for tradional or older people. Come here to have a few laughs and see a different culture.
P.S. Eat dinner at "The Sausage Factory" it's real good itlaian food, owner works at restraunt, very good.
Not recommended for tradional or older people. Come here to have a few laughs and see a different culture.
P.S. Eat dinner at "The Sausage Factory" it's real good itlaian food, owner works at restraunt, very good.
Written 14 May 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bolero49
Reardan, WA420 contributions
Used to live in the neighborhood 20 years ago (1988-1994). Still in the Bay Area and get back there at least once a month. So I know the Castro very well.
I think it's an amazing neighborhood but not necessarily so amazing if you're a tourist. I enjoyed living here because I knew everyone. I had lots of friends, I knew the butcher, the florist, a lot of the waiters in favorite restaurants, etc. It was friends, family, and home. A real neighborhood (gay neighborhood yes, but still, just a neighborhood like most others).
Other than gay bar hopping at night there's not a lot to do here for a tourist. If you're interested in gay history there's a few tours, human rights campaign office, a gay history museum, etc. but not more than a few hours worth. A few shops and restaurants, etc.
In all honesty many "tourist" come into the neighborhood to gawk at the gays. As a resident and community member that kind of makes one feel as if they're a zoo exhibition. I understand the curiosity to see something different but the reality is most tourist see us, our neighborhood and walk away asking themselves, "what's the big deal?" And that's exactly the point. There is no big deal.
My only real complaint now about the Castro, and hence the slightly lowered rating, are the naked guys.
I'm sorry but public nudity like that has no place in the neighborhood and never has. Public sexuality is one thing, blatant nudity is another. This has nothing to do with gayness, LGBT rights, liberal politics, or anything cultural. They take over public streets, public parks, and public squares. I've even seen them parade their wares in the intersection of 18th & Castro inhibiting traffic. The commotion they cause interrupts business too. I feel sorry for the owners of Orphan Andy's and Twin Peaks.
No one else wants to use anything they've been near after their naked butts (and other parts) have been all over the place. No one wants to see your old tired flab either (might feel different if you looked like James Falco but NONE of you do; reality is most of you look like Yoda). Your nakedness is an embarrassment to the City and especially the Castro. I feel sorry for visitors who get off a trolly and their first impressions of the Castro are the flabby naked guys.
I think it's an amazing neighborhood but not necessarily so amazing if you're a tourist. I enjoyed living here because I knew everyone. I had lots of friends, I knew the butcher, the florist, a lot of the waiters in favorite restaurants, etc. It was friends, family, and home. A real neighborhood (gay neighborhood yes, but still, just a neighborhood like most others).
Other than gay bar hopping at night there's not a lot to do here for a tourist. If you're interested in gay history there's a few tours, human rights campaign office, a gay history museum, etc. but not more than a few hours worth. A few shops and restaurants, etc.
In all honesty many "tourist" come into the neighborhood to gawk at the gays. As a resident and community member that kind of makes one feel as if they're a zoo exhibition. I understand the curiosity to see something different but the reality is most tourist see us, our neighborhood and walk away asking themselves, "what's the big deal?" And that's exactly the point. There is no big deal.
My only real complaint now about the Castro, and hence the slightly lowered rating, are the naked guys.
I'm sorry but public nudity like that has no place in the neighborhood and never has. Public sexuality is one thing, blatant nudity is another. This has nothing to do with gayness, LGBT rights, liberal politics, or anything cultural. They take over public streets, public parks, and public squares. I've even seen them parade their wares in the intersection of 18th & Castro inhibiting traffic. The commotion they cause interrupts business too. I feel sorry for the owners of Orphan Andy's and Twin Peaks.
No one else wants to use anything they've been near after their naked butts (and other parts) have been all over the place. No one wants to see your old tired flab either (might feel different if you looked like James Falco but NONE of you do; reality is most of you look like Yoda). Your nakedness is an embarrassment to the City and especially the Castro. I feel sorry for visitors who get off a trolly and their first impressions of the Castro are the flabby naked guys.
Written 19 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt V
San Francisco, CA248 contributions
Oct 2019
The historical significance of this neighborhood is often lost by the fun times at the bars and clubs, but understand. This is/was a safe haven for the LGBTQ during times that it wasn't safe or welcomed for us to leave the neighborhood. Yes, things have changed for the better but this is still our little gem that we love to share with you. Come, enjoy, learn and engage with us. Do a walking tour, have a cocktail at Twin Peaks (the first gay bar to not hide it's patrons) and support the local stores.
And yes, I am writing this as someone who grew up near SF, and now lives in the Castro.
And yes, I am writing this as someone who grew up near SF, and now lives in the Castro.
Written 25 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Egídio L
Austin, TX85 contributions
June 2013 • Friends
Being in San Francisco one must make time to walk around the Castro. Not only is it a piece of gay history in the U.S., but it is also a place where you find lots to do: bookstores, shops and eateries. We ate at the Castro a couple of time during our short stay in SF and loved the experience. This is what the real world looks like without discrimination or barriers.
Written 6 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl sagerstromk@gmail.com
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Also Mr Delrosario , you still owe me the money I loaned you many many years ago . How about it ??
Written 3 March 2020
Karl sagerstromk@gmail.com
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hey Douglas Delrosario ,at 237 Collingwood Street , Just when are you going to give back all my antiques that you Stole from me. ??
Written 3 March 2020
You should have eaten in the Castro back in the 1970's and 1980's when the restaurant prices were only One Third of what they are now .Then you will see the whole story .
Written 12 November 2020
Yes it is the Gay area of San Francisco, we've been there a few times & you really feel comfortable being there
Written 20 December 2018
Sure it - all the stripes of the rainbow
Written 20 July 2017
It's at about 14 miles . A 20 to 30 min drive depending on traffic and transport .
Written 3 August 2016
Andrew R
San Jose, Costa Rica
Queremos pasar una semana en San Francisco, y nos interesa hospedarnos en los alrededores o propiamente en el Barrio Castro. Qué hotel barato y bueno me recomiendan? ¿Existen excursiones para gays?
Written 24 July 2015
Los hoteles son carisimos buscar habitacion en Airbnb. Yo estuve en una de este sitio en Castro a la mitad de precio que el hotel. Y son duda Castro es el mejor y animado barrio de San Francisco
Written 25 July 2015
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