Castro Theatre
Castro Theatre
4.5
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Neighbourhood: The Castro
A flourishing commercial area that acts as San Francisco's LGBT community center and cultural heart, the Castro is a neighbourhood welcome to everyone. As one of the first predominantly LGBT neighbourhoods in the United States and currently its largest, it remains one of the epicenters of activism in the nation. Grand theatres and glitzy shops now compete with bars and fashionable eateries for attention, drawing visitors from around the world to the bright rainbow flag acting as its beacon.
How to get there
- Castro St • 2 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
457 reviews
Excellent
291
Very good
126
Average
31
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Loucy
3 contributions
Jan 2020
I so enjoyed the look, the organization, the friendly staff and stunning interior of the Castro Theater.
Written 27 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.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,550 contributions
Jan 2020
A lovingly preserved movie palace where lots of special events take place. And there are also just the movies. Always fun to come here sometimes an organ performance. Very comfortable seating.
Written 11 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.
JENNY
Chiang Mai, Thailand60 contributions
Feb 2019
I’ve been here a hundred times; I love all the old architecture and too many of these beauties have gone to history and romantic novels! For me it was the scratch and sniff night for SMELL O RAMA that got me hooked on this theater and the marvelous neighborhood!
Written 9 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.
The World Wanderer
2 contributions
July 2019
Forget the movie. The theater is so spectacular, you will forget what you came here for, just looking at the ornate details of the building. At least, until the light goes off. Such a charming experience!
Written 23 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.
Tammy Dobrow
Sydney, Australia52 contributions
May 2019
The Castro Theatre is now only available for private functions, so we were disappointed when we weren't allowed to look around inside. Still a great area to visit though, I would highly recommend visiting The Castro. Lots of cute little book shops that also sell candles, gimmick toys etc. Most places are dog friendly too!
Written 22 August 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.
andrew b
San Francisco, CA44 contributions
June 2018 • Solo
The Castro theater is at 17th and Castro. You can't miss it. Inside is about a 1500 seat theater with a drop down and raise up organ, played nightly before the show starts. The marquee tells you what is playing or look in the Sunday Chronicle Pink section for up to date listings. The Castro theater is a place you won't forget. They have sing a long nights with films such as The Sound of Music and other nights are Betty Davis and Joan Crawford films and patrons are invited to dress up like the film starts. You'll be pleasantly shocked at some of the patrons and how close they have made themselves into the stars on screen. If you have time and want to go back to an old style theater, head for the Castro.
Written 9 July 2018
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.
gadgetguy11
Lexington, KY696 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
This stately theatre is indicative of the care and detail found in so much architecture in San Francisco! Definitely worth your time to walk The Castro and see!!
Written 19 July 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.
Puako
Puako, Hawaii24 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
Caught a drag queen of comedy show in March. Amazing theatre, just being in the auditorium is fun. The vibe and energy in the place is electric. Highly recommend it.
Written 13 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.
gerry s
Norwalk, CA17 contributions
Sept 2012 • Family
sorry i enjoyed this place many times but this time we had kids why are people walking around nude?anyone!
Written 4 September 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.
johnf
Wellington, FL27 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
My wife and I spend Christmas 2019 in San Francisco. The Castro Theatre and our our time in the Castro area was a definite highlight. We saw a viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life" just before Christmas and then a sing-a-long of "The Sound of Music" on boxing day. The theatre is gorgeous and well kept in its original style (see photos). You really feel like you've stepped back into its history as soon as you enter the theatre. An organist performs about 10 minutes before showtime on a hovering riser that can't be missed. Come early so you can check out the memorabilia on the walls and take in the beauty of this historical landmark. The only negative about our experience was that the popcorn was stale and flavorless. Boo! Note: If your movie has an intermission or it's a double feature (which many are) you'll have about 15 mins. to motor down to a nearby bar for an in-between movie drink. I recommend Harvey's. All-in-all the Castro Theatre was a highlight of our stay in San Francisco and a must do.
Written 4 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.
No, unless special event. If special event, check for dress code.
MM
Written 7 November 2018
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