The Castro District is a storied neighborhood full of rich queer history, colorful businesses, and honorable legacies adorned on every street corner, rainbow flag, and even down to the shimmery sidewalk tiles.

Here is a list of a few of the best eateries, clubs, and notable historical sites to visit when in this absolutely cute, vibrant, and significant part of San Francisco.

See also: 10 Bay Area and National Organizations With LGBTQ+ Resources to Platform For Pride Month

Where To Eat

Anchor Oyster Bar

579 Castro St / (415) 431-3990 / Website

For the best oysters outside of the waterfront, Anchor delivers a splendid nautical atmosphere that wonderfully matches their incredibly fresh menu. A community staple since 1977, this seafood choice will truly transport you into a seaside cove, especially with their cioppino and oyster shooters.

Orphan Andy's

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3991 17th St / (415) 872-1405 / Website

Orphan Andy's is a trusted Castro landmark defined by their gorgeously charming diner interior and 24/7 breakfast options! This is a gay-owned business that has been kindly serving the community for over 40 years, and is a premier choice for a casual, no-frills diner at any time of the day (or late night).

Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

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2272 Market St. / (415) 552-3000 / Website

Canela is the vivid masterpiece by culinary visionary Mat Schuster, and while it may be one of the newest in the neighborhood, it certainly has become an instant favorite! Enjoy their luxurious Spanish selections here, like their lavish Prix-Fixe Paella tasting menu, authentic tapas, and exclusive regional wines. Be sure to save room for their decadent dessert, and other pleasant store gifts!

Dumpling House

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335 Noe St / (415) 829-2789 / Website

Dumpling House will truly make you feel like home. Located just off from the Lookout, this is a genuinely impressive and cozy stop that boasts an endless dim sum menu. Their comforting noodle soups, fluffy cloud-like buns, and irresistable dumplings will truly warm you up when you need some homestyle nourishment.

Where To Stay

The Hotel Castro

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4230 18th St / (415) 340-7358 / Website

The Hotel Castro is a sleek and posh stay that emulates the powerful queer history surrounding it all from each gorgeously embellished room. Each of its stylishly curated 12 rooms is thoughtfully decorated, ensuring a comfy, sophisticated, and vintage-chic stay that's personalized, intimate, and effortlessly within arm's reach of all of the area's must-see spots.

Where To Relax

Castro Day Spa

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4105 19th St / (415) 487-9666 / Website

Need a place to unwind from the endless fun activities here? The Castro Day Spa is a tucked-away serene escape that inclusively offers facials, waxing, brow and lash tinting, and more for both men and women, with thorough specials all for under $200.

Spike’s Coffee & Tea

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4117 19th St / (415) 626-5573 / Website

Spike's is the ideal coffee shop to truly just relax and escape without any electronic distractions, and perhaps with a pet too! This independently-owned casual hangout has no WiFi or television screens, allowing you to not only enjoy their high-quality brews with undivided attention in their playfully dog-friendly space, but also potentially chat with other dog owners, sans the phone notifications.

Where To Shop

Cliff’s Variety

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479 Castro St / (415) 431-5365 / Website

Cliff's Variety is a store that is magically brimming with everything! From hardware and craft supplies, to novelty trinkets and holiday decor, this is a positively helpful store that excels at having something for all of their local patrons, especially their new tourists.

R By Rolo

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2267 Market St / (415) 658-7810 / Website

Since 1986, Rolo has been stylishly outfitting their Castro community with the hottest functional styles this side of Market. This is a brilliant and helpful boutique that will have you walking out in a fashionable activewear ensemble that's fit and breathable for both the gym or for summer's sunny Pride here.

For Pre-Dinner Drinks

Twin Peaks

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401 Castro St / (415) 864-9470 / Website

As the oldest gay bar in San Francisco, its resilient history and iconic prestige make it a must-see on the corner of Castro facing Market. Unmissable by its large classic neon sign and wide sweeping windows, this is a casual and vintage hangout that's always full thanks to their comfy seating, affordable cocktails, and ritzy lounge atmosphere.

Pro Tip: grab a seat on their second floor balcony to truly take in all of the ecclectic interior decor.

Hi Tops

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2247 Market St / (415) 551-2500 / Website

Hi Tops is a bustling and fun sports bar that's perfect for a casual afternoon drink to watch the game to. The interior is casual, upbeat, and boasts shuffleboard tables and an absolutely scrumptious food menu. Be sure to peruse their large cocktail menu before sitting down to catch your favorite sport on any of their several television screens.

Blush! Wine Bar

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476 Castro St / (415) 558-0893 / Website

Blush! right in the middle of Castro is an adorable European-style lounge that feels inviting, swanky, and genuine. Not only do they carry over 50 different wine offerings, but their food, beer, and desserts also feel incredibly posh. Definitely come here for their community events as well, such as their French improv, queer comedy nights, and more, which you can view all on their calendar.

See also: Castro's Blush! Wine Bar Is The Ultimate Refined & Relaxed European Experience

Where To Hit The Town

Beaux

2344 Market St / Website

Beaux is without a doubt a must-visit for a thoroughly enjoyable night out in the Castro. From their catchy DJ sets, quality drinks, and fun themed nights, Beaux is an all-around enjoyable time, especially when you get an aerial view from their cozy 2nd floor balcony!

The Cafe

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2369 Market St / (415) 779-3171 / Website

Just across the street, The Cafe is phenomenally on-par with Beaux, with their entire second-level dancefloor containing multiple spacious areas. There is even a platformed stage right in the middle for their talented performers, ensuring there is something enjoyable for everyone in this high-energy and roomy club.

The Lookout

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3600 16th St / (415) 431-0306 / Website

The Lookout sports a spacious outdoor balcony that lends to panoramic views of the neighborhood. This is another highly trendy choice for a club with refreshing slushies and tasty bites, but we also recommend heading up here with a group for their overwhelmingly hilarious Drag Brunch, put on by the side-splitting comedic talents of Carnie Asada.

The Detour SF

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2200A Market St / (415) 872-5310 / Website

If you want to have a night out but are not necessarily looking for a club, the Detour is your entertainment homebase. This beautifully decorated spacious arcade bar is truly one of San Francisco's best, as you can enjoy refined Filipino snacks, play their endless board and arcade games, and imbibe on the most creative cocktails. You can even sit right at the bar and take on other opponents in Mario Kart or Super Smash Brothers on their large overhead screen. Be sure to check out their other weekly events, such as their inclusive, all-ages welcome Saturdays for families.

Cultural Experience

GLBT Historical Society Museum

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4127 18th St / (415) 777-5455 / Website

Located in the heart of the queer neighborhood, this museum is small, but mighty when it comes to showcasing the social justice trials, successes, and actual voices of the historical LGBTQIA+ movement and community. For only $10, this is a captivating and reverant safe space that hosts several rotating exhibitions, with their longterm installation on display being, “Queer Past Becomes Present.”

Fabulosa Books

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489 Castro St / (415) 658-7015 / Website

Fabulosa Books is owned and operated by Alvin Orloff, and is committed to ensuring that there is a sanctuary for texts revolving around queer history, critical pedagogy, fiction, and more, both classic and contemporary. Be sure to say hi if you see him, and check their calendar for frequent author readings and their LGBTQ+ book club events in this delightfully pleasant shop that's overflowing from floor to ceiling with your next favorite books.

See also: Owner of Fabulosa Books, The Castro's LGBTQ+ Bookstore, Shares Insights and Favorite Titles

Castro Theatre

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429 Castro St / (415) 621-6120 / Website

The Castro Theatre is not only a neighborhood landmark, but a citywide one. As the pantheon for San Francisco's musicals, keynotes, and international, queer, Jewish, and other film festivals, there is always something happening on its stunning stage. The theatre also just recently celebrated its momentous 100th birthday on June 22, 2022, and with its constant flock of adoring spectators, we are positive that it will be around to deliver stellar films for another 100 years.

Hidden Gem

Kokak Chocolates

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3901 18th St / (415) 757-0409 / Website

For an off-Castro sweet surprise, step into the amazing wonderland of Kokak Chocolates. crafted by master chocolatier Carol Gancia, this bright candy shop is true to its LGBTQ identity and Filipino roots, providing high-quality, handmade chocolate creations that inventively infuse classic tropical Filipino flavors. With their exclusive holiday flavors and cute curated collections, you certainly won't be able to resist walking out without a sweet reward!

See also: Partake In Kokak Chocolate's Three-Fold Celebration With Their Sweet Pride Collections

The Castro is a diverse, vibrant, and genuine neighborhood bustling with lively community events, an exceptional culinary scene, and empowering culture. You will have a positively enjoyable experience wherever you visit here, just be sure to capture some Instagrammable moments!

See also: These San Francisco Murals Created by Queer Artists Will Excite You for Pride Month

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