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Shorthand for South of Market, SoMa is an artsy district that's packed with art spaces, loft apartments, design studios, independent bookstores and several popular LGBTQ bars and nightclubs.Īlthough SoMa is the working district of San Francisco and home to large tech firms, it's also home to a thriving LGBTQ scene. The event is all about bringing the community together and showcasing artwork and handcrafted goods, and listening to music and dancing.
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It's a tradition that dates back to 1974, when its founder Harvey Milk rallied local artists and vendors. There's also the Castro Street Fair, held each October. There's also the GLBT Historical Society Museum, where you can explore the struggles of the neighborhood's fearless pioneers. The pun-filled, clever shop names also can't help but put a smile on your face - Does Your Mother Know, Knob's and Hot Cookie are just a few. The Castro is home to some of the best gay bars in San Francisco, along with local shops and restaurants that welcome anyone and everyone. Fun things to do in the Castroīecause of the Castro's central location, you're close to nearby hikes in Bernal Heights and gorgeous views of the bay. It's also home to The Castro, an iconic, vintage theater where you can watch a double feature on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Today, it has a bar dedicated to Harvey Milk with a mural on the side of the building and is a vibrant and stylish neighborhood, with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants. The Castro is probably best-recognized for LGBTQ activism that occurred following the assassination of openly gay San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. Historically, it was ground zero for a lot of a highly charged political turmoil in the 1960s and 1970s. Nestled at the end of San Francisco's famous Market Street and below Sutro Tower, The Castro is considered a hub of the LGBTQ community. The Castro is probably the most well-known gay neighborhood in San Francisco. If you plan on renting an apartment in a gay neighborhood in San Francisco, we're here to help give you details that would help you make your decision. There are some gay neighborhoods in San Francisco where you'll notice the celebration of these differences more than others. The City by the Bay embraces diversity, which is one reason why it's become the mecca for LGBTQ people. There are many gay neighborhoods in San Francisco. Power house seems to have great reviews and they have a contest Thursday nights.The best gay areas in San Francisco are, well, all of them. I don't mind being hit on as long as it's not too creepy. If you don't like dive bars, I would definitely avoid the Eagle and Powerhouse. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of any of the ones you listed, but I don't hang out in the Castro or SOMA much these days anyway, so my opinion probably doesn't hold much water. Just so you know, SOMA is MUCH grungier and "anything goes" than most of the Castro, so don't be shocked to find people being pretty open/hands on (if you catch my drift). Badlands and Toad Hall are probably the closest to what you're looking for, or maybe the Cafe. From what you described, it sounds like you're looking more for a nightclub type of vibe than a dive bar/watering hole, and there really aren't a whole lot of great options imo. Honestly, just wander around the Castro and pop your head in to different places to see if it's your type of scene. It really depends on what you're into (bears, twinks, latinos, asians, etc) and what type of scene you're looking for (night club, sex club, happy hour, neighborhood bar, dive bar, etc).