It should come as no surprise that San Francisco is a gay friendly city, therefore making it the perfect vacation destination for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals. This guide will go over where to find gay friendly lodging, food, activities and nightlife while vacationing in San Francisco.
Gay Friendly Vacations in San Francisco, California #1: Lodging
When you’re in the LGBTQ community, it is important to stay somewhere that you know you’ll feel comfortable at when vacationing in San Francisco. San Francisco has several lodging options that you and your partner will feel comfortable. See below for two options on where to stay.
The Parker House: The Parker House is a luxurious gay guesthouse in the Castro district Room prices start at $139 and go up to $249 dollars a night. Rooms come with a robe, cable TV, WiFi internet, private phone, water, chocolates and access to breakfast, steam room, gardens and sunning area. The Parker House is located at 520 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94114 and their contact number is (415) 621-3222. Click here to make a reservation.
Park Hyatt: The Park Hyatt is well known in San Francisco for being gay friendly. They have 360 rooms available to the public. Prices run on the higher side because it is a popular chain hotel that offers several amenities. Park Hyatt is located at 333 Battery St.
San Francisco, CA 94111 and their phone number is (415) 392-1234.
Gay Friendly Vacations in San Francisco, California #2: Food
Knowing where to eat is important when going on vacation. You want to be able to hug, hold hands or even kiss your partner if you want to without receiving hostile glances from the management or other people who are dining there. Here are two suggestions on where you can eat while vacationing in San Francisco.
Eureka Restaurant-Lounge: Eureka is located in the Castro district. They serve a nice selection of mouthwatering food. Food prices range from $16 to $29 dollars. Parking can be hard to find so you may have to walk a ways or ride a taxi to the restaurant. Their dining room is open Monday through Thursday 5:30 PM to 10 PM and they are open to 11 PM on the weekends. They have a Sunday dinner available from 5 PM to 9 PM, just on Sundays. Eureka is located at 4063 18th Street San Francisco 94114. Call (415) 431-6000 or visit their website online to make a reservation.
Firewood Café: The Firewood Café is located at 4248 18th Street. They service fresh Mediterranean and Californian dishes such as pasta, pizza and sandwiches to tempt your palate. The atmosphere is causal; the prices are moderate and won’t break the bank. For more information, call (415) 252-0999.
Gay Friendly Vacations in San Francisco, California #3: Activities
If you want to feel really comfortable in San Francisco, visit the Castro district. That area in San Francisco is considered to be the most GLBTQ part of the city. You and anyone you’re with, is sure to feel comfortable, strolling hand in hand, enjoying the sights.
One place not to miss is the GLBT Historical Society.The GLBT Historical Society collects information about the GLBT community, preserving it and sharing it with the community. They are open every day from 11 AM to 7 PM. Admission is $3 dollars. They are located at 657 Mission Street #300 San Francisco, CA 94105 and their phone number is (415) 777-5455.
Theater Rhinoceros is well known for being San Francisco’s Queer theatre. Plays that are performed here are geared for the queer community. The play season at Theater Rhinoceros is from September until July. During the year, they sometimes have other special events. Ticket prices range from $15 to $28 dollars. The theatre is located at 2926 16th Street and their box office number is (415) 861-5079.
Gay Friendly Vacations in San Francisco, California #4: Nightlife
San Francisco has a bevy of gay bars. If you are not into drinking, you can still visit a bar to hear local performers. Below are a couple of bars you should consider stopping at if you’re taking a vacation in San Francisco.
Wild Side West: Wild Side West is geared towards Lesbians, though they welcome everyone. It’s a nice bar to hang out at without all the frills. The bartenders are nice, the clientele is usually friendly. They have a back garden with benches that makes you think you’re stepped into a mini paradise where magical creatures may come out to play (though sadly, no one has really seen any). Inside the bar, there is a pool take, music and games. Wild Side West is open from 1 PM to 2 AM (the Garden closes at 10 PM). Their prices are low to moderate and they only accept cash. Wild Side West is located at 424 Cortland Ave and their phone number is (415) 647-3099.
The Cinch: The Cinch is primarily a gay bar but anyone attending can enjoy the music, the booze, and especially the drag shows on Friday nights. They have DJ’s on Thursday and Friday nights, 2 pool tables, games, smoking patio and drink specials available the entire week. They only accept cash so make sure you have some on hand. The Cinch has affordable drink prices and friendly bartenders. The Cinch is located at 1723 Polk St and their contact number is (415) 776-4162.
