Rainbows guaranteed
The gay center► of San Francisco (and arguably the US) with a historical role that's been widely recognized by the 2008 film Milk chronicling Harvey Milk and the gay rights movement, the Castro also offers food, drinks and shopping *and* some of the hottest and best-dressed men anywhere! The neighborhood is reliably festive, and never more-so than Pride weekend :)
For a movie check out the Castro Theater - a huge Spanish Colonial affair with a pipe organ performance before most showings.
Occasionally naked men (which is legal) will wander through the neighborhood, although hardly enough to wage a political battle over.
In the surrounding areas are Dolores Park, the Lower Haight - with Twin Peaks a fairly strenuous half hour hike up the hill (Kite Hill offers similar views with less hiking).
The (in)famous and formerly massive Castro Halloween celebration has been tamped down in recent years, but still draws a crowd►.
Around Castro...
For a movie check out the Castro Theater - a huge Spanish Colonial affair with a pipe organ performance before most showings.
Occasionally naked men (which is legal) will wander through the neighborhood, although hardly enough to wage a political battle over.
In the surrounding areas are Dolores Park, the Lower Haight - with Twin Peaks a fairly strenuous half hour hike up the hill (Kite Hill offers similar views with less hiking).
The (in)famous and formerly massive Castro Halloween celebration has been tamped down in recent years, but still draws a crowd►.
Around Castro...
Badlands
Good times in the bad lands
The Castro's most reliably crowded bar, Badlands frequently sports a line down the block and typically hosts a cadre of chatters and smokers out front.
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Cafe du Nord
Better than it ever was...
6+ shows► a week in a subterranean Victorian speak-easy gone legit, Cafe du Nord is in a league of its own - check the schedule!
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Cafe Flore
Cabin in the Castro
With an improbable mountainous cabin vibe, Cafe Flore is a long-time Castro chill/hot spot with both (heated) outdoor and indoor seating.
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Caselli Mansion
Improbably monstrous
Built in 1892 by an eccentric policeman on 17 acres, the Caselli mansion has been an apartment building for most its otherwise majestic history.
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Castro Theater
Delightful theater, excellent films
An organist plays the pipes► before most shows at this Spanish Colonial theater. Most runs are classic or independent films.
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Cliff's Variety
Hilarious decorations, utility ensues
With the mantra "Always have what the customer needs when they need it" Cliff's is largely successful with a big, but not huge, floor space in the middle of the Castro - selling everything► from appliances to gardening supplies, hardware, and even body paint (!)
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Corona Heights Park
Iron in them thar hills!
Sometimes forgotten but rarely regretted (!) Corona Heights Park offers hiking (short but exciting!), great views, picnicking, basketball, tennis, a playground and a museum on and around dramatic red rock formations.
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Hot Cookie
C is for Cookie, that's good enough for me
In addition to serving up delicious (and hot!) cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes (including male genitalia), HC immortalizes past cookie-binges-in-the-Castro with photos on the wall!
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Kasa Indian
Mi kasa
The preferred Castro lunch location of Sutro worker bees Tobin and Kevin, Kasa regularly hosts a lively night scene as well!
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Kite Hill Park
Neighborhood chill spot
A twenty minute walk up from 18th and Castro, Kite Hill Park offers lower altitude and less crowded version of the Twin Peaks view down Market St.
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Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Nun of the above
With combined commitment to community fundraising and full-femme nunwear, the Sisters are hard to miss! Founded in San Francisco (1979►), there are now chapters around the world.
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