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Gay San Francisco
San Francisco is a city ruled by love and celebration of diversity, where the Castro neighbourhood is one of the original LGBTQ neighbourhoods in the USA and the queer hub of the city. Shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs cater welcome everyone, and any place that isn’t explicitly queer is bound to be accepting. Visitors can explore LGBTQ history, visit the Rainbow Honor Walk, and experience a huge drag and nightlife scene. San Francisco’s annual pride is also the biggest gathering of LGBTQ people in the country, and the city is widely regarded as the queer capital of the USA.
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San Francisco Gay Bars
GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.
Hi Tops
Cocktails, Sports, Outdoor Seating
San Francisco's newest gay sports bar and restaurant is in the vibrant Castro neighbourhood. 16 TVs play a variety of sports so you can enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry with the varied crowds that gather to watch. This is also the place to go for pub food with an amazing quality twist, from vegan corndogs to their legendary fried chicken and offers on buffalo wings every Monday. A range of speciality cocktails and good beers will complete your night.
Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Drag, Cocktails
Aunt Charlie's Lounge is an eclectic Tenderloin gay bar known for its amazingly cheap drinks and popular drag shows. It's a small place but full of warmth and character, from the pink-lit cocktail lounge to the lively and entertaining drag acts. Friday and Saturday night drag shows are particularly popular and draw a friendly local crowd, and there's a dance party every Thursday with a local legend DJ. The bar is reliably packed with great people looking for a fun night.
Last Call Bar
Cosy
Small neighbourhood bar located in an old carriage house with a fireplace and old school jukebox. It's part dive, part buzzing Castro gay bar with a fun and friendly atmosphere, plus very cheap drinks at the daily happy hour. This bar is a welcome break from the loud music of the rest of the scene, and it's the perfect place to chat with friends or have a more low-key end to your night if you're tired of partying.
Twin Peaks Tavern
Older Crowd, Cocktails
Twin Peaks Tavern is the gateway to the iconic Castro neighbourhood. It has long been the best spot to watch the world go by through huge panoramic windows with the neighbourhood's best cocktails, beers on tap, and plenty of wine. The outside always looks inviting with its array of rainbow lights, and inside the vintage furniture and cosy atmosphere mean that regulars enjoy the comforts of home here while newcomers are offered a warm welcome.
Jolene's
Lesbian, Cocktails, Dancers
Jolene's Bar and Restaurant is a safe queer space run by and for the LGBTQ community in Mission District. This is a laid-back space serving American fare and brunch at the weekends, plus bottomless drinks to keep you refreshed and tipsy throughout your night. There's pool, plenty of dancing, and live shows on offer to keep you entertained and fuel a thoughtfully created dining and cocktail experience.
Powerhouse
Fetish, Cruising
Powerhouse is one of the most popular gay bars of SoMa, offering a unique "no style" kind of style where a mixed but fetish-loving portion of the local queer community can hang out. It tends to draw a cruisy leather crowd, so if that's what you like then this is definitely the place to be. An interior decorated like an appropriately themed movie set provides a backdrop to specialist nights and parties where nothing is off limits.
Gay friendly hotels in San Francisco
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!
4* Hotel Zeppelin
Boutique, City Centre
Just 300 m from San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco is a boutique hotel nestled in San Francisco's Theater District.
A 55-inch LED flat-screen TV is provided in each guest room. Guest robes, free toiletries and a hairdryer are included in the private bathrooms. A custom 36-inch high maple top work table is provided in each guest room.
An air-conditioned fitness centre with cardio machines and weights is available on site.
At Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco you will find a 24-hour reception. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage and same day laundry services. The Den, a unique game room, is located in the hotel's basement.
The hotel is 1.2 km from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and San Francisco City Hall. Concert venue the Regency Ballroom is 12 minutes' walk away. San Francisco International Airport is 19 km away.
5* St. Regis San Francisco
Luxury, City Centre
Featuring a full service spa, an indoor infinity pool and an on-site restaurant, this luxury hotel is located in the SOMA District of San Francisco. A flat-screen TV is included in each guest room. Union Square is 8 minutes' walk away.
A luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub and a TV is featured in all guest rooms at St. Regis San Francisco. Each elegantly decorated room boasts a minibar and a DVD player.
Guests of St. Regis San Francisco can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Grill restaurant. The restaurant features grilled meats, fish, burgers and an oyster bar in an intimate setting. Signature cocktails and a bar menu are offered at St. Regis Lobby Lounge.
Located on-site, Remede Spa provides separate whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas for men and women. Guests can enjoy chilled champagne and handmade truffles before seeing a spa therapist.
Information regarding area events and activities can be requested at the concierge desk.
The St. Regis San Francisco is across the street from Yerba Buena Gardens. AT&T Park is 1.6 km away.
4* Staypineapple, Union Square
Boutique, City Centre
Staypineapple San Francisco is a newly re-imagined, posh choice in Union Square, San Francisco, featuring sophisticated and thoughtfully designed guest rooms.
It is set in a historic 1913 hotel located just 5 minutes' walk from vibrant Union Square. It offers a coffee and treats reception at check-in and free WiFi in all rooms.
A blend of modern decor and restored 1930s Victorian elegance is featured in all rooms. A flat-screen cable TV is featured in each room. A hairdryer is included in the en suite bathroom. A coffee machine allows guests to brew a fresh cup of coffee each morning.
A computer in the lobby is available for guest use. Concierge services and a 24-hour reception provide convenient guest assistance.
San Francisco's Chinatown is 1 km away from Staypineapple. Grace Cathedral is 8 minutes' walk away.
4* Argonaut Hotel
Boutique
The Argonaut is a 4-star boutique hotel in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco with incredible amenities and great location for an unforgettable experience.
Featuring in-room spa services and a traditional seafood restaurant, this luxury Fisherman's Wharf eco-friendly hotel offers beautiful views across the San Francisco Bay. Valet parking is available.
The nautically-themed rooms of the Argonaut are decorated with rich blue and white furniture. A flat-screen cable TV, minibar and coffee maker with coffee from San Francisco's Vasquez Coffee Company are included.
The Blue Mermaid at the Argonaut serves homemade chowder and fresh seafood in a casual historic setting. The full bar offers California wines and ocean-themed cocktails.
A free newspaper is offered to guests each weekday. A fitness center, in-room yoga channel and free yoga accessories are also available. A 24-hour business centre is also included.
The Argonaut is 8 minutes' walk from the USS Pampanito Submarine and less than 4 km from the Exploratorium.
4* Hotel Zephyr
Boutique, City Centre
Hop aboard Hotel Zephyr, a nautical themed hotel on Fisherman's Wharf with waterfront views, stylish guest rooms and indoor/outdoor play areas.
Offering a fitness centre, Hotel Zephyr San Francisco is located a short 300 m from Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf.
Each nautical-themed room features fishnet-covered light fixtures and porthole-style windows. A satellite TV and WiFi offer in-room entertainment. Featuring a bath or shower, the en suite bathrooms come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Extras include a refrigerator, desk, a safety deposit box, and a laptop safe. Select rooms offer stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
At Hotel Zephyr San Francisco, you will find a 24-hour reception and a mini-market. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a games room and a ticket service. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling.
The Camper is a quick-serve food and beverage stop serving locally-sourced cuisine and craft beers and California wines. It is open to guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The hotel is 800 m from Lombard Street and Ghirardelli Square. San Francisco International Airport is 21 km away.
4* YOTEL San Francisco
Great Value, City Centre
Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, YOTEL San Francisco offers compact accommodation 600 m away from attractions such as San Francisco City Hall, the Asian Art Museum and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The Castro is easily accessed from here via the F-line vintage tramline or the faster BART train service.
Select rooms at this hotel feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.
Union Square is 900 m from YOTEL San Francisco, while Moscone Center is 1.1 km away. The Warfield concert venue and SHN Golden Gate Theatre are just 4 minutes' walk away. San Francisco International Airport is 18 km from the property.
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