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Cruising Bars in San Francisco
440 Castro
Bear, Older Crowd, Cruising
This gay bar in the heart of The Castro neighbourhood is a popular hangout for bears and their admirers. It's busiest at the weekend with a mixed aged crowd enjoying strong cheap drinks and an intimate atmosphere. Regular themed events are hosted here throughout the week, including the understandably popular Underwear Night every Monday, which sees the bar packed with a cruisy, tipsy, and scantily clad male crowd.
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.
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Other Cruising Spots in San Francisco
Baker Beach
Mixed Ages, Cruising
The north part of Baker Beach is the clothing optional area, and this is where you can find the best cruising opportunities. Popular with the queer community, the view from this beach is iconic and is perhaps one of the most impressive settings for cruising area in the world. There are some clusters of boulders behind which you can hide from prying eyes.
Marshall's Beach
Mixed Ages, Cruising
Even closer to the Golden Gate Bridge than Baker Beach is Marshall's Beach. A smaller and more secluded sandy area here makes it even more popular with gay men, especially as it is also designated as clothing optional. The beach requires some effort to get to, however. The path down to the beach from the bluffs above is long; coming back up is quite tiring. See the web link below for full directions.
EROS
Men Only, Cruising
EROS is San Francisco's only licensed gay bath house, so gay guys come here from across the city looking for a hook up. Luxury facilities allow for a relaxing but exciting time, with everything from an open lounge area on the first floor to a 20-man steam room. If you head upstairs you can explore some interesting contraptions or book a massage if you still need to unwind. EROS is an open and positive space and promotes safe play.
Legion of Honor
Mixed Ages, Cruising
Hayes Valley
Mixed Ages, Cruising
The Hayes Valley is a pretty neighborhood with many gay residents and friendly businesses. You'll find good restaurants and shopping, plus several nearby alleys for privacy; have a walk up and down Octavia street. It's a real mix of guys here, mainly local residents, so just take a wander along Hayes Street from behind Davies Symphony Hall along the three blocks towards Gough and see if anyone catches your eye. Popular times are the afternoon and evenings, especially with the after work crowd.
Dutch Windmill
Mixed Ages, Cruising
Located at the far end of Golden Gate Park, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, is the beautiful Dutch Windmill, surrounded by pretty flower gardens. Can be popular around dusk, with plenty of places to shelter in the shrubbery. Mostly guys in their 30s, but often a variety of fun seekers. The park closes around midnight, but there is cruising almost 24hrs. You can also head to the Murphy Windmill which is located to the south of the Dutch windmill, and you can find cruising up and down the paths around the windmill. Keep your eyes and ears open for park rangers patrolling on motorbikes and in cars.
Buena Vista Park
Mixed Ages, Cruising
Located not far from the Castro, Buena Vista Park has lots of trails and paths with plenty of trees and hidden spots. You'll find a mixed crowd here, but mainly 35+ and not so many younger guys. Popular with the early morning dog walkers, the lunchtime crowd and also into the evening. The cruisiest spot is at the top of the hill looking out towards the city. It's quite a steep park, so it's not wheelchair friendly, but is generally quite safe. If you see the Police driving around, just walk away from their headlights.
Sunnyside Conservatory
Younger Crowd, Cruising
A little bit out of town, towards Balboa Park is the Sunnyside Conservatory. The conservatory is surrounded by a large overgrown garden area. There is a path that leads to the next street across from Monterey that is heavily forested and provided sheltered spots. The crowd is varied but popular with young city college students and Latinx.
Recommended gay friendly hotels in San Francisco
There are so many places to stay in San Francisco, California, and at GayMapper, we want to make sure you get great value and a good experience, so check our recommendations below for Gay Friendly hotels. As an LGBTQ+ traveller, it's important to stay somewhere welcoming, with great value and maybe near to gay venues. Treat yourself to a luxury hotel or stay budget and spend what you save on partying! Please support GayMapper by checking out our hotel deals in San Francisco, California as this helps us to keep the site updated with all this useful information!
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