San Francisco Gay 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not the museum itself, but the area around, with the parking lot being the most cruisy, especially in the afternoons and post work with the suits crowd. It's a semi secluded place with a great trail leading to the lands end trail and you are likely to find some action in the bushes.

An all male spa near the Castro with steamroom and showers in the locker room. Whilst not a bathhouse, the steamroom can be active with one or more guys looking for discrete fun. Mixed crowd, generally younger to middle aged.

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.