Castro District
The Castro District of San Francisco is one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in the city. A walking tour through the district will take you through a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and landmarks that highlight the area's rich history and culture.
Harvey Milk Plaza is named after the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. The plaza features a large rainbow flag and serves as a symbol of the district's LGBTQ+ community. You'll also see the Castro Theatre, which is a historic movie palace that has been in operation since 1922. The theatre is known for its ornate architecture and is a popular spot for movie screenings and events.
You'll come across the famous rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Castro and 18th streets. The crosswalks were installed in 2014 as a symbol of the district's LGBTQ+ community and have since become a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
The Human Rights Campaign Action Center and Store is a community space that serves as a hub for LGBTQ+ rights advocacy and education. The center features a store that sells merchandise and information about the organization's work.
The historic strip of Castro Street is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The area is known for its diverse array of businesses, including the LGBTQ+ owned and operated establishments. Some of the best-known shops include Cliff's Variety, which is a hardware and home goods store, and A Different Light Bookstore, which is a queer bookstore that sells a wide selection of LGBTQ+ literature.
As you continue your tour, you'll come across the GLBT History Museum, which is the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of its kind in the United States. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the LGBTQ+ community and features a variety of exhibits and artifacts.
Finally, as you make your way back to Harvey Milk Plaza, you'll come across the Pink Triangle Park, which is a small park that honors the victims of the Holocaust who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation. The park features a pink triangle sculpture and serves as a reminder of the importance of equality.
Join Roam Local's Castro District tours:
Highlights:
Harvey Milk Plaza
Iconic Victorian Architecture
Your Tour Guide's Favorite Cookie Shop
Schedule:
Mon & Tues 10am, Thurs & Fri 2pm,
Sunday 11am
Roam Local
Everything in San Francisco is dripping in a deep, rich history. It is not something that you can see. It's a specific vibe you must feel, and you can only do that in person on foot! You need a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide to show you all the best places and reveal the true beauty and charm of San Francisco's best neighborhoods. Join Roam Local and explore San Francisco like a local to discover what makes the city truly special! Our carefully crafted walking tours give you unparalleled access to all of San Francisco's top neighborhoods, local restaurants, shops, and activities. With our expertise in finding hidden gems around every corner, you can experience this amazing mix of culture with ease. We make your adventure truly unique. Don't miss out on the local sights and the incredible vibe in these neighborhoods. Book your walking tour online today or send us an email with any questions you have about our tours.