Vacations Blog

San Francisco is one of America’s genuine masterpieces of man and nature, a top gay travel paradise, a promised land to all who enjoy sipping fine wine and a true spectacle for all who appreciate stunning geographic contrasts.

While the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island prison are the two most familiar icons of San Francisco, the city offers many other sights and pleasures that will keep you busy during your stay. Don’t just do the tourist thing during your trip: indulge yourself in the life and beauty of the city of San Francisco!

San Francisco is a great city for walking. The temperature is never too cold for being outdoors and the city is so pretty; a stroll is a great way to take in all that “The City” (as it is known to the natives) has to offer. And, should your limbs begin to feel a little cramped from walking, all you have to do is jump on one of San Fran’s famous cable cars until you arrive at your next destination. This form of transportation is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley was first used, and is a great way to start getting acquainted with the city’s special culture.

While in San Fran, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must see for your itinerary. Stop by Pier 39 and experience the culture and activities offered there. Pier 39 is famous for its great shopping center, which is filled with shops, arcades, and street performers. Take a look off the piers and see the local inhabitants of the docks—sea lions! Fisherman’s Wharf, as you may have guessed, is also the place to go if you’re looking for great seafood. While there are dozens of great restaurants that will strike your fancy, be sure to grab a meal at Boudin’s restaurant and try their famous sourdough bread (you can even watch it being made!) and unbeatable clam chowder. Fisherman’s Wharf is simply swimming with excitement; don’t miss this must-see!

For a real taste of San Francisco culture, get off the tourist path and check out the local neighborhoods. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood offers a life of its own that you won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is an extremely exciting neighborhood of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such legendaries as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. These artists have left a remarkable and lasting influence on this district. Haight-Ashbury also has some small but great local restaurants, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a bowling alley that was converted into a record store. Here you will find almost any type of music you can think of, with a huge variety of vinyl. And only a short walk away from this district is also located the Golden Gate Park—a huge, gorgeous park that rivals New York’s Central Park.

Also near Haight-Ashbury and the downtown area, you will find Castro, the gay mecca of San Francisco. This district is the place for great restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops as well as the the best of San Francisco nightlife. Don’t forget to catch a flick at the historic Castro theatre and take it easy at one of the great bed and breakfasts the district has to offer. And if you plan your visit carefully, you can catch one of the great San Fran festivals such as the Castro Street Fair in October, or Pink Saturday in June.

Lesbian and gay tourists in San Francisco may be primarily attracted to the Castro neighborhood to visit the sites and soak of the ambience, but you will discover the whole of the city accepting of all types of people. Enjoy it all!

So while planning your San Francisco get-away, make sure your itinerary takes you off the beaten path. In San Fran you will find unique adventures everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city; it’s the only way to enjoy San Francisco!