How to have fun around The Castro

Welcome to The Castro, San Francisco’s queer, history-making Mecca; more than just a neighborhood, it’s a celebration of diversity, history, and community. After all, longtime Castro resident and cannabis activist Dennis Peron is the reason we have legal cannabis today.

This pulsating and colorful neighborhood boasts a bustling day and night scene that caters to every taste. Whether you’re here for the food, the nightlife, or the culture, you’re sure to leave with a full heart and a smile on your face. There’s a reason this hood is known all over the world by those in the know. 

On April 19, the minds and hands behind MOCA Humboldt will sit down for an nterview with our venerable Leafly Senior Editor, David Downs. 

Eats: 

Catch—Dive into seafood heaven where the catch of the day is always fresh, and the vibes are as vibrant as The Castro itself.

Starbelly—A cozy patio and comfort food with a twist make this spot a local favorite for brunch and dinner. Surprisingly, one of the best places for pasta and wine south of North Beach.  

Frances—Put food science in your 4/20 experience and book a table at Frances for a Michelin-starred and intimate restaurant with a seasonal menu that’s as delightful and diverse as the neighborhood.

Hot Cookie—This is a bakery not for the faint of heart. Enjoy baked goods shaped as homages to bodily appendages; don’t worry, no one will bat an eye if you eat it outside.

Fisch & Flore—The former Cafe Flore has been revived as Fisch & Flore, a sustainable seafood restaurant that sits just across the street from the Flore Store dispensary. Soft launch dinners will be available in early April before their official hours are set.

Drinks:

Twin Peaks Tavern—Iconic for being the world’s first openly gay bar, it offers great drinks with a side of history.

The Mix—Chill with the locals at this laid-back bar offering a sunny patio and strong drinks.

Moby Dick—Call me Ishmael or call a cab to grab pre-event drinks at this famous Castro institution. Where aquarium views and pool tables meet stiff drinks and friendly faces. 

Sights:

Harvey Milk’s Camera Shop—Visit the site of former gay rights activist and City Supervisor Harvey Milk’s camera shop, a pilgrimage site for activists and history buffs alike.

GLBT Historical Society Museum—Queer history and cannabis history overlap in more ways than you think. Explore the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community in an engaging and educational setting.

Castro Theatre—The renovation of this historic, bawdy theater is underway, and you’ll be right smack dab in the middle of it for SF Weed Week. While you can’t see films both old and new or attend a sing-a-long, you can still go by and take a photo.

Shopping:

Cliff’s Variety—What looks like a garden variery hardware store reveals a treasure trove of costumes, crafts, and everything in between for a night out in the Castro, just don’t bring your aging relatives.

Dog Eared Books—Who says weed lovers don’t read? Lose yourself in a wide selection of books in this cozy literary haven. Off-beat, small press, and local literature is their specialty, but they’ve got it all. 

Local Take—Find unique San Francisco gifts and art by local artisans, perfect for taking a piece of The Castro home with you. You won’t find these items anywhere else on the globe. 

Getting to and from there:

MUNI:

The Castro has its own Muni train station that serves the K L M lines. You can also grab the 24, 35, and 48 bus lines.

Car/Taxi/Rideshare:

We don’t recommend driving—parking is haphazard at best. Uber, Lyft or cabs are in abundance.