From the 1970s, the Castro became the most visible gay neighborhood in America and a center of the gay rights movement. Harvey Milk opened a camera shop on Castro Street and in 1977 became one of the first openly gay people elected to public office in the United States. He was assassinated the following year. In the 1980s and 90s the neighborhood was devastated by AIDS, and its activists changed how the world responded to the epidemic.

What to see

  • The Castro Theatre, a 1922 movie palace with a towering neon sign, the neighborhood's landmark and a venue for film festivals and events.
  • The GLBT Historical Society Museum, a small museum on 18th Street telling the story of LGBTQ history in San Francisco.
  • The Rainbow Honor Walk: bronze plaques set into the sidewalk, honoring LGBTQ figures from history.
  • The rainbow crosswalks at Castro and 18th, and the huge rainbow flag flying over Harvey Milk Plaza.
  • The site of Harvey Milk's shop on Castro Street, marked by a plaque and a mural.

Practical notes

The Castro is lively in the evening and on weekends, with bars and restaurants along Castro and Market Streets. The Muni Metro stops at Castro Station, and the historic F-line streetcars run from here down Market to the waterfront. Walk up to Twin Peaks for the view, or east to Dolores Park.

A short history

Before the 1960s, the Castro was a quiet working-class neighborhood of Irish and Scandinavian families known as Eureka Valley. As many families moved to the suburbs, gay men began buying and renting its Victorians, and by the 1970s the Castro had become the center of gay life in San Francisco. Harvey Milk's election as a city supervisor in 1977 symbolized the community's new political power. In November 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated at City Hall by a former supervisor; that night, tens of thousands marched from the Castro to City Hall by candlelight.

In the 1980s, AIDS devastated the neighborhood. Local activists organized care networks, pushed for research and treatment, and created the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which began in the Castro. The neighborhood today is both a living community and a place of pilgrimage.

A walking route

  1. Start at Harvey Milk Plaza, at Castro and Market, under the giant rainbow flag.
  2. Walk the Rainbow Honor Walk plaques along Castro Street.
  3. See the Castro Theatre and, if possible, catch a film or event.
  4. Find the former site of Harvey Milk's camera shop on Castro Street.
  5. Visit the GLBT Historical Society Museum on 18th Street.
  6. Cross the rainbow crosswalks at 18th and Castro.
  7. Continue up to Corona Heights or Twin Peaks for the view.

Events

San Francisco Pride, held in late June, is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, with a huge parade along Market Street. Castro Street hosts street fairs and celebrations throughout the year.

Practical tips

  • The Castro is lively in the evening and on weekends, with bars and restaurants for every taste.
  • The historic F-line streetcars start here and run along Market Street to the waterfront.
  • From here it is a short walk to Dolores Park and the Mission.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Castro welcoming to everyone?

Yes. It is a proudly LGBTQ neighborhood that welcomes all respectful visitors.

How do I get there?

Muni Metro to Castro Station, or the F-line streetcar along Market Street.

How long should I spend?

Two hours for the walk and the museum, longer in the evening.