At least once in their lifetime, every gay guy and gal simply must take a trip to the gay mecca: San Francisco; the city where people are assumed gay unless proven otherwise.

The "world's gay and lesbian capital" in the minds of many, San Francisco is also one of the United States' most striking and beautiful cities. San Fran conjures up images of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf and hundreds of other breathtaking sights and sounds in the sparkling "City by the Bay."

The atmosphere is perfect for the gay traveler as the entire city is filled with very gay-friendly and gay themed hotels & inns. The dramatic setting replete with the hill, the bay, and the famous fog combined with the unique architecture, world-class gay friendly restaurants and cultural institutions make it clear why this city of just 725,000 has become a favorite destination for all travelers, both novice and seasoned - but perhaps none more than the gay and lesbian.

When you plan your own trip, be aware that there are really three San Francisco's to visit: First, there's the gay epicenter spiraling from the Castro District where almost 2 dozen bars, clubs and shops line the few blocks surrounding the intersection of Castro and 18th St.

Then there's the traditional touristy "Frisco" that includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars, Coit Tower and Ghiradelli Square among countless sites that gays and straights alike will want to visit.

And a third San Francisco includes the attractions that lie outside the city proper: a quick drive and you can hike a redwood forest, have lunch on a pier overlooking Sausalito, or visit a vineyard in Napa Valley.

There's a lot to choose from but no matter which of the three San Franciscos you plan to visit, be sure to peruse Pride City Guide's list of gay owned and operated or gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, bars and masseuses.


Gay Friendly Hotels in San Francisco

When planning a trip to San Fran, the first thing to do is choose what part of town you'd like to stay in: The "ground-zero" of gayness Castro District, the restaurant-rich Fisherman's Warf or Union Square with shopping galore. Business travelers may want to stay in the Financial district or further out in nearby San Jose, Oakland, or Twin Peaks. No matter where you stay, PCG will help you find the gay-friendly hotels that's right for you.

As the de facto gay capital of the United States, most hotels in the city are accustomed to the gay culture and most are gay friendly. It's no surprise to see two men check into a hotel in San Francisco together and ask for a single queen-size bed.

Once you've found your home base, think about what sort of hotel would complement your San Francisco experience. If you favor the urban sophistication of a luxury hotel with a posh bar and elegantly appointed rooms then be sure to check out our one of our featured upscale boutiques. If you prefer something more low key, maybe a smaller, casual boutique might fit you right. If you're traveling to San Francisco for meetings and conferences, perhaps you'd be most at home in the bigger corporate hotels that feature business centers, gyms and spacious lobbies and lounges where you can socialize with colleagues and clients but still slip away to your room for a bit more privacy. No matter where you decide to stay, each hotel on our list is gay friendly and eager to welcome you to San Francisco.


Getting Around Town:

You'll never be stranded in San Francisco - between the BART subway system (www.bart.gov/index.asp), the MUNI bus network, historic street cars, cable cars (America's only "moving" national historic landmark) and taxis, there's always easy access to Bay Area attractions. And while public transportation is plentiful, you'll undoubtedly do a lot of walking, so be sure to pack your sensible shoes. San Fran is a city of hills, slopes and inclines. After a day of site seeing, you'll wake up the next morning with aching calves - but no need to fret - scan the pages of Pride City Guide to find a soothing masseuse to rub your pain away.

Rent a car if you must, but beware: parking is at a premium in San Francisco - from both a price and an availability point of view. Check with your hotel to see if they have parking spots and if they do, snap up a spot regardless of the price. Nothing is more frustrating than spending an hour circling the hotel perimeter looking for a parking spot.

If you can swing it, bring some extra cash and take a cab. Cab stands are available in front of most hotels and restaurants. Of course a trip to San Fran wouldn't be complete without a ride on a cable car - in fact cable cars are the best way to get from the downtown area over to Fisherman's Warf; but beware that most every cable car is packed to the brim with tourists seeking a classic San Fran photo-op.


What To Do? Where To Go?

The gay and lesbian community of San Francisco is amazingly diverse and is a community for all ages. Unlike other cities that have only one or two gay-popular neighborhoods, gays and lesbians live in every part of San Francisco. There are, however a few well-know hot spots like the Mission; the fabulous Pacific Heights; the anything-goes gay SoMa (South of Market); and of course, gay central: Castro.

Other ways to spend your days include:

* Aquarium of the Bay -www.aquariumofthebay.com

* Dine with the Sea Lions at Pier 39's K Dock (www.pier39com)

* Alcatraz - www.blueandgoldfeet.com

* Folsom Street Festival, "The grand daddy of all leather events" takes place each September. Not for the modest or faint of heart! http://www.folsomstreetfair.com/

* Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society: www.glbthistory.org

* San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) - www.sfmoma.org

* San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (www.sfgmc.org)

* Baker Beach: Baker Beach is at the base of the Seaclift Neighborhood and sits at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The park offers a clothing optional beach that is popular with the gay community; so bare if you dare - the Golden Gate commuters will surely appreciate the scenery!


Restaurants and Nightlife in San Francisco:

Besides its gay joie de vivre, San Francisco is known for its culinary attractions and world renowned chefs. Be sure to visit the Restaurant section under the City Directory for some of our favorites that we recommend. No matter where you choose to dine, know that San Fran restaurants fill up early so make reservations if you can or arrive early - or grab a spot at the bar an enjoy some unique San Francisco people-watching.

You might be tempted to dawdle over dessert but be assured that your night has just begun. Set against a backdrop of mysterious fog, San Francisco's nightlife has something for everyone: in fact there are over a dozen gay bars in the Castro District alone - check out the "Nightlife Section" under the City Directory for a full list of information on the local scene.

Whether you are romancing a newfound love or entertaining an important client, San Francisco's vast panorama of restaurant and clubs will offer the perfect surroundings to make your evening a success. Hop in a cab, follow the crowd or just start walking. No matter where you wind up, you're in for an unforgettable time.

Gay Bars and Night Clubs in San Francisco

Though the Castro District and Market Street is considered the gay centerpiece, gay bars are scattered throughout San Francisco. The bars cater to a diverse San Fran crowd including latino, leather and levi, casual, youth-oriented, video and piano bars. Whatever your preference, you'll find the gay bar or nightclub for you in San Francisco.

For those visiting the west coast for the first time, you'll notice a very different style and attitude in gay San Francisco. If you want to fit in with the West Coast vibe, trade in your slinky lycra shirts for hiking shoes and jeans - the San Fran dress code is very casual. And unlike the East Coast, the San Fran night starts early: you'll find many clubs bustling at 6 in the evening when patrons stop by for drinks and dancing before heading out to a late dinner.

And while the bars are as cruisey as any other city, there is a certain "been-there-done-him" attitude � people can smile and say hello on the street much more comfortably in San Fran than they can in the Midwest - so "cruising" is not relegated to only bars.

San Francisco offers a veritable smorgasbord of night clubs from which to choose:
* State of the art video bars that feature dirt-cheap drink specials and encourage audience participation during classic comedy clips from television and movies past.
* Burlesque drag shows featuring such authentic gender illusionists you could take one home to Mom.
* Dance clubs that blend throbbing dj mixes with club hit smash-ups and rollicking leather bars that mix classic disco with goth trance electronica.

But wherever you go, smokers beware: San Francisco is smoke-free so leave the cigs on the hotel nightstand.

San Fran is also a major stop on the circuit scene so check the calendar for upcoming parties. Many after-hour clubs party all night long - don't be surprised if you see a line of clubgoers congregating on the side walk as you head for morning brunch.

If you're looking for flesh and fantasy, visit Nob Hill Theatre and enjoy their nude dancing men (www.nobhilltheatre.com) and appearances by International Porn Stars. Afterward, if you still have some energy left, ask the locals to direct you to the unadvertised after-hours parties - as long as you have the stamina, San Fran will provide the fun.

You may leave your heart in San Francisco but you'll take with you memories of numerous terrific times.

In order to view a full list of gay bars in San Francisco, including PCG Feature Bars, click on the "Bars and Nightlife" tab in the City Directory featured on the left side of this page.

Enjoy - and play safe!

Check out other deals in Sacramento
Sac Hotel Test
Jeff's Deal $1
Eddie's Deal $50

Check out other deals in Miami
National Hotel
Delux Room $(50-15)
King Room $(100-2)
Master Suite $(500-8)