The Castro District has a rich history—pretty distinct from a mainstream San Francisco trip
A neighbourhood blessed with bay views, street art and glorious nightlife, here is how Castro will keep you on your toes.
Castro Theatre: The theatre is a pivotal historical landmark of San Francisco—an epicentre of cultural and signature special programs. Typically weekends are lined up with triple features. It also hosts revered film festivals, and musicals featuring both classic and contemporary genres. Since its inauguration in 1922, the theatre has held many special screenings with filmmakers in its art deco interior decked with opulence and grandeur.
Night Life in Castro: Decade-old restaurants, pubs and cafes shine in vibrant fluorescent and neon hues as the sun bids adieu for the day. Few places of the town are a hit with locals and tourists alike for serving fresh oysters and freshly baked hot cookies till way past midnight. If you are with the right company, plunge into the Castro District food tour which provides a quick overview of the neighbourhood’s rich and diverse ethnic gastronomic flavours—Spanish, Thai, French, Middle East and Japanese.
Vibrant Street Art: The Castro community has built an oeuvre of street art—murals and graffiti splatter on residential and commercial spaces. Castro neighbourhood has also witnessed a renaissance in queer art with multiple art installations and symbolic painting around the city. Why street art has thrived so wonderfully? The community attributes it to the harmonious collaboration between the residents, artists and merchants. Murals have revamped Castro’s tourism, and, thankfully, no alleyway is devoid of the artistic touch.
Twin Peaks Tavern: An iconic landmark in the district, the tavern is noted for the revolutionary activism that it had birthed five decades ago by being an open gay bar with transparent large windows. The ambience is snug and comforting. You will be greeted with an array of gastronomical delights, mindboggling DJ spins and stunning architecture.
Mission Dolores Park: Chill beneath the clear, blue sky with the city’s silhouette in the distance to let your body recover from the days’ exhaustion. The park still pays tribute to the neighbourhood’s rich culture and history.
Castro Street Fair: A gala extravaganza of live music, lights, party, costume parade sprinkled with open-air dance groups meeting you at each turn, the fair is San Francisco’s heritage. Once you are here, take a bite from the food courts, partake in games, take pictures of the exhibition booths and immerse into the groovy Dance Alley experience. The fair stretches across four blocks and is a lifetime treat to senses!
