San Francisco’s 3 most fab gay neighborhoods

Whether you’re moving to California for an extended period of time or for a month-long short stay, having a place to call home can be incredibly beneficial. You also want to be in a neighborhood where you feel comfortable and accepted. San Francisco is known for having a large, diverse population and being LGBTQ friendly. When looking for some of the best gay neighborhoods in San Francisco, some stand out from the rest

The Castro

In the 1960s and 70s, this area was the site of a lot of political turmoil. It is the hub of the city’s LGBTQ community.

Currently, it is a stylish and vibrant neighborhood transformed over the years following the activism that occurred after the assassination of Harvey Milk in 1978. Living here will give you access to a variety of chic shops, bars, and the Castro Theater.

Events in the Castro

There are many things to see and do in this neighborhood throughout the year. In addition to visiting the pubs and bars and being present for San Francisco Pride Month, there are also live music venues to see, as well as comedy shows. You also have the opportunity to check out the art scene in the area and visit a street fair.

Places to visit in the Castro

Some things to do and places to visit in the Castro include the following.

Ride the F-Line

Cable cars and streetcars are pretty much synonymous with San Francisco, and you have the opportunity to ride on one when in the area. You’ll be able to check out the sights and use a unique form of public transportation to get around the area.

See a show at the Castro Theater

This is the last remaining movie palace in the city. It plays both new and older movies regularly. It also has special programs that include obscure and weird flicks. There are also double and triple features that play often on the weekends.

Seward Street Slides

In the 1960s, there were plans to develop this plot of land, but the locals convinced city officials to make it into a park. They agreed to the plans and a garden was installed.

They also held a competition to determine what to do with the rest of the space, and a 14-year-old submitted a design for a slide. You can ride this slide while in the area every day of the week except for Monday.

LGBTQ-friendly Apartments in the Castro

You can be right in the center of it all when you have an apartment in the Castro. Blueground offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in the area. If you need one that’s pet-friendly, simply filter for their Pets Allowed apartments.

You can live on Market Street, Dolores Street, or 20th Street and stay involved with the community.

SoMa

This nickname is short for South of Market. It is an artsy district that has independent bookstores, loft apartments, art spaces, design studios, and many popular LGBTQ bars and nightclubs. This area is incredibly expansive, and it has an array of cultural attractions

Events in SoMa

There are numerous events that take place in SoMa. These range from food festivals and brunches to comedy shows.

There are also garden festivals, sports watching parties, yoga classes, and coffee tasting. No matter what your preference, you are sure to find something exciting and fun to do in the area. 

Places to visit in SoMa

There are many museums in the SoMa area that you can visit. These include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the African Diaspora.

You probably won’t be able to visit all three in a day, but that will give you more time and things to do while staying in the city.

If you’re a sports fan, you have the opportunity to watch the Giants play. The ballfield at AT&T Park is on the border of SoMa and Mission Bay. When they are in town, this is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Wanting to take in some local history? Then head down to the Barbary Coast. At one time, this was the city’s red light district. This is where the brothels and dance halls lined the street.

There are markers along the sidewalk that talk about the history of the area. Today, there are boutiques and shops that you can visit while learning more about the area’s history.

LGBTQ-friendly Apartments in SoMa

When looking for an apartment in this amazing area, Blueground has a selection of studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments to choose from. You have the option of choosing a place that is pet-friendly or close to your favorite hang out. You can be right on Mission Street, Folsom Street or another corner of SoMa

The Mission

This is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. It has been influenced by Latin culture and is a popular spot for members of the LGBTQ community.

For some, it is one of the best gay areas in San Francisco. The area takes pride in its diversity. Many artists and LGBTQ people make this area their home.

Events in the Mission

From comedy to art to movies, there are a lot of events that occur in this area. It’s a great place to get out and mingle with other people and share a laugh. For those who have a beard and/or mustache, they can join a club and get together with friends once a month.

Places to visit in the Mission

Because the area has been influenced by Latin culture, food is a major draw. There are many different restaurants and eateries that offer authentic and traditional food that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.

If you were so inclined, you could even go on a food tour to places such as Stonemill Matcha, Mr. Pollo, or the Dancing Yak, among others, to check out all the amazing places to eat.

If you enjoy a thriving nightlife, there are many upscale clubs in the area that you can visit. You can visit Dalva or ABV on 16th Street. If upscale isn’t your thing, there are some dive bars that you can venture into. These include Doc’s Clock, Knockout, and The Homestead.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, there are many bookstores in the area. Many of these, including Dog Eared Books and Alley Cat Bookstore and Gallery, are independently owned, and they offer a wide selection of used books.

There are also modern chain stores you can check out. In either case, you’re sure to find something worth reading.

LGBTQ-friendly apartments in the Mission

For queer tenants in any city, having a place to yourself is highly sought-after. Blueground’s furnished one bedrooms in Mission Dolores are modernly furnished and can accommodate pets too.

The apartments at the corner of Valencia and 20th Street are found in a heritage building with used books and liquid nitrogen ice cream right below!

Best gay areas in San Francisco

The places listed above are some of the most popular LGBTQ areas in the city, but they aren’t the only ones. San Francisco is known for being incredibly diverse and accepting of all types of people. If you’re looking to make this city your home, you can pick any place to live and be happy and accepted.

When it comes to finding an ideal LGBTQ-friendly apartment, whether for a short-term or long-term stay, consider renting with Blueground.

With listings all over the city, you are bound to find a Blueground apartment in your ideal area and with amenities from pools to rooftop lounges. Blueground welcomes a spectrum of tenants around the world from business travelers to same-sex couples, from university students to young families.