The Golden Gate City is a mecca for gay travelers, but even those who go year after year can benefit from a local’s perspective on what to do and see. That’s why we asked our friends at Greystone Hotels (a grouping of gay-friendly properties including Hotel Griffon, King George Hotel, and the Inn at Union Square) to give us the lowdown on how to best enjoy San Francisco on a gay vacation. See below for tips from Brian Barden, general manager of the Inn at Union Square and Hotel Griffon, and Michaela Winn, general manager of King George Hotel.
Read our full gay San Francisco travel guide.
Your take on why San Francisco is the ideal spot for LGBT travel:
“San Francisco is a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Steeped in history, we are a historic center for human rights and activism across the globe. Going back to Harvey Milk in the 70s, and the emergence of The Castro as the center of equal rights, San Francisco is proud to be a thriving, shining light for the worldwide LGBTQ+ community.”
Best way to get out and enjoy San Francisco:
“The cable car is iconic, but if you’ve already taken it, we recommend renting a scooter to leisurely see the city from view spots like the top of Dolores Park, Bernal Heights Park, or Alamo Square (this one is a two- for-one because you get a city view, as well as seeing the ‘Painted Ladies,’ the iconic Victorian homes). Start with the Castro area and then work your way down throughout the other neighborhoods to experience the full essence of the city.”
The secret to finding an amazing view:
“There are so many to choose from, but if we had to narrow it down, we’d highlight Land’s End or Bernal Hill, or to head toward Twin Peaks, which is at the top of the Castro District, where you can see a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, the Marin Headlands and hills of the East Bay and that cool misty fog that combs through the city coming from the Pacific Ocean.”
Why happy hour at King George Hotel’s Mason Social Club is so special:
“With our recent lobby renovation, our bar and lounge has been completely transformed into the brand-new Mason Social Club. Guests can sit and lounge in our social club, or play around with our red telephone booth between games of pool, shuffleboard, or darts. Invite old friends or make new ones at Mason Social Club, in the lobby of the King George Hotel.”
Tell us about the vacation packages offered by King George Hotel:
“Our ‘Bubbly, Boas & Bathrobes’ package is available for a very limited time (Pride month only). Get overnight accommodations, two champagne flutes decorated with cute rainbow hearts, a bottle of sparkling wine, and two limited edition King George Bathrobes. We thought the robes and champagne flutes would be nice a way for guests to bring the feeling of their Pride trip back home.”
Top three attractions within walking distance of Hotel Griffon:
“A Hornblower brunch or dinner cruise gets you 2.5 hours of scenic San Franciscan views of the ports and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll over to the Ferry Building for a quick bite and to enjoy lavish food trucks during the week. Another favorite nighttime site is the Bay Lights installation on the Bay Bridge by Leo Villareal — take an evening stroll if you get the chance and catch the lighting at dusk.”
Tastiest dish at Perry's on the Embarcadero?
“Who can go wrong with hot pancakes on the bay-facing patio, under the bridge? Good hearty potato skins paired with a good IPA are some afternoon and evening favorites!”
Which luxurious touches at the Inn at Union Square make guests swoon?
“We are one of the very few hotels in San Francisco to have a working wood fireplace that you can use in your room and enjoy a relaxing night. Our guests also enjoy the common areas on each floor, where they can drink tea, read a book, or enjoy their evening cookie before bed (yes, we serve fresh baked cookies every night before bed).”
What freebies can guests expect at the Inn at Union Square?
“We offer a nightly wine reception and a complimentary glass of champagne with a dinner reservation at the Farallon. Each night at turndown, all of our guests are introduced to a hidden gem via postcard, which gives guests the inside knowledge to a city spot they can go out and experience for themselves.”
Buzziest LGBT-friendly bar or club in the area:
“Every store, restaurant, bar, and nightclub in San Francisco welcomes you with open arms with none of the stress you typically have when you're trying to figure out if a business is LGBTQ-friendly in other cities. The Castro is just two miles up the street from Hotel Griffon and 1.5 miles from the Inn at Union Square and King George Hotel. Simply hop on the vintage streetcar and it will dead-end right in front of the large LGBTQ flag, marking the heart of the Castro!”
Best time of year to take gay-friendly vacations to San Francisco:
“If you want to experience all of the Bay Area, including Napa or Sonoma, then we recommend May through October. This will give you the opportunity to experience the full outdoor experience, with farmers markets, street fairs, parades, and more.”
Help! What should I pack?
“Always travel with a light jacket, a pair of jeans and a hat, and be prepared to layer up. During the day, it’s beautiful, but when the fog rolls in and you are walking the streets of San Francisco, it can get chilly.”
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Learn more about gay-friendly Hotel Griffon, King George Hotel, and the Inn at Union Square.
