You’d have to be living under a rock not to have San Francisco on your radar as a top gay vacation destination. Undoubtedly the most gay-friendly city in the U.S., the Golden Gate City offer a wealth of opportunities to get out and enjoy historical landmarks, buzzing gay neighborhoods, and local culinary traditions. And there’s no reason to hold back — gay travelers are welcomed here with open arms.
For a few local tips on what to do and see here, we turned to our friends at Hotel Zephyr, a gay-friendly spot along the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. Read on to find suggestions on where to eat, how best to see the city, and which neighborhoods offer the most fun for gay travelers.
Read our full gay travel guide to San Francisco.
Your take on why San Francisco is the ideal spot for LGBT travel:
“Not only is San Francisco known as the most gay-friendly city in the U.S., but it boasts a lot of LGBTQ history, including having the first openly gay elected official in California, the first gay bar, the first Gay Pride parade, and so forth.”
Why a stay at Hotel Zephyr is a must for gay travel fans:
“In addition to its prime waterfront location, what sets Hotel Zephyr apart from other hotels is the upscale (but not uptight) vibe. There’s also our 10,000-square-foot interactive Yard, featuring a firepit made with old computer towers, gigantic porthole lounge seating, and San Francisco’s largest periscope. Plus, we have an 800-square-foot game room equipped with a tabletop shuffleboard, board games, a foosball table, interactive digital art, and a photo booth.”
What guests rave about most on LGBT vacations at Hotel Zephyr:
“Guests love to take photos and selfies standing by the wall mural of Popeye, or sitting on the gigantic porthole lounges located in the lobby and outdoor space. And on a gorgeous day, guests love to play the life-size version of Connect Four or drink and socialize by the fire pits in the Yard.”
The inspiration behind Hotel Zephyr’s funky, nautical vibe:
“We wanted to celebrate the Wharf’s maritime history and the colorful neighborhood. Guests are drawn to the hotel’s creative lobby space and ‘shipyard chic’ interiors designed using materials such as recycled cargo containers and upcycled nautical goods.”
Best way to get out and enjoy San Francisco:
“Fisherman’s Wharf boasts a lot of sightseeing activities and dining experiences, from amazing panoramic views of the bay and sea lions to clam chowder bread bowls and California wines. You can also take a cable car to visit other popular neighborhoods in the Bay Area, including North Beach, Union Square, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Embarcadero, to name a few.”
Tastiest dish served at Fire and Brew:
“Their burgers are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as are most of their menu items. Of course, when you have a burger, you need to pair it with a good IPA.”
Best place nearby to go for a scrumptious bite to eat:
“Boudin Bakery Café located across the hotel at the Wharf is famous for its sourdough French bread, fresh crabs benedict, and chowder in a bread bowl, a Fisherman’s Wharf must-try.”
Buzziest LGBT-friendly bar or club in the area:
“There isn’t one in the Wharf, but you don’t have to travel far to find a gay bar in San Francisco. There are over 60 gay bars and clubs here, but most are in the Castro District. It boasts the famous Twin Peaks Tavern, known for its floor-to-ceiling windows, and the lavish Castro Theatre. You will find many nifty shops and good restaurants that cater to the gay population.”
Three bucket-list activities for whirlwind gay holidays in town:
“First, take a comprehensive city tour of San Francisco so that you can get familiar with the city quickly. You can easily select, purchase, and schedule online tours with our local sightseeing partner Tower Tours. Second, ride the historic San Francisco cable car. Hop on at the Powell Street and Hyde Street Cable Car line just a few blocks away from Hotel Zephyr, and ride up and down San Francisco’s signature hills! Third, order a sourdough clam chowder bowl from Boudin Bakery Cafe just two blocks away from Hotel Zephyr.”
Best time of year to take gay-friendly vacations to San Francisco:
“The period from September to November boasts the warmest temperature year-round, and it’s less crowded compared to summer. For bargain hunters, winter is the best time to get lower hotel rates.”
Help! What should I pack?
“A scarf and jacket are a must when traveling to San Francisco at any given time. Even during the summer months, weather can still be cold, foggy, and unpredictable. So better to wear layers! And don’t forget walking shoes. San Francisco is best explored on foot, with its many historic streets, buildings, and corners.”
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Learn more about gay-friendly Hotel Zephyr.
