18th Street and Castro Intersection San Francisco, CA 94114
The main intersection in the Castro is 18th Street and Castro Street. From here the Castro District extends in all directions for many blocks. This dynamic San Francisco neighborhood is adorned with rainbow flags to help show support of the gay and lesbian residents while being a symbol for the community.
18th and Castro is also the pulsing heart of the GLBT community, meeting place, and, of course, "the" spot for leisure time gay activities. What used to be the intersection for the gay rights movement, today gives way to community and a feeling of home instigated by its proactive community. On any given day, you can walk this intersection and be a part of history while "Gays" can be seen teaming out of every retail store, bar, and restaurant for blocks.
While the Castro facade has changed many times over the years, what remains the same is its continued importance both symbolically and physically to the San Francisco gay community. The Castro will continue to be "the" spot to meet GLBT people and their friends while being a beacon of diversity and hope for many around the globe. In the Castro individuals are free to be who they are regardless of social "norms," acting as catalyst for change and acceptance worldwide.
From the corners of 18th and Castro, "The Castro" extends in all directions, bordered by Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, Twin Peaks, Upper Haight, Hayes Valley, and the Mission Districts. From this cozy neighborhood corner, you can find bars, shops, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and great places to people watch.In addition Harvey Milk Plaza celebrating the civil rights and GLBT leader can be found at the intersection of Market and Castro Streets near the F-Streetcar turnaround, must see landmarks when in the Castro.
A visit to 18th and Castro wouldn't be complete without a stop for a burger at Harvey's, (named after our famous civil rights leader and former district supervisor) and a coffee to shake off the food coma from "Bear Bucks," casually termed for the vast amount of what are known as gay hairy men that invade the doorway.
The community has always been known for throwing great parties, so you won't find it unusual that some of the most frequent and best parties happen here. The most notable would be the Pink Party during San Francisco Gay Pride, a festive ritual to celebrate and support continued diversity. On any other weekend, whatever your reason for partying, these corners are a stone's throw from countless watering holes. The most popular and the newest additions include Q bar, Toad Hall, Badlands, The Mix, and The Café. Each of these bars is a diverse delight with one thing in common: heavy handed drinks.
You literally can't miss 18th and Castro when you're visiting our neighborhood. Make sure to stop and take a look around; fully appreciate the history that surrounds you whether you're running errands during the day, bar-hopping at night, or enjoying the countless other activities throughout the Castro.
For additional information about the Castro District San Francisco, its community, nightlife, restaurants events, and connect with other locals please visit the http://www.mycastro.com/ website for the latest and greatest!
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