You know it well. Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, the infamous Alcatraz, the fabulous noughties set of The Princess Diaries and the beloved Mrs Doubtfire.
But it’s not just San Francisco’s historical landmarks or rich film history that should inspire you to visit the Californian city.
Hidden amongst the steep streets and busy trams is an unapologetically sexually liberated hub, perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers, as well as those who aren’t afraid to embrace their sexuality.
Lustmag’s fourth annual Sexually Liberal Cities Index for 2024 revealed that San Francisco is not just the best place in the US for the most adventurous of lovers, it’s the best destination in the world for it.
The study analysed cities worldwide, considering factors like the amount of gay bars and queer events, the legality of sex work, transgender rights, laws on transphobic and homophobic behaviour and the usage of contraception.
These were all then given a score, the higher the better. Cologne was the city on top last year, but now northern California has taken the crown with a score of 72.5. So, without further ado, here’s a travellers guide to the saucier side of San Francisco…
Gay Bars in San Francisco
As you explore the Golden Gate city, you’ll almost certainly stumble upon one of it’s 42 gay bars.
Whatever wets your sexual appetite, from kink and leather to bright and bold, there’s something for everyone.
One cannot talk about gay bars without mentioning The Castro, one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the US.
There’s also a bar called 440 Castro, formerly known as Daddy’s Draws, which is an iconic gay bar aimed at the leather-wearing daddys of the sexually liberated world.
It opens at noon for cocktails, so you can have fun in broad daylight, or you can wait until dark where the fun truly begins. Monday is the bar’s underwear night, so be prepared to strip off that shirt!
Elsewhere, Jolene’s welcome revellers with a neon sign that reads: ‘you are safe here’. If you’re a queer woman, you’ll want to go to their U Haul party, or if music is your thing, there’s a queer karaoke night.
Located on 2700 16th Street, you can even play pool on it’s bright pink table or party on the dance floor.
Planted firmly on Pol Street, in SF’s original gay district, The Cinch Saloon is one of the city’s most iconic gay bars.
Think wild west, with saloon doors, stiff drinks and a delightful peachy exterior.
Sex Shops in San Francisco
If you’re visiting with the intention of getting very involved, you may need to stop by a sex shop or two to stock up on some essential items.
It won’t be hard to find one of the 26 sex stores throughout the city, and there’s something to suit all needs.
If you love a bit of vintage with a hint of silk and leather, then Dollhouse Bettie is perfect.
Fulfil your pin-up fantasy with peek-a-boo bras and nipple tassels, as well as feathered toys and risque garters. The bras range from A to G cup.
For some more hardcore toys, look to Good Vibrations on Mission Street. It caters to everyone and particularly suits the needs of those with a predisposition to BDSM.
They have floggers, cuffs, bondage, vibrators, strap-ons and plenty of lube. Despite its contents, it looks a very classy store.
The Castro is also home to sex shop Rock Hard, which again has something for everyone. It’s very LGBTQ+ focused, and even has displays of erotic art to get you going.
LGBTQ+ Events in San Francisco
It wouldn’t be a sexually liberated city without Pride events and with 76 large gay pride events, plus another 11 smaller events, the city doesn’t disappoint.
This year is the sixth year of the San Francisco Pride Golf Tournament, which will be held on September 21. It’s the first ever LGBTQ+ sporting event to be officially endorsed by the PGA.
There’s also the Drag Gala, celebrating the art form while doubling up as a peaceful protest against drag bans and attacks on LGBTQ+ culture.
Pride Prom takes place in June, and is exclusively for 21 year olds and older, but if you fancy something a little more country, there’s the Sundance Saloon Pride Hoedown.
You can two-step and line dance to your heart’s content at the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House at 3705 3rd Street.
For the sporty types there’s pride yoga and the Pride Run which is a 5k or 10k in Golden Gate Park.
About the weather…
If there is one thing all visitors to the Golden City must know about, it’s the weather. Metro.co.uk’s Deputy Lifestyle Editor, Kristina Beanland, shares a word of warning after her recent trip:
‘You might be going to California, but don’t expect to be basking in the sunshine. This is the Bay Area my friend, and it’s said locals can spot a tourist by how ill-prepared they are for the notorious fog (aka Karl: he has his own Instagram page).
‘If you want that Insta-worthy pic of the Golden Gate Bridge, keep in mind that Karl will make it difficult for you to get a clear view. And, the first time we headed down to the Marina we wondered what all the fuss was about – only to realise that Karl was hiding the bayside scenery.
‘If you remember one thing when packing for your trip, it should be this: pack layers. The area is known for its microclimates – temperatures that can vary dramatically within just a few miles from each other. One minute, I was topping up my tan, and the next I was hastily pulling on a jumper.
‘The weather could never spoil all that SF has to offer, but if you’re hoping for some sun, go in September.’
Travelling to San Francisco
If we’ve convinced you you need a trip to the Californian city, then you’ll want to think about booking flights.
At this time of year though, we’ll warn you they aren’t cheap. Flights on SkyScanner average around £777 for a return flight from London to San Francisco in July.
The average flight time is around 10 to 11 hours each way, landing at San Francisco International Airport.
If you fly in November, the cost drops down to about £450. However, if you choose to break up the journey with two flights, instead of a direct flight, the price drops to around £338.
You could be stopping in France or the Netherlands for your connecting flight.
But it’s worth the money according to the many positive reviews online.
Sadig A, writing on Yelp, said: ‘San Francisco holds an enduring charm that never fails to captivate, drawing me back time and again to its stunning sights and vibrant neighborhoods.
‘From the bustling streets of Little Italy to the tranquil ambience of Japan Town, each enclave offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry.’
TripAdvisor reviewer CrazySoccerLoon from Minnesota, visited the city and fell in love with its bay.
He wrote: ‘San Francisco Bay is one of the most beautiful and stunning sights in the world. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of the city, the state of California and even the nation.
‘Alcatraz sits eerily in the middle of the Bay and is worth experiencing on a tour. Make you get out on the water if visiting the city on a cruise of the bay.’
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