San Franscisco

San Francisco is surely one of those "must see" places - stay awhile, come back often. Natural beauty notwithstanding, it’s attitude more than latitude that has made San Francisco the "world's gay and lesbian capital." From the arrival of Alice B. Toklas in 1877, San Francisco has been coming out of the closet and marking a number of "firsts" in LGBT history. The Castro, Armisted Maupin, Folsom St Fair, Harvey Milk, The Aids Quilt, SoMa are all names with which the gay and lesbian visitor to San Francisco will associate. But dominant as it has been in the acceptance worldwide of our lifestyle, there is much more to San Francisco as a destination.

Did you now that the Rainbow flag was designed here by Gilbert Baker, a self described 'geeky kid from Kansas' who arrived in the city in 1970? In 2003 Baker was recently able to create the world's longest Rainbow Flag, restored to its original eight colours, to celebrate the flag's silver anniversary. The Rainbow25 Sea-to-Sea Flag was 1.25 miles long and was unfurled in Key West, FL on June 15, 2003. Just a little of the LGBT history that makes San Francisco the centre of gay activity in the United States today. Now there are year round festivals galore and a great nightlife to compliment your stay here. Pride takes place in June each year and is a definitely worth a visit.

From grand, sweeping views to neighbourhood colour and character, from glimpses of history to world-class dining and shopping - San Francisco is home to a little bit of everything. Hire a bike and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge, take brunch at the Top of the Mark restaurant for a stunning view of the City and Bay, enjoy a self guided audio tour of Alcatraz prison, cruise the Bay to pretty Suasilito, boggle at the shear tackiness of Fisherman’s Wharf, take a guided walking tour through The Castro, ride the cable cars or more usefully the F-line vintage tram cars which connect the major points of interest. And that’s not to mention the many museums and historic buildings that dominate this City by the Bay.

If you tire of all this, you can still shop ‘till you drop at Macy’s, FAO Schwartz and a host of chain stores at prices which make you wish you had a larger free luggage allowance for the flight home. All the properties, we feature are well located for getting around the City. You won’t need a car and the new BART extension from the airport makes it quick and easy to get into the City (full instructions given with your holiday documents).

The MUNI public transport system is fast and frequent and transfer tickets and day passes make it cheap to use. There are easy pick-up locations for Alamo Car Rental in the downtown area for your onward holiday and cars can be returned direct to the Airport for added convenience.

San Francisco is a great destination for your holiday or can be added to a longer itinerary taking in more great sites of Gay America.

See San Francisco Accommodation

See more America