You cannot beat a weekend in San Francisco, the City by the Bay. Thought rents are sky high. the homeless situation has improved and there's a new mayor. Employees of high-tech companies now live in "the City" and take premium buses to their jobs on the peninsula. Plus, the drought is over.
And there's so much to do. You may not leave your heart in SF, but if you follow my tips, you won't leave your wallet there either.
What to do
Walk or run with the Frontrunners, who meet Saturday at 9 a.m. in Golden Gate Park. The walkers do two loops around Stowe Lake. It's friendly group: we went to the fabulous Crepevine on 624 Irving for brunch (try the turkey sandwich with fries). You can also pick up the free shuttle to go anywhere else in the park (the De Young Museum, Asian Museum, Botanical Gardens, and/or Pacific beaches). Details at https://www.sffr.org.
Hike with the San Francisco Hiking Club (I co-founded it and was the first president), which meets at the Whole Foods on Market near the Safeway on Saturdays and hikes in the many parks around the Bay. I led a hike while I was there, which featured Corona Heights, Randall Museum, and Buena Vista Park, followed by a ride on the historic F Line streetcar to the Ferry Building for lunch and scenic views of the bay. Details at https://www.sfhiking.com.
Explore the many neighborhoods. The Castro is the "gayborhood." Over the hill, you can check out the too-cute Noe Valley. Try Eric's for great Chinese food (1500 Church). The West Portal is also very cute and just a 10-minute subway ride from the Castro.
Learn about the history of LGBT culture in SF at the GLBT Historical Society Museum (4127 18th).
Work out with the hotties at a class at Barry's (various locations).
Where to eat and drink
Enjoy the nightlife in the many bars in the Castro. I like the Midnight Sun, Toad Hall, Moby Dick, The Overlook, and Beaux, which has a fun drag weekend brunch. Hi Tops (2247 Market) is a fun sports bar with food. A new Lesbian sports bar is opening soon across the street from Beck's on Market Street as well.
Grab coffee or a sandwich at the new Epicurean Trader (2240 Market). They also have fresh baked goods.
Enjoy an It's-It ice cream sandwich (a SF tradition): graham crackers with ice cream in the middle, covered with a light coating of chocolate.
Grab a carrot juice and freshly made sandwich at Courtney's Produce (101 Castro).
Where to stay
I always stay at Beck's Motor Lodge (Sanchez and Market). It offers free parking (although you don't need a car to visit SF) and cute, updated motel-style rooms. Peet's Coffee is across the street, and there are many bars and restaurants just steps away. Tell owner Brittany that Bill sent you.
There is also one other hotel (with no staff) across from Mollie Brown's Natural Food Store on 18th near Castro. There are also B&Bs close by. Other lodgings are mostly around Union Square and environs, a short Muni ride from the Castro.
Getting there and back, and getting around
I took Southwest through Denver to SFO. The flight was late, as rain and fog slows operations at SFO, but Southwest had put me on an earlier flight without giving me the third degree. On the plane, I ran into the band SoLo, which was playing that night at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
I checked out the eponymous exhibit in the Harvey Milk Terminal, as well as the SFO Museum (which was spotlighting the now-defunct Virgin American Airlines).
On the way back, Delta rerouted me through Oakland Airport, which does not suffer the weather delays that SFO does; it even offered to put me on the United nonstop. I love Delta's new purple uniforms and in-flight entertainment (I streamed Matlock) plus free internet and streaming of Paramount.
Getting around San Francisco, I walked, took Muni Metro (the city light rail and subway) and of course the regional subway known as BART (which serves both airports and now extends to North San José).
Other fun facts
The Gloss, Bay Area Reporter, and SF Bay Times are the three publications in print and online.
Spring is a perfect time to visit: the hills are emerald green, and there are wildflowers everywhere, including native California poppies.
Look out for the driverless Waymo cars. They are everywhere! My friends take them and like that you don't have to tip (unlike Uber and Lyft), and the fares are comparable. Download the Waymo app to schedule a ride (or save your money and walk, take MUNI, or take BART). PS: They do not go to either airport at this time.
I always enjoy a visit to San Francisco and this time was no exception!
Bill Malcolm is North America's only syndicated LGBTQ value travel columnist. He received no compensation of any kind for this trip, and his views are his own. A former resident of the Castro, he co-founded and was the first president of the SF Hiking Club.
Support the Seattle Gay News: Celebrate 50 Years with Us!
As the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the United States, the Seattle Gay News (SGN) has been a vital independent source of news and entertainment for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest since 1974.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we need your support to continue our mission.
Your contribution will ensure that SGN remains a beacon of truth and a virtual gathering place for community dialogue.
Help us keep printing and providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices.
How you can donate!
Using this Link
Text "SGN" to 53-555
Or Scan the QR code below!