San Francisco is a mecca for the gay and lesbian community, and there are numerous accommodations,
bars, tour operators, and merchants that cater to gay tourists from around the world.
Gay visitors will most definitely want to stay in the beautiful and hopping Castro area. Lesbian travelers will
enjoy the Castro or a bed & breakfast in Noe Valley, a quiet women-centered community. Either of
these parts of town will make you feel part of the gay community,and situate you close to bars, clubs, and shops of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. The Castro offers thumping nightlife every night of the week, and isn’t too far from the dance clubs and hardcore South of Market club scene. Alternatively, Noe Valley is host to a very cute and quaint neighborhood with bakeries, candle shops, cotton and hemp clothing stores, and the like.
Castro and Noe can also be pricey, so if you're here for the pursuit of late-night activities,
staying near downtown or the Civic Center may also be an option. The Argent Hotel on Third Street is ideal for gays and lesbians looking for luxury lodging. Located in the heart of downtown, just blocks from Union Square, the Argent offers four-diamond luxury accommodations. Another option is the Renoir Hotel on McAllister Street in downtown San Francisco. This triangle-shaped property offers guests easy access to the city's most popular tourist attractions.
Very cute B&Bs reside around the
Church and Market area, and these are convenient to the Castro, the Mission, and an easy bus ride to
downtown. Great upscale but affordable dining options are also around the corner.