Castro district San Francisco CA

CASTRO DISTRICT

Though the gay community calls all of San Francisco its home, its spiritual center is in the Castro district, which used to be called the Eureka Valley. Once home to immigrant families, the neighborhood began to change in the fifties and sixties as gays and lesbians seeking solidarity established roots in this then-quiet district.

Today, the Castro buzzes with activity from its many shops, bars and restaurants. The most interesting section of the Castro is bordered by 17th and 20th Streets, and includes Collingwood, Castro, Diamond, Eureka, and Hartford Streets.

The area is an economically thriving one, which makes shopping particularly fun because the shops sell items that you may not find elsewhere. You don't have to be gay or lesbian to enjoy all this neighborhood has to offer.