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Castro
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Rainbow crosswalks, a landmark cinema, street fairs and a free kids’ museum on the hill.
The Castro grows out from the corner of Castro and Market streets, and its best-known landmark is the Castro Theatre at 429 Castro Street. The theater was built in 1922, its interior was designed by San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger, and it is a designated historic landmark. It is closed for a renovation and restoration, and its own site says it is returning in 2026. Up the hill at 199 Museum Way, the Randall Museum is a property of San Francisco Recreation and Parks with free admission, live animal exhibits, and science and art classes for all ages.
The neighborhood is easy to reach without a car. Castro Station is a stop on three Muni Metro lines: the K Ingleside, the L Taraval and the M Ocean View. The historic F Market & Wharves streetcar starts and ends at 17th and Castro, right at the Castro Street Muni Metro station. The 24 Divisadero bus runs along Castro Street, with stops from Duboce Avenue to 26th Street. For a family outing, ride the F line, stop to see the theater’s marquee, then walk up to the Randall Museum to see the animals.
Sources: The Castro Theatre, Randall Museum, SFMTA F line, SFMTA K line, SFMTA 24 Divisadero.
About Castro
The Castro centers on Castro Street between Market and 19th streets, with Harvey Milk Plaza at the Castro and Market corner. It is one of the best-known LGBTQ neighborhoods in the world, and its street fairs and block parties are some of the city's friendliest.
Above it on Corona Heights is the Randall Museum, a free city-run science and nature museum with live animals and hands-on exhibits for kids.
Our neighborhood lines are based on DataSF's Analysis Neighborhoods, where this area is called Castro/Upper Market.
What to See
Randall Museum
A city-run museum on the hill above the Castro with a live animal exhibit, an aquarium, art and woodworking studios and a theater. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, with free admission and a café on site.
GLBT Historical Society Museum
Small museum of San Francisco LGBTQ history, open Tuesday to Sunday. The museum says it is aimed mainly at adults, and one corner has explicit video behind a wall. Front desk staff can help families avoid it.
Harvey Milk Plaza and the Pride Flag
The plaza at Castro and Market flies the rainbow Pride flag. It is a quick photo stop at the top of Castro Street, next to the Muni Metro station.
Things to Do
F Market & Wharves Streetcar
Historic streetcars run along Market Street from the Castro to Fisherman’s Wharf, a car-free way to get kids downtown. Check SFMTA for fares and hours.
Castro Farmers' Market
Weekly market on Noe Street, Wednesdays 3 to 7 pm, from April 1 through November 18, 2026. It is run by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association with the Castro Merchants Association. Parking is tight, so walk, bike or take Muni.
Saturday Science and Afternoon Art at the Randall Museum
Drop-in family workshops on Saturdays: science from 10:30 to 11:30 am with sign-up starting at 10, and art in the afternoon. Both are for ages 4 and up, $10 per adult and child pair and $5 for each extra person.
Where to Eat
Starbelly
Sit-down restaurant in the Upper Market area with weekend brunch from 10 am to 3 pm. The kids' menu is $10 to $12 a plate, and adult brunch plates run about $16 to $19, with a 5 percent surcharge added.
Hot Cookie
Cookie shop on Castro Street, part of a company that has baked in San Francisco since 1997. Full-size cookies run about $4.50 to $5.25 and minis about $1.50.
Café Josephine
Café inside the Randall Museum serving grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches and drinks, with pastries from a partner bakery on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Open Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 3 pm and Saturday until 4 pm.
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