The Iconic Castro Camera: A Piece of LGBTQ+ History
Explore Castro Camera in San Francisco, a historic landmark celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and the legacy of Harvey Milk.
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Castro District, Castro Camera stands as a historic landmark that played a crucial role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Once a thriving photography shop, this location is now a cherished symbol of the community's resilience and creativity, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to Castro Camera
- 575 Castro St, San Francisco, The Castro, California, 94114, US
Local tips
- Check out the nearby cafés and shops in the Castro for a full experience of the local culture.
- Visit during Pride Month for special events celebrating LGBTQ+ history and community.
- Bring a camera; the vibrant murals and architecture make for great photo opportunities.
- Take a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of the area and its significance.
Getting There
-
Bus
From downtown Berkeley, head to the bus stop located at Shattuck Ave & University Ave. Take the AC Transit bus line 7 towards San Francisco. Stay on the bus for approximately 25 minutes. Get off at the Castro St & 18th St stop in San Francisco. From there, walk south on Castro St for about 3 minutes, and you will arrive at 575 Castro St, where Castro Camera is located.
-
Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from one of the bike-share stations in Berkeley. Head south on Telegraph Ave towards Oakland, then make a left on 16th St, following it until you reach the Bay Trail. Continue along the trail until you reach the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Cross the bridge and continue on the bike lane until you reach Castro Street in San Francisco. Follow Castro St south for about 5 minutes to reach 575 Castro St.
-
Walking
If you enjoy walking, start at the UC Berkeley campus. Head south on Telegraph Ave, then turn right onto Ashby Ave. Continue walking until you reach the BART station at Ashby. Take the BART train towards San Francisco/Daly City and get off at the 16th St Mission station. From there, walk north on Mission St, then turn left onto 18th St. Continue until you reach Castro St and turn left. Walk about 3 minutes to arrive at 575 Castro St.
-
Rideshare
Using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, simply set your pickup location in Berkeley and enter '575 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114' as your destination. The driver will take you directly to Castro Camera. This option is convenient if you have luggage or prefer not to navigate public transport.
Discover more about Castro Camera
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Harvey Milk Plaza
0.3 km
Explore Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco, a vibrant landmark honoring LGBTQ+ history and civil rights through art, community events, and a spirit of inclusivity.
Pink Triangle Memorial
0.3 km
Discover the Pink Triangle Memorial in San Francisco – a captivating tribute to LGBTQ+ history and resilience in the heart of The Castro.
Alfred E. Clarke Mansion
0.4 km
Explore the enchanting Alfred E. Clarke Mansion, a Victorian architectural gem in San Francisco's Eureka Valley, rich in history and charm.
Miguel Hidalgo Statue
0.6 km
Explore the Miguel Hidalgo Statue in San Francisco's Mission District, a historical landmark celebrating Mexican heritage and revolutionary spirit.
Dolores Park
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant Dolores Park in San Francisco, a perfect blend of nature, community, and stunning city views.
Mission San Francisco de Asis
0.9 km
Explore the historic Mission San Francisco de Asis, a cornerstone of California's cultural heritage, rich in history and architectural beauty.
Mission Dolores Basilica
0.9 km
Explore the historic Mission Dolores Basilica, a stunning architectural marvel and one of San Francisco's oldest churches, rich in history and beauty.
Delano House
0.9 km
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Delano House, a charming historical landmark in San Francisco's Buena Vista neighborhood.
Liberty-Hill Historic District
1.0 km
Explore the Liberty-Hill Historic District in San Francisco, a charming neighborhood filled with stunning Victorian architecture and rich local history.
Noel
1.2 km
Explore the rich history and charming architecture of Noel, a historical landmark in the heart of San Francisco's Noe Valley.
Sullivan Stuhr House
1.3 km
Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Sullivan Stuhr House in San Francisco's Dolores Heights, a must-visit for culture and history lovers.
John Spencer House
1.4 km
Discover the historic John Spencer House in the heart of Haight-Ashbury, a symbol of San Francisco's architectural charm and cultural legacy.
Twin Peaks
1.4 km
Experience stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and scenic hiking trails at Twin Peaks, a must-see destination for every traveler.
Buena Vista Park
1.4 km
Explore the natural beauty and panoramic views of Buena Vista Park, a serene escape in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant landscape.
Grateful Dead House
1.4 km
Explore the iconic Grateful Dead House in Haight-Ashbury, a historical landmark that celebrates the legacy of a generation-defining rock band.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Castro
0.1 km
Explore the lively Castro District in San Francisco, a historic hub of LGBTQ+ culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant entertainment.
GLBT Historical Society Museum
0.1 km
Discover the rich history and impactful stories of the LGBTQ+ community at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco's Castro district.
440 Castro
0.2 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit of 440 Castro, a premier gay bar in San Francisco's iconic Castro District, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
The Castro Theatre
0.3 km
Experience the magic of cinema at The Castro Theatre, a historic movie palace in San Francisco's lively Castro District, showcasing diverse film programming.
Twin Peaks Tavern
0.3 km
Experience the heart of San Francisco's Castro district at Twin Peaks Tavern, a historic gay bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning skyline views.
Jane Warner Plaza
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit and artistic charm of Jane Warner Plaza in San Francisco's iconic Castro district, a must-visit urban oasis.
Beaux
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Beaux, San Francisco's trendy gay bar, offering great cocktails and unforgettable events in a welcoming atmosphere.
Concrete Slides
0.5 km
Experience the thrill of sliding down the iconic Concrete Slides in San Francisco's Eureka Valley, a must-visit for adventure lovers and families.
Randall Museum
0.6 km
Explore the Randall Museum in San Francisco: a vibrant science, art, and children's museum with interactive exhibits and stunning city views.
Kite Hill
0.6 km
Discover Kite Hill, a tranquil city park in San Francisco's Eureka Valley, offering stunning views, lush landscapes, and a perfect escape for tourists.
Essential places to dine
Fable
0.0 km
Discover Fable in San Francisco's Castro district - where Californian flavors meet sustainability in an enchanting dining atmosphere.
Blind Butcher
0.2 km
Experience innovative New American cuisine at Blind Butcher in San Francisco's lively Castro district - where fresh ingredients meet creative flair.
Starbelly
0.5 km
Experience fresh Californian cuisine at Starbelly in San Francisco's Castro district - where seasonal ingredients meet innovative flavors.
Bistro Ember
1.2 km
Discover Bistro Ember in Noe Valley: A delightful Mediterranean escape with Turkish-inspired cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.
Bottega
1.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Bottega in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District—where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Lazy Bear
1.3 km
Discover culinary artistry at Lazy Bear, San Francisco's premier fine dining destination featuring innovative New American cuisine.
Prubechu
1.3 km
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors at Prubechu, where Pacific Rim cuisine meets local ingredients in San Francisco's Mission District.
Beretta Valencia
1.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Beretta Valencia in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District - where pizza meets creativity.
El Techo
1.4 km
Experience breathtaking views and authentic Latin cuisine at El Techo, a must-visit rooftop restaurant in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District.
Lolinda
1.4 km
Experience exquisite Argentine cuisine at Lolinda in San Francisco's Mission District - where flavor meets atmosphere.
Foreign Cinema
1.4 km
Discover Foreign Cinema: A unique dining experience blending Californian and Mediterranean flavors in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District.
Burma Love - Mission
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of authentic Burmese cuisine at Burma Love in San Francisco's Mission District - a true culinary delight.
Khamsa Restaurant
1.7 km
Discover the rich flavors of Morocco at Khamsa Restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, offering authentic cuisine in a vibrant setting.
Nopa
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of New American cuisine at Nopa in San Francisco's Alamo Square, where organic ingredients meet Mediterranean flair.
Petit Crenn
2.0 km
Discover the artful blend of tradition and innovation at Petit Crenn, a premier French restaurant in San Francisco's Hayes Valley.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Local Take
0.2 km
Explore Local Take in San Francisco for unique gifts and local artisanal treasures that capture the city's vibrant spirit.
Isso San Francisco
0.9 km
Explore Isso San Francisco for unique vintage clothing and remade treasures in the heart of the Mission Dolores neighborhood.
Chocolate Covered
1.0 km
Explore the heavenly world of artisanal chocolates at Chocolate Covered in San Francisco's Noe Valley, where every bite is a blissful indulgence.
Serendipity Cards and Gifts
1.2 km
Explore the whimsical world of Serendipity Cards and Gifts in San Francisco's Mission District – a treasure trove of unique cards and delightful souvenirs.
State Of Flux Shop
1.3 km
Explore the vibrant fashion scene of San Francisco at State of Flux Shop, a unique men's clothing store in the heart of the Mission District.
Pikitos
1.3 km
Explore Pikitos, a top thrift store in San Francisco's Mission District, known for its vintage treasures and unique consignment finds.
COVE
1.4 km
Discover unique gifts at COVE, a charming shop in San Francisco's Lower Haight, showcasing local artisans and eclectic treasures.
Needles & Pens
1.4 km
Explore Needles & Pens, a vibrant San Francisco boutique offering unique books, clothing, and accessories that embody local artistry and creativity.
No Shop
1.4 km
Explore No Shop in San Francisco's Mission District for unique vintage finds and sustainable fashion at affordable prices.
Life
1.4 km
Explore Life, a boutique gift shop in Lower Haight, San Francisco, offering unique aromatherapy, jewelry, candles, and artisan treasures.
Look N Buy Trading
1.4 km
Explore Look N Buy Trading in San Francisco's Mission District for unique gifts and local treasures that embody the city's vibrant culture.
Qosqo Maky
1.5 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local artistry at Qosqo Maky in San Francisco's Mission District, perfect for memorable souvenirs.
True
1.5 km
Discover unique fashion at True Clothing in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco's iconic store for eclectic styles and local designer pieces.
Welcome Haight & Ashbury
1.6 km
Explore the heart of Haight-Ashbury with unique gifts and local treasures at Welcome Haight & Ashbury, San Francisco's iconic visitor center.
Held Over
1.6 km
Explore unique vintage fashion at Held Over, where every piece has a story and reflects the vibrant spirit of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tara Indian Cuisine
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Tara Indian Cuisine in San Francisco's Castro district, where tradition meets modern dining.
Blackbird
0.9 km
Experience the best of San Francisco nightlife at Blackbird Bar, where craft cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await.
ABV
1.1 km
Discover ABV in San Francisco: a vibrant bar and restaurant known for its craft cocktails and seasonal dishes, perfect for any culinary adventure.
The Beehive
1.2 km
Explore The Beehive, San Francisco's cocktail bar renowned for its inventive drinks and lively ambiance in the heart of the Mission District.
The Sycamore
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Sycamore, a gastropub in San Francisco's Mission District, where delicious American cuisine meets an extensive wine selection.
Noc Noc
1.4 km
Discover Noc Noc, a vibrant bar in San Francisco's Lower Haight, offering creative cocktails and a unique atmosphere perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Casements Bar
1.4 km
Experience the lively spirit of San Francisco at Casements Bar, a unique Irish pub and cocktail haven in the Mission District.
Bear Vs. Bull
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite flavors at Bear Vs. Bull, a premier cocktail bar in San Francisco's Mission District.
Mission Bar
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Mission Bar, a beloved spot in San Francisco's Mission District.
Dahlia SF
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Francisco at Dahlia SF, a bar known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere in the heart of the Mission District.
Brioche Bakery & Cafe
1.7 km
Indulge in artisanal pastries and exceptional brunch at Brioche Bakery & Cafe, a must-visit gem in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury.
Evil Eye
1.8 km
Discover the creative cocktail haven in San Francisco's Mission District, where unique drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await.
True Laurel
2.0 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and innovative cocktails at True Laurel, a must-visit cocktail bar and restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District.
Trick Dog
2.1 km
Experience the best of San Francisco's nightlife at Trick Dog, a cocktail bar and eclectic restaurant known for its unique drinks and vibrant atmosphere.
Smuggler's Cove
2.4 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at Smuggler's Cove, San Francisco's premier cocktail bar and rum haven.
