Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour
San Francisco, US
50% of travellers recommend this
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
Guaranteed Lowest Prices - Find a lower price? We'll match it!
Highlights
- Discover the rich history of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood
- Guided tour by Tony Bravo, Arts & Culture writer for San Francisco Chronicle
- Flexible and self-paced walking tour with complete control over start and finish
- Unlimited use before and after booking date
- Option to use virtual tour at home
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Duration 1-1.25 hours
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Self-guided audio tour
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Unlimited access to tour
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Offline access available
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GPS-enabled navigation
Experience the vibrant history and culture of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood with the "Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour." This affordable and flexible walking tour allows you to explore at your own pace, with the option to linger at each stop or complete the tour in just an hour. Led by Tony Bravo, the San Francisco Chronicle's Arts & Culture writer, you'll learn about the LGBTQ+ pioneers who paved the way for equality and the thriving drag art form. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Twin Peaks Tavern, Castro Theatre, and the Rainbow Honor Walk, which pays tribute to queer royalty. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant energy of the Castro neighborhood, ending at the legendary Harvey Milk Plaza. With the VoiceMap app, you'll have turn-by-turn directions and the freedom to enjoy the tour offline. Book now and embark on a captivating journey through LGBTQ+ history in San Francisco.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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1 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the Castro's rich queer history on a self-guided audio tour, featuring insights from a local expert at your own pace.
Included
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Voicemap app for android and ios -
Lifetime access to this tour in english
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Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Excluded
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Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route -
Food and drink
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Smartphone and headphones
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Transportation
Meeting Point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
San Francisco, CA 94114 , United States
End Point
This self-guided audio tour ends in the Harvey Milk Plaza.
San Francisco, CA 94114 , United States
What to expect
The Castro
Since the 1970s, San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood has been one of the foremost gayborhoods in the world. Explore its history with this self-guided audio tour.
Jane Warner Plaza
The tour starts at the Jane Warner Plaza. You'll hear how the tour works using the VoiceMap app as well as an introduction to the Castro neighborhood.
Twin Peaks Tavern
The tour takes you past Twin Peaks Tavern, the first gay bar in San Francisco, with plateglass windows to show that the community no longer had to meet in secret.
Castro Theatre
The tour passes by the century-old beauty of the Castro Theatre, which actor and filmmaker John Cameron Mitchell described as "a gay cathedral".
Moby Dick
The tour passes by Moby Dick bar where you'll have the chance to see the mural on the side of the bar by artist Serge Gay Jr. “Gear Up,” which features wardrobe staples of different queer subcultures like a leather jacket, Converse Chuck Taylors, a red bandana, black Christian Louboutin high heels, and a sailor cap.
Rainbow Honor Walk
The tour gives you the chance to take in the plaques along the Rainbow Honor Walk — the queer version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame — which pays homage to queer royalty like disco darling Sylvester.
Castro Camera
The tour passes by the real Castro Camera, where pioneering gay city Supervisor Harvey Milk ran his political campaigns.
Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy
The tour passes by the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. This San Francisco public elementary school was renamed for Harvey in 1996.
GLBT Historical Society Museum
The tour passes by the GLBT Historical Society Museum, which houses over 900 collectables of LGBTQ art and history.
Harvey Milk Plaza
The tour ends at Harvey Milk Plaza, next to the home of Gilbert Baker’s world famous rainbow pride flag.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Start at the Castro Theatre for photos -
Visit the Rainbow Honor Walk nearby
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Try a local cafe like Cafe Flore
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Check out the GLBT Historical Society
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End at Harvey Milk Plaza for reflection
More About this Experience
Introduction
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and historical Castro neighborhood of San Francisco with the captivating "Over the Rainbow in the Castro" self-guided tour. This affordable and exciting walking tour takes you on an unforgettable journey, where you'll uncover the fascinating stories and landmarks that have shaped the LGBTQ+ community's journey to equality. With the guidance of Tony Bravo, the esteemed Arts & Culture writer of the San Francisco Chronicle, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the neighborhood's rich history and the trailblazers who paved the way for marriage equality and the empowerment of queer individuals.What to expect?
During this self-paced tour, you can anticipate a duration of 60 to 75 minutes to fully explore the highlights of the Castro neighborhood. With complete control over when you start and finish, you have the freedom to take your time and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Each step of the tour offers intriguing insights into the landmarks, iconic bars, theaters, and historical sites that have defined the Castro's vibrant culture.Who is this for?
This tour is a must for anyone who wants to delve into the LGBTQ+ history of San Francisco and witness the incredible resilience and achievements of the community. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not, this experience is designed to be inclusive and enlightening for all. History enthusiasts, travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences, and anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ culture will find this tour enriching.Why book this?
Embark on this captivating tour and unlock the secrets of the Castro while experiencing complete freedom to explore at your own pace. Unlike traditional guided tours, you have the flexibility to pause, restart, or stop whenever you desire, allowing you to savor each moment and capture stunning photographs. The self-guided audio tour provides turn-by-turn directions, ensuring you never miss a landmark or hidden gem along the way. This immersive experience, narrated by Tony Bravo, offers a personal touch that transports you back in time, inspiring deep connections to the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community.Good to know
Before you embark on your adventure, make sure to download the VoiceMap mobile app and enter the unique code provided with your ticket. This seamless integration allows for offline use and automatic GPS playback, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience. The tour begins at Jane Warner Plaza, and detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading. Prepare for a transformative and educational journey that shines a light on the importance of the Castro neighborhood in LGBTQ+ history.Reviews
Previous visitors have praised the "Over the Rainbow in the Castro" self-guided tour as an eye-opening experience that beautifully captures the spirit and significance of the LGBTQ+ community. Travelers have expressed their gratitude for the seamless navigation and the insight offered by Tony Bravo's narration. From the impactful stops at the Rainbow Honor Walk and Harvey Milk Plaza to the hidden gems discovered along the way, this tour leaves visitors with a profound appreciation for the Castro's history and its enduring legacy of inclusivity. Get ready to embark on this captivating journey and immerse yourself in the colorful heart of San Francisco's LGBTQ+ culture.
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