A Queer-Approved Guide to 24 Hours in San Francisco
This guide for a quickie trip authentically sets you up to fall in love with San Francisco at its best.
No need to wait for PTO, babe—a weekend is plenty of time to add a new destination to your memories. We’re raising the stakes with 24 hours of queer wanderlust, starting in the gay capital of America: San Francisco.
The Bay Area is famous for its rich LGBTQ+ history, but its eccentric, inclusive spirit is still very much open for business! The rainbow shines bright here, and the pot of gold is found in its dining, leisure, and entertainment.
I recruited my lesbian travel comrade, Monica Morales, to join me as we parachuted into San Francisco, immersing ourselves in four days of nonstop gayness. We stuffed our faces, chased views (and hotties), and hunted down the crème de la crème of nightlife. We’ve curated the perfect day for any queer person, no matter which letter in LGBTQ they call home.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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The word “iconic” might be overused—like poppers—but I’m using it anyway to describe this guide. It authentically sets you up, dear reader, to fall in love with San Francisco at its best.
Breakfast at Kitchen Story (10 am)
If you get up in time (we didn’t), start your day with a sunrise at Baker Beach.
Naturally, breakfast is next. I’ll be the first to admit that when I travel, I pick restaurants more for the decor than the menu. I’m all about the photo opp, even if it means going hungry! But dining at LGBTQ-owned Kitchen Story—a casual brunch spot blending Californian cuisine with Asian influences—reminded me why foodies exist and the magic of starting your day with a hearty meal. I ordered the Crab Benedict, while Monica went for the Pacific Benedict (lox), and the waiter insisted we try their famous “Millionaire’s Bacon.” No regrets.
We barely spoke during the entire meal—it was that good. The place was packed, but mostly with locals instead of tourists. On weekends, it’s first come, first served.
Exploring The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District (noon)
Since you’re already in the geographic heart of the city’s queer community, now’s the time to explore and shop, which truly depends on your taste. For me, that meant venturing to the Leather & LGBTQ+ Cultural District, such as shopping at Mr. S Leather and checking out Eagle Plaza, the world’s first and only leather-themed public plaza.
My love for San Francisco comes not just from its unique landscape and queer history, but from its ability to remain a true melting pot of interests and hobbies, perhaps except for fashion and pretense. You’ll never feel like an outlier here if you put in the effort to find your places and people (hello, internet, my old friend).
In other words, I freaking love leather as a fabric and gay subculture. Monica opted to browse crystals and other witchy goods elsewhere. Travel tip: It’s OK to separate from friends!
Suntanning at Dolores Park, specifically “Gay Beach” (2 pm)
Listen, San Francisco has plenty of nature to explore, with 220+ parks and public spaces. But I’ll always tip my green thumb to Dolores Park—specifically the 20th and Church St. corner, affectionately known as “Gay Beach.”
A sacred local recommendation for travelers is to grab a burrito from Mission Street and devour it while taking in the stunning views at Dolores Park. I was still so full from breakfast that the only burrito in sight was the one in my pants as I gazed at the shirtless gays scattered like a gorgeous skyline.
Nothing says “gay weekend” in any city quite like a bunch of queer folks lounging in a park, dressed like they’re at a pool party. God bless this green Earth and the abs who walk it. Monica and I found some renegade Girl Scouts selling lemonade and baked goods, which was the cherry on top of a serene afternoon.
Late Lunch at Frances (5:30 pm)
Yes, 5:30 pm is technically known as the senior special, but if you can drink liquor in the morning at the airport, you can have lunch in the early evening at one of the most iconic (sorry) restaurants in San Francisco.
Acclaimed lesbian chef Melissa Perello owns Frances. My only complaint was that she wasn’t present so I could introduce her to Monica. We brought along Chris Bull, GayCities editorial director and a lifelong local, who immediately declared it a special place. He dines there with his parents and considers it his favorite spot in the city.
The restaurant is one of those rare establishments that gain national recognition while maintaining its loyal fanbase. I did have one regret: I got the salmon when the star was clearly Chri’s wagyu short rib. If you have vegan or vegetarian friends, there’s also plenty for them.
Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi (7:30 pm)
We were admittedly late to Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi because we ate every dessert on Frances’ menu. I’m not proud of it, but I am grateful the show is so captivating it didn’t make a difference.
As mentioned, San Francisco is not the most fashionable place, especially for a show that panders to tourists. However, while guests were dressed in T-shirts, shorts, and jeans, Monica and I arrived ready for the opera.
As I made my way to the seat, I had to pinch up my royal blue silk palazzo pants so I wouldn’t step on them. Monica sported a lesbian leather suit. Fine, maybe we were ready for the gay opera, but we embrace fashion to elevate the mood and occasion while traveling, not to fit in.
Back to Dear San Francisco: If you do one thing from this guide, get tickets to this show, which will run through 2025 if there’s enough interest. Beyond jaw-dropping acrobatics and dancing, there was an array of unique talents like hoop diving, Chinese pole, Korean plank, hand-balancing, and juggling. To my delight, subtle notes of queerness were woven throughout the storytelling, offering an engaging way to learn about San Francisco’s past and culture.
I was also impressed by how family-friendly it was while honoring adult fun. Imagine if Off-Broadway and Cirque du Soleil had a baby.
Oasis (10:30 pm)
What’s a gay itinerary without drag? You don’t have to find out—Oasis is one of the best drag venues in the country, featuring a rotating mix of fresh and old-school talent. Make sure to book tickets in advance, as there are specific showtimes.
Monica and I checked out Princess, a weekly drag show and dance party hosted on Saturdays. The queens started performing around 11:30 p.m., but I recommend arriving early to soak up the scene and mingle with locals. Flirting is easier without the splits and somersaults in between.
Post-show, you can enjoy the multiple bars and three dance floors or make your way to the other gay bars in the city (SF Eagle, anyone? Queer women rejoice at Wild Side West).
Late Party Girl Dinner at Grubstake Diner (2 am)
Personally, I prefer to have the time of my life on a light stomach and then end the night with a feast. A city can’t call itself metropolitan unless it offers yummy food 24/7.
I was so excited to show Monica Grubstake Diner. Dining here might initially feel annoying because the owner makes you pay and tip in advance, but the food is well worth it. On the way to this neighborhood, we passed through mobs of people, and Monica thought a concert had just ended. In reality, it was blocks of homelessness—hard to believe unless you see it with your own eyes. The national housing crisis is real, and placing a stigma on certain cities won’t solve it.
Diners are a special delicacy—my favorite food genre—and I always need to find “my diner” in any city I live or visit. Making the perfect omelet with hash browns or a turkey club is an art and the ultimate kiss goodnight.
***In case you need a formal dinner at a normal hour: Waterbar
Naturally, you might not be able to replicate this exact itinerary—maybe you’ve already seen Dear San Francisco once or twice (it’s truly that good). So, if you need a formal dinner or date spot, look no further than Waterbar with its chic white-tablecloth elegance and panoramic views of Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge.
While Monica headed to a nighttime bonfire on the beach, I enjoyed a threesome dinner with the cutest couple in the Bay Area, Evan Anderson and Cameron Foxgrover. Beyond the seafood excellence, I was thrilled that they brought samples of their wine label, Voon, to try. I loved their bold approach to flavor—whether it was the acidity of the Chardonnay or the earthiness of my favorite, their Pinot Noir.
San Francisco is also a mecca for queer small businesses, and discovering them will reinvigorate your travel experience.
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