Welcome Castro is a new neighborhood visitor center and fabulously queer retail experience celebrating the LGBTQ history and culture of the Castro village. Located at 525 Castro Street, right at the "gay crossroads of America," it's a great first stop to learn about all the sights, attractions and people that make the Castro so unique. Welcome Castro features a wide array of LGBTQ and Castro-themed merchandise, including many gift items from local queer artists and designers. A collaboration between SF Mercantile and Castro Merchants, Welcome Castro is the place to get your maps and guides to the best neighborhood bars, restaurants and stores as well as historic landmarks and best-kept secrets. Staffed by friendly neighborhood ambassadors ready to answer your questions about the queer Castro’s rainbow of offerings, with guides and other printed materials in multiple languages, Welcome Castro is here to recruit you! Shop in person daily from 11 am to 7 pm, or anytime on our website.
Places of interest in the Castro
Need a quick drink before heading to the next shop? Explore the neighborhood using our map of Castro shops, bars and attractions!
Where to Shop, Eat, Drink and other Business Services
Check out our Castro Merchants Association digital directory to get up to date information on businesses you'll want to visit in our neighborhood.
Castro Community Benefit District
The Castro Community Benefit District provides services that improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, emphasizing clean, safe, beautiful streets.
Cruisin' The Castro Walking Tours
Cruisin’ the Castro Walking Tours celebrates over 30 years of walking with PRIDE and as San Francisco's first and only Legacy Business Tour Company!
Gays of National Parks
Gays of National Parks (GoNP) partners with national parks to create inclusive outdoor experiences that build community and connection for LGBTQIA+ people. By fostering belonging and celebrating diversity in these shared spaces, we combat loneliness and ensure the outdoors are for everyone. Your support helps us expand access, grow partnerships, and bring people together in nature.
Castro Art Walk
The Castro Art Walk is coming back to the Castro as a monthly event after a two-year hiatus! Join us on the first Friday of every month!
GLBT Historical Society
The GLBT Historical Society collects, preserves, exhibits and makes accessible to the public materials and knowledge to support and promote understanding of LGBTQ history, culture and arts in all their diversity.
Bay Area Reporter
The undisputed newspaper of record for San Francisco and Bay Area Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community since 1971.
Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
San Francisco Mercantile
Contacts
+1 (415) 757 0003
castro@sfmercantile.com
Address
525 Castro Street ,
San Francisco, CA
Store Hours
Daily: 11am - 7pm
