Welcome to the gay capital of the world. Rainbow flags, brightly painted Victorian houses and a vibrant retail, restaurant and nightlife district make the Castro the ultimate LGBT destination.

South of Market, or SOMA, is an eclectic mix of sleek nightclubs, chic restaurants, world-class cultural attractions, and the nation’s most scenic ballpark. A hub for the leather community, the neighborhood also hosts the annual Folsom Street Fair.

Things to do this month

Billy Elliot

Folsom Street Fair

Publisher and Founder, Curve magazine

What’s your favorite “Only in San Francisco” experience?
Litquake, “a mix of readings, panel discussions, themed events, and general literary mayhem from a wide range of Bay Area authors.”
What’s your favorite spot in San Francisco to:
Eat: Slanted Door, Good Luck Dim Sum
Shop: Sports Basement (in the Presidio)
Celebrate: Bissap Baobab restaurant
Take in the view: Fort Point
People-watching: Folsom Street Fair (Don’t take the kids!)
Lose yourself: Crissy Field
Rejuvenate: Kabuki Springs & Spa
Sleep: Hotel Vitale

Photo by Dania Maxwell

Co-Founder/CEO at CarpePM Productions

What’s your favorite “Only in San Francisco” experience?
My favorite “Only in San Francisco” experiences are the Pillow Fight on Valentine’s Day, Zombie Day in San Francisco, Pink Saturday on Castro Street, the Santa Pub Crawl, and the Hunky Jesus Contest in Dolores Park.
What’s your favorite spot in San Francisco to:
Eat: L’ardoise, Chow, Blue, Dosa, and Destino
Shop: Buffalo Exchange on Haight
Celebrate: DNA Lounge (only for Bootie Saturdays)
Take in the view: Dolores Park
People-watching: Washington Square Park
Lose yourself: SF Symphony
Rejuvenate: Burke Williams spa
Sleep: St. Regis Hotel