Trip Check

San Francisco

The Castro is still the center of it, SoMa runs the late parties, and the Mission is where the boys go when they want a patio and some sun.

Checked Sep 18, 2026Tier 2 · Accepted in the cities9 blocks

What’s inside

The sceneThe Castro by day, SoMa after midnight, the Mission patio in between.
The big weekendsPride in June, the big September street fair, and the Castro's own October Sunday.
StayThe Castro to walk home, SoMa for the parties, Hayes Valley for a quiet bed.
Getting aroundBART in from SFO, Muni everywhere else, and the hill you should not walk at 3am.
The rulesEqual marriage since 2015 and California protections, sourced and dated.
Getting inESTA or a visa, and the officer who decides at the gate.
SafetyThe FCDO's line on the US, the number to call, and which blocks to skip late.
Sexual healthBring what you take. Magnet in the Castro for PEP and free testing.
PackA warm layer for every single night, and shoes with grip for the hills.

Read before you fly

Same-sex relationships
Legal nationwide since 2003

Lawrence v. Texas struck down every remaining state law against same-sex intimacy.

Checked Sep 18, 2026 · Source: Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School

Travel advisory
No home advisory; FCDO says attitudes differ by state

The State Department does not rate its own country. The UK FCDO says the US is a very diverse society and attitudes toward LGBT+ people differ hugely across it, and advises checking state and local laws.

Checked Sep 18, 2026 · Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

PEP within 72 hours
Call Magnet first, within 72 hours

PEP is for a possible exposure in the previous 72 hours. Call Magnet on 415-581-1600, option 3, straight away: SFAF offers PEP on a limited basis and asks you to call to confirm availability, and the month of medication is free. Its own advice after an exposure is to talk to a provider or go to an emergency room right away.

Checked Sep 18, 2026 · Source: San Francisco AIDS Foundation

Unlock San Francisco

The full guide: the scene, the big weekends, where to stay, the rules, entry, safety and sexual health. Every fact with its source and the date we checked it. $12, once, yours forever. Updates included.

Join the club to unlock →

Free to join. Then $12 for San Francisco, or Plus with one city included.