Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour

Discover San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood and its rich history with this affordable, self-paced walking tour. • Find out all about the queer predecessors who paved the way for everything from mar

Discover San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood and its rich history with this affordable, self-paced walking tour. • Find out all about the queer predecessors who paved the way for everything from marriage equality to the popularity of the drag art form • Hear from Tony Bravo, the San Francisco Chronicle's Arts & Culture writer, as he guides you around the Castro neighborhood • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

From: $0.00

Location: San Francisco

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

A: There aren't any strict age restrictions for the Over the Rainbow tour. It's really accessible for all ages since it's self-paced. Just a heads-up, though, some stories might resonate more with older teens and adults because of the historical context. But younger kids could totally tag along if you’re okay with it!

Q: What's the best way to get to the starting point in the Castro?

A: The starting point is super easy to find! You can take Muni Metro and get off at the Castro station, which is just a short walk. There’s street parking if you’re driving, but it can be tricky to find a spot, especially on weekends. Just plan to arrive a bit early!

Q: Can weather affect this tour? What should we wear?

A: Weather can definitely play a role since it’s an outdoor walking tour. Layer up because San Francisco weather can be unpredictable! A light jacket is usually a good idea, and don’t forget comfy shoes since you’ll be walking quite a bit!

Discussions

Thinking of gifting the Over the Rainbow tour – any advice?

I’m planning to gift the Over the Rainbow self-guided tour to my partner who loves history and exploring. I love that it’s in the Castro, such a vibrant area! Has anyone done it? What’s the vibe? And can I really go at my own pace? Really want to make sure it’s a great experience!

Just finished the Over the Rainbow tour – wow!

I just did the Over the Rainbow walking tour yesterday and it was awesome! The stories about the queer history in the Castro were so moving. I loved how you could stop and linger at different points. I spent over two hours just because I was so into it! Highly recommend it for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history.