Castro Theatre
Castro Theatre
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Castro Theatre and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: The Castro
A flourishing commercial area that acts as San Francisco's LGBT community center and cultural heart, the Castro is a neighbourhood welcome to everyone. As one of the first predominantly LGBT neighbourhoods in the United States and currently its largest, it remains one of the epicenters of activism in the nation. Grand theatres and glitzy shops now compete with bars and fashionable eateries for attention, drawing visitors from around the world to the bright rainbow flag acting as its beacon.
How to get there
- Castro St • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,683 within 5 kms
Attractions
800 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
456 reviews
Excellent
290
Very good
126
Average
31
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Jozef v
Sacramento, CA119 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
This is a historic theatre with lots of atmosphere, original furnishings, to make you feel like stepping back in time in style. It's actually big, so that a balcony seat won't make you feel close or allow for artists' close up views (you have to pay up). We attended a rock concert and the audience was ecstatic, dancing on their spots half of the time. The bar lounge has comfy sofa's to hang and look around and down. Artists are surprised and elevated, and so is the audience; like sitting in a large movie theatre, intimate, yet grand.
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAMAN1951
Liberty Lake, WA6,465 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Well maintained vintage theater that is very clean and an a style from years gone by.
It plays classic movies but nothing near first run.
Worth a visit.
It plays classic movies but nothing near first run.
Worth a visit.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boo59Leicester
Leicester, UK377 contributions
May 2022
We didn't go inside as it was shut but the Castro is an eye opener if you are not too shocked by the community. We had a nice stroll around and were very educated indeed.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michelle r
Buffalo, NY379 contributions
Apr. 2022
Its important to visit things like the Castro Theater and the surrounding areas, to learn more about the LGTBQAI+ community and the history of it all.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken M
Lexington, MA6 contributions
Mar. 2020
They show old movies. Host shows, meet and greets and sing-a-longs. Was in town on business - walked through the Castro and they were hosting Yvonne Elliman and Ted Neely for the 50th anniversary of Jesus Christ Superstar! Show was amazing. The Q and A session was awesome. Architecture is great.
Written December 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loucy
3 contributions
Jan. 2020
I so enjoyed the look, the organization, the friendly staff and stunning interior of the Castro Theater.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,415 contributions
Jan. 2020
A lovingly preserved movie palace where lots of special events take place. And there are also just the movies. Always fun to come here sometimes an organ performance. Very comfortable seating.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JENNY
Chiang Mai, Thailand68 contributions
Feb. 2019
I’ve been here a hundred times; I love all the old architecture and too many of these beauties have gone to history and romantic novels! For me it was the scratch and sniff night for SMELL O RAMA that got me hooked on this theater and the marvelous neighborhood!
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnf
Wellington, FL26 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Couples
My wife and I spend Christmas 2019 in San Francisco. The Castro Theatre and our our time in the Castro area was a definite highlight. We saw a viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life" just before Christmas and then a sing-a-long of "The Sound of Music" on boxing day. The theatre is gorgeous and well kept in its original style (see photos). You really feel like you've stepped back into its history as soon as you enter the theatre. An organist performs about 10 minutes before showtime on a hovering riser that can't be missed. Come early so you can check out the memorabilia on the walls and take in the beauty of this historical landmark. The only negative about our experience was that the popcorn was stale and flavorless. Boo! Note: If your movie has an intermission or it's a double feature (which many are) you'll have about 15 mins. to motor down to a nearby bar for an in-between movie drink. I recommend Harvey's. All-in-all the Castro Theatre was a highlight of our stay in San Francisco and a must do.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kesslane
Orinda, CA832 contributions
Dec. 2019
It's the last remaining theatre with a leather roof and it's gorgeous in side . We saw the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus here and loved the ambiance.
Written December 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hubbcaps4
Lafayette, CA2 contributions
Is there a dress code?
Mischelle M
Oakland, CA29 contributions
No, unless special event. If special event, check for dress code.
MM
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingCASTRO THEATRE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Castro Theatre
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Castro Theatre:
- Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour (From C$134.54)
- San Francisco Urban Hike: Castro and Twin Peaks (From C$73.38)
- Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour (From C$10.86)
- Castro Hidden Gems Outdoor Escape Game in San Francisco (From C$13.40)
- Heart Of The City Bike Tour (From C$107.36)
- Hotels near Castro Theatre:
- (0.17 km) Casa Luna San Francisco Castro
- (0.21 km) The Hotel Castro San Francisco
- (0.46 km) Beck's Motor Lodge
- (0.52 km) Parker Guest House
- (1.19 km) The Metro Hotel
- Restaurants near Castro Theatre:
- (0.03 km) Castro Coffee Company
- (0.03 km) Park Gyros Castro
- (0.03 km) Sweet Castro
- (0.04 km) Thailand Restaurant
- (0.04 km) The Cove on Castro
- Attractions near Castro Theatre:
- (0.05 km) 440 Castro
- (0.05 km) All American Boy
- (0.06 km) Twin Peaks Tavern
- (0.06 km) Cruisin' the Castro Walking Tours
- (0.15 km) GLBT Historical Society Museum