Where to stay for Pride 2008?

Hi all,

I have never been to San Fran before and would really appreciate any advice on places to stay that would be within walking distance from the Pride Parade as I hope to not have to rent a car.

Thanks so much!

Jules

Where to stay for Pride 2008?

You could stay at any of the hotels in the Union Square area and easily walk to the parade route, which runs along Market St. to the Civic Center Plaza. In reality, you could stay in most areas of the city and not have to rent a car because the parade route is accessible by multiple forms of public transportation. If you are considering staying in the Castro district itself, I would look into staying at one of the B%26amp;Bs (avoid Beck%26#39;s Motor Lodge, as it apparently gets overrun with boys cruising each other especially during Pride week).

Have fun!

Where to stay for Pride 2008?

And if you are in town ahead of time, check out the Bay Area Reporter (http://www.ebar.com) for information on the Pink Party. It%26#39;s the neighborhood night where they close down the streets in the Castro for some music and fun. Goodness - you%26#39;ll wonder how they allow some of that fun in the public streets!

It%26#39;s all as wholesome (or not) as you choose it to be.

I have to admit to never actually having gone to the parade - but rather going down on the Saturday before and checking out the end-point with all of the booths and street festival atmosphere (without the crowds) - and then watching the parade on TV the next day.

If you are staying in the %26#39;hood; some good restaurants to check out are Mecca (fabulous bar); 2223 Market; Zuni %26amp; for some piano bar fun - Martuni%26#39;s.

As stated - you really don%26#39;t have to be near the festival area to get there. You can stay anywhere in the city and easily take Muni to the Civic Center stop to get to the festival - or further down Market (Powell or Montgomery stops) to get to the parade.

Welcome to a better reality - and let your light shine! One day, the rest of the country will catch up. But for now, welcome!

Thanks to you both, krslong %26amp; sfimporter! I appreciate the info and am very much looking forward to ';a better reality!';

I decided to book a standard room at The Westin St. Francis in Union Square. Hoping it%26#39;s a good choice since I%26#39;ll be there 8 nights and it looks like a few blocks from Market Street.

I%26#39;ll be arriving the evening of June 27th and am not sure I%26#39;ll be able to check out the Pink Party (does sound fun).

Couple of other questions:

I would like to be in Castro on Pride day and was wondering if public transportation is a nightmare with all the festivities?

Also...do you know of any forums for single travelers like me?

Definitely will check out those restaurants recommended in the hood ;)

Thanks again,

Jules

Hey Jules - public transit will be a breeze. You are staying in Union Square, so you can hop on either the subway (M, L, K, or S lines - S is actually the Castro Shuttle, but only runs at peak times) or the above ground F-line.

Your hotel stop is Powell and you%26#39;ll ride outbound to Castro station, which drops you at Market %26amp; Castro, right underneath the giant Pride Flag.

Ha! Looks like Charo is this years Celebrity Grand Marshall!

http://www.sfpride.org/

If you are around the Saturday night before (June 28th); the big Dyke March begins in Dolores Park (you can easily get there via the subway from hotel by taking the J-Church Outbound - it eventually comes up above ground and goes right by the park).

http://www.thedykemarch.org/

This is a night for the ladies as they march in the Castro for a huge rally. Men are welcome, but it%26#39;s more of a bystander, witness with respect sort of thing for our sisters of Pride.

Look up (west) towards Twin Peaks that weekend and you%26#39;ll see a giant pink triangle that is placed every year to commemorate the events.

You might also want to check out Betty%26#39;s List as the dates get closer: http://www.bettyslist.com/

And of course, there%26#39;s always the folks at Craigslist%26#39;s Queer Forum who will be in the know. http://www.craigslist.org