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US city with “enduring charm” is considered the most sexually permissive city in the world

Theo

This US city is a great LGBTQ+ friendly city and VERY sexually permissive (Image: Getty Images)

You know it well. Here you’ll find the Golden Gate Bridge, the infamous Alcatraz, the fabulous set from 2000’s The Princess Diaries and the popular Mrs. Doubtfire.

But it’s not just San Francisco’s historic landmarks or rich film history that should inspire you to visit this Californian city.

Hidden between the steep streets and crowded trams lies a center of uncompromising sexual freedom, perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers as well as those who are not afraid to express their sexuality.

Lustmag’s fourth annual Sexually Liberal Cities Index for 2024 found that San Francisco is not just the best place in the U.S. for the most adventurous lovers, but the best destination in the world.

The study analyzed cities around the world, taking into account factors such as the number of gay bars and queer events, the legality of sex work, transgender rights, laws on transphobic and homophobic behavior, and the use of contraception.

All of these cities were then given a score, the higher the better. Last year, Cologne was the city at the top, but now Northern California has taken the crown with a score of 72.5. So, without further ado, here’s a guide to the cheekier side of San Francisco…

Gay bars in San Francisco

The Castro District in San Francisco, California, was one of the first gay districts in the USA
The Castro District in San Francisco, California, was one of the first gay districts in the USA (Image: Getty Images)

When exploring the Golden Gate City, you will almost certainly come across one of the 42 gay bars.

Whatever excites your sexual appetite, from kinky and leather to flashy and daring, there is something for everyone.

When talking about gay bars, one has to mention The Castro, one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States.

There’s also a bar called 440 Castro, formerly known as Daddy’s Draws, an iconic gay bar that caters to the leather-wearing daddies of the sexually liberated world.

The bar opens at midday for cocktails, so you can have fun in broad daylight or wait until dark when the fun really starts. Mondays are underwear night at the bar, so be prepared to take your shirt off!

Elsewhere, Jolene greets revelers with a neon sign that reads, “You’re safe here.” If you’re a queer woman, you should head to her U-Haul party, and if you like music, there’s a queer karaoke night.

At 2700 16th Street, you can even play pool on the bright pink table or party on the dance floor.

Located right on Pol Street, San Francisco’s original gay district, the Cinch Saloon is one of the city’s most iconic gay bars.

Think of the Wild West, with saloon doors, strong drinks and a gorgeous peach-colored facade.

The Cinch Saloon is a great gay bar
The Cinch Saloon is the perfect place to have a great time (Image: https://www.instagram.com/thecinchsaloon/)

Sex shops in San Francisco

If you’re visiting with the intention of getting deeply involved, you may need to stop by a sex shop or two to stock up on some essential items.

It won’t be difficult to find one of the 26 sex shops throughout the city and there is something to suit every need.

If you love a bit of vintage with a touch of silk and leather, then Dollhouse Bettie is perfect.

Fulfill your pin-up fantasy with peek-a-boo bras and nipple tassels, as well as feather toys and daring garters. Bras are available in cup sizes A to G.

Good mood
Good Vibrations host a “Kinky Circus” at the DNA Lounge (Image: Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

For hardcore toys, head to Good Vibrations on Mission Street. There’s something for everyone, especially BDSM fans.

They have whips, handcuffs, bondage devices, vibrators, strap-ons and lots of lube. Despite its contents, it looks like a very classy shop.

The Castro is also home to the sex shop Rock Hard, which also has something for everyone. It is very LGBTQ+ oriented and even has exhibitions of erotic art to get you in the mood.

LGBTQ+ events in San Francisco

It wouldn’t be a sexually liberal city without Pride events, and with 76 major Gay Pride events and 11 other smaller events, the city does not disappoint.

The San Francisco Pride Golf Tournament is in its sixth year and will be played on September 21. It is the first LGBTQ+ sporting event ever to be officially supported by the PGA.

There is also the Drag Gala, which celebrates the art form while serving as a peaceful protest against drag bans and attacks on LGBTQ+ culture.

The Pride Prom takes place in June and is strictly for those 21 and over, but if you fancy something a little more country, there’s the Sundance Saloon Pride Hoedown.

At the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House at 3705 3rd Street you can two-step and line dance to your heart’s content.

For the sporty types, there is Pride Yoga and the Pride Run, a 5 or 10 km run in Golden Gate Park.


About the weather…

If there’s one thing all visitors to the Golden City need to be aware of, it’s the weather. Kristina Beanland, deputy lifestyle editor of Metro.co.uk, issues a warning after her recent trip:

“You may be going to California, but don’t expect to soak up the sun. This is the Bay Area, my friend, and they say locals can tell a tourist by how ill-prepared they are for the infamous fog (aka Karl: he has his own Instagram page).

“If you want an Insta-worthy picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, keep in mind that Karl will make it difficult for you to get a clear view. And the first time we went to the marina, we wondered what all the fuss was about – only to find that Karl was blocking the view of the bay.

“If there’s one thing you should remember when packing for your trip, it’s this: Pack layers of clothing. The area is known for its microclimates – temperatures that can vary dramatically within a few miles. One minute I was topping up my tan and the next I was hastily pulling on a sweater.

“The weather could never spoil everything SF has to offer, but if you want some sun, go in September.”

Trip to San Francisco

If we have convinced you that a trip to the Californian city is necessary, you should think about booking flights.

We must warn you that they are not cheap at this time of year. Flights from London to San Francisco in July cost an average of around £777 return on SkyScanner.

The average flight time is about 10 to 11 hours each way with landing at San Francisco International Airport.

If you fly in November, the cost drops to around £450, but if you choose to split the trip into two flights rather than taking a direct flight, the price drops to around £338.

For your connecting flight you could make a stopover in France or the Netherlands.

A street sign in San Francisco for the district “Castro”, a famous gay and lesbian district
A street sign in San Francisco for the “Castro” district, a famous gay and lesbian district (Image: Getty Images)

But according to the many positive reviews on the Internet, it is worth the money.

Sadig A wrote on Yelp: “San Francisco has an enduring charm that never ceases to draw me in and brings me back again and again with its stunning sights and vibrant neighborhoods.”

“From the bustling streets of Little Italy to the tranquil atmosphere of Japan Town, each enclave offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural diversity.”

TripAdvisor reviewer CrazySoccerLoon from Minnesota visited the city and fell in love with its bay.

He wrote: “San Francisco Bay is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sights in the world. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of the city, the state of California and even the nation.”

“Alcatraz is incredibly located in the middle of the bay and is worth a tour. If you visit the city, you should definitely take a boat trip through the bay.”

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