The Castro Theatre

Aside from the bright rainbow flags cheerily welcoming you into the neighborhood, The Castro Theatre (429 Castro Street) is probably the single biggest landmark of the Castro neighborhood. Established in 1922, the glowing orange Castro sign is a beacon of the district, but like many a good movie, it’s what’s inside that counts.  The theatre, which hosts both edgy and innovative films and live performances alike, is decorated in turn of the century touches with modern acoustics. It’s a great place to catch a classic film like Harold and Maude or Shampoo, or to sing along with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

Planetweaver’s Treasure Store

Planetweaver’s Treasure Store (518-A Castro Street) is a gift shop for everyone. It sells gifts from all over the world: from Oaxacan Alebrije figures to Buddha statues to Israeli mats and Hindu Ganesh statues. It also has a great selection of toys and hard to find musical instruments for the kids in your life (I bought some fantastic castanets!). It’s the perfect stop if you’re looking for a PC souvenir that isn’t a generic San Francisco mug or Keychain you can get at the airport.

Plain Jane’s

Plain Jane’s (44 West Portal Avenue) is a local favorite for lotions, potions and natural cosmetics. The milled soaps are heavenly; rich and delicious smelling.  They also sell handmade jewelry, figurines, cards and stationery, candles, and other kitschy gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

My Trick Pony

My Trick Pony (742 14th Street) is a great shop where you can pick a tee right off the rack and with the help of the stores graphic artists and massive graphics database, design your own custom t-shirt for a one-of-a-kind souvenir! The best part is, unlike the websites that boast the same; you can design your merchandise and take it home all in less than an hour! No waiting, no shipping fees, and no wondering if what you ordered will look even remotely like what you wanted.

A Different Light

A Different Light Bookstore  (489 Castro Street) is one of the best GLBT bookstores on the web and in San Francisco. In business since 1979, A Different Light is a great shop to peruse for everything from magazines, clothing, and calendars to books, music and movies, all geared towards a GLBT audience.

 

Crossroads Trading Company

Crossroads Trading Company (2123 Market Street) is one of San Francisco’s best consignment shops. Thinking of maybe getting some new ladies threads and trading in your older, manlier ones? Crossroads can help! They buy, sell, and trade gently used and mint condition vintage and newer clothing. Those who search can score some major labels for a minor price. I have friends who have found 7 Jeans and Chanel purses in the same trip for less than fifty dollars for both! The inventory is always changing, of course, but that’s the beauty of Crossroads, you never know what you might find on any given day!

 

Given

Given (575 Castro Street) is a gallery/ gift shop that also happens to be in the former spot of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk’s Castro Camera shop. Whether you’re stopping in to experience a piece of gay rights history or looking for a great gift, you won’t be disappointed. Given sells works made by hand by local artisans. They have everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry to toys to books to home decorative accessories. The staff can not only help you find a unique gift, but can also give you the history behind each item— who made it, what it represents, etc. Try getting that kind of service at Target! The best part is, the merchandise at Given is affordable; something you probably shouldn’t expect from some of the other galleries downtown.