Eureka Valley

Explore Eureka Valley

Eureka Valley, or more commonly known as the “The Castro,” is one of San Francisco’s most notable neighborhoods, as it is most diverse and ever changing. What was once a working class Irish neighborhood turned in the 1970’s to a mecca for gay culture. Small homes were being revitalized and the improvements led to an increase in property values. Today we are seeing a new influx of young families and children into the neighborhood, filled with people who appreciate the unique culture of San Francisco. The neighborhood features amenities such as children’s play parks, fine dining, shopping and recreational areas.

Some Neighborhood Features to Note

The Castro Theatre:

Built in 1922 the Castro Theatre is one of the last grand single screen movie houses in San Francisco. The schedule at this beautiful theatre ranges from live performances, cult movies and Hollywood classics. It’s also not uncommon to see streams of children in costumes coming out after one of The Castro’s ever-popular “sing-alongs,” which include Disney Classics, and for the adults, movies like Grease and The Sound of Music. Here is a calendar of events: Castro Theatre Calendar

Sample of Unique Shopping:

  • Cliffs Variety: One is hard pressed to find a store like Cliffs. A staple of the neighborhood since 1936 Cliffs is the stopping place to find anything from a hammer to children’s toys. It’s literally a store you can spend hours in. During the holidays it’s also fun to see how they decorate their storefront windows! 
  • S16:  A purveyor of found objects, S16 is a boutique home furnishings store offering vintage modern and industrial home furnishings. The owner Brian Allen has a keen eye and you will want to visit over and over again. 
  • ZGO Perfumery:  With an array of merchandise ranging from candles, diffusers and perfume, basically anything that smells good, this is the place to shop. 
  • Rolo:  Boutique men’s wear including denim and designer clothing. 
  • IXIA:  Walking past this unique florist it’s hard to not marvel at their unique flower arrangements. 
  • Kenneth Wingard:  Fantastic spot to find unique home furnishings, gifts or even a t-shirt.
  • Best In Show:  Pet boutique offering toys, food and designer harnesses for our furry family members.
  • PhotoWorks:  Full service photo lab offering film processing plus printing.
  • Swirl on Castro:  The Castro’s premier wine and spirits store with wine tasting! 
  • In addition, the neighborhood also features an array of other boutique stores as well as larger retail brands such as Pottery Barn and Levi Strauss Store.

For the Kids Indoors and Out

In addition to the sing-along shows at the Castro Theatre, the neighborhood is chock-full of fun for kids of all ages. Here is a sample:

  • The Seward Slide:  Two long concrete slides are hidden in this neighborhood park. Grab some cardboard, slide away and remember… adults should be accompanied by children.
  • Spark Arts: Art gallery offering an array of amusement including music classes for kids.
  • Eureka Valley Rec Center: This neighborhood recreation center offers a wide selection of amenities including a children’s playground complete with modern play equipment and a soft rubber floor, tennis court, enclosed dog park and baseball field. Inside there is an indoor basketball court, play area, gym and activity room.
  • Randall Museum:  Randall Museum is host to some of San Francisco’s very diverse community groups such as Musical Theater Works, San Francisco Naturalists, the Amateur Astronomers, Mycological Society and many others. Check out their schedule for events: Randall Museum Calendar
  • Whatever…: A full-service comic book store offering comic books, graphic novels and comic supplies. 
  • Giddy:  purveyor of candy and delectable. What fun to look at all the glass containers of every type of candy imaginable… it brings out the kid in all of us. 

It’s Time to Eat!

The Castro is home to unique dining experiences including “food on the go” all the way to fine dining. Whether you want Italian, Thai, Indian or simple California cuisine, you can find it in The Castro. A few notables:

  • Frances: Fine dining featuring a seasonal menu showcasing produce and products from Northern California’s exceptional farmers.
  • Anchor Oyster Bar: Operating since 1977, this homey restaurant has been serving fresh sustainably caught fish, shellfish, crab and delicious seafood for over 30 years.
  • Beso Bistronomia: Offering high quality Spanish tapas cuisine in an inviting environment. 
  • Poesia: Translating to the word “poetry,” this romantic restaurant serves home cooked quality Italian food.
  • L’Ardois: French bistro serving authentic and traditional fare in a romantic setting.  
  • Finn Town Tavern: Elevated and new tavern fare, creative drinks and small bites. 

Time to Get IN SHAPE!

With all the fun places to eat, the Castro provides an array of places to work off those calories!

  • Soul Cycle: Indoor cycling reinvented!
  • 24 Hour Fitness: Full service gym with parking on premises.  
  • Fitness SF: Modern full service gym with adjoining juice bar. 
  • Core 40: Revolutionary core-focused, full body workout.
  • Yoga Tree: Many have claimed that Yoga Tree in the Castro is the best and most supercharged yoga space in the city. 
  • Sunflower Wellness: Empowers people living with cancer to find strength and support through exercise. 

 

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