The Rainbow Honor Walk is an outdoor tribute to LGBTQ pioneers in San Francisco’s Castro district, with plaques set into the sidewalk around Castro Street and 18th Street. Look for names including Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and artist Keith Haring, alongside rainbow-striped crosswalks. Take time to read the plaques as you walk, and consider stopping at nearby restaurants or shops. The walk is a meaningful way to encounter the Castro’s place in LGBTQ culture and activism; Pride Month and other LGBTQ events bring an especially festive atmosphere.
Plaques along Castro Street
The plaques are concentrated along Castro Street around 18th Street. They commemorate LGBTQ figures from different fields, including Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and pop artist Keith Haring. Read the names and inscriptions as you make your way through the neighborhood.
A walk through the Castro
The Rainbow Honor Walk is part of a neighborhood associated with LGBTQ culture and activism. Rainbow-striped crosswalks add to the visual route, and nearby restaurants and shops give you places to pause. Pride Month and other LGBTQ events bring a more festive feel to the area.
FAQ
Where is the Rainbow Honor Walk?
It is in San Francisco’s Castro district, with plaques concentrated along Castro Street around 18th Street.
What can you see along the walk?
Sidewalk plaques honor LGBTQ artists, entertainers and activists, including Allen Ginsberg and Keith Haring. Rainbow-striped crosswalks are also part of the route.
When is a good time to visit?
Pride Month and other LGBTQ events in San Francisco bring a more festive atmosphere.
