Secrets of Castro: Self-Guided LGBTQ+ Mystery Walk

San Francisco , United States

Secrets of Castro: Self-Guided LGBTQ+ Mystery Walk

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a quest and explore the Castro area in San Francisco. Solve challenges and unlock stories on your phone, as you discover Castro Theatre, GLBT Historical Society Museum, and lesser-known places.

As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready?

Highlights include:
• Take a walk in San Francisco and visit Harvey Milk Plaza, Twin Peaks Tavern, and lesser-known places.
• Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers.
• Solve clues to find local stories and hidden gems.
• Discover the memorial dedicated to LGBTQ+ people who were persecuted in World War II.
• Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt.

After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a pho

Available options

Secrets of Castro: Self-Guided LGBTQ+ Mystery Walk

What's included

24/7 customer support.

Full availability: 24/7, every day of the year.

A city exploration game available on your phone (Questo app).

Safety: It’s self-guided, open air and you will avoid crowds.

Flexibility: start, take a break and continue at your own pace.

Detailed itinerary

You will begin at Pink Triangle Plaza. Here you will be given your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.

Stop 2

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Harvey Milk Plaza. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

Stop 3

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Castro Theatre. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at 440 Castro. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at GLBT Historical Society Museum. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Most Holy Redeemer Church. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Alfred E. Clarke Mansion. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Toad Hall. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at 549 Castro Street. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Castro Camera. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

Stop 11

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Mission Dolores Park. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at 3841 18th St. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Hartford Street Zen Center. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Beaux. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will finish at Twin Peaks Tavern. Here is where both the story and the city exploration game end.

What's not included

A tour guide.

Entry tickets to attractions (not needed to complete the tour).

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

• Go to Pink Triangle Plaza (game starting point).
• Bring a charged phone.
• Open the Questo app and follow the instructions.
• You must have downloaded the app and created an account first, using the same email you made the purchase with.

Important notes

• Unlock your city game in the Questo app using this link: [https://questoapp.com/unlock](https://questoapp.com/unlock)
• Download the Questo app using this link (it’s free): [onelink.to/questo](http://onelink.to/questo)
• Head to the starting point and enjoy your city game!

About San Francisco

San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours for a tour $45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature/Park Half-day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.

Entertainment/Shopping/Dining Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining

Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.

Bread Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.

Seafood Contains shellfish

Mission Burrito

The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.

Main Course Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Marin Headlands Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge Spa day at a luxury hotel Picnic in Golden Gate Park Wine tasting in Napa Valley Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.

13-22°C 55-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe

Getting there

By air

San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown

By train

Emeryville Station, Richmond Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

North Beach Haight-Ashbury Mission District Castro Marina District

Day trips

Sausalito

15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.

Napa Valley

80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument

25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.

Festivals

San Francisco Pride • June Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August Union Street Italian Festival • October

Pro tips

Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions