Rainbow Room: How San Francisco’s Twin Peaks Tavern Became a Beacon for Queer Travelers

Twin Peaks Tavern, located at the bustling intersection of Market and Castro streets, is more than just a bar: it is an icon of LGBTQ+ resilience and visibility in one of the world’s most celebrated queer neighborhoods. Opened in 1935 and under LGBTQ+ ownership since 1972, Twin Peaks holds the distinction of being the first gay bar in the United States to feature full-length, open plate glass windows, allowing patrons to be visible to the street—an act of courage and defiance during a time when queer people often faced violence and discrimination for simply being seen in public.

In a city renowned for its LGBTQ+ activism and nightlife, Twin Peaks Tavern’s legacy is unique: its open windows marked a pivotal shift toward safety and pride for queer people in public spaces. The bar quickly became a gathering place for activists, artists, and everyday community members seeking solidarity and acceptance. Today, Twin Peaks continues to serve as a safe haven for transgender people, lesbians, bisexual and gay men, nonbinary individuals, and allies, offering a welcoming space regardless of identity or background.

San Francisco’s Castro District attracts millions of LGBTQ+ tourists annually, and Twin Peaks Tavern is often a first stop. Its historic interior—complete with original woodwork and Art Deco details—offers a sense of continuity with the past, while its calendar of events, including Pride celebrations, drag shows, and community fundraisers, keeps the spirit of inclusion alive. The staff is trained in cultural competency, and the bar regularly participates in citywide initiatives to promote safe, respectful environments for all visitors.

In recent years, Twin Peaks Tavern has navigated the complexities of pandemic recovery, rising rent, and shifting demographics in San Francisco. Despite these challenges, the bar’s management and community partners have doubled down on their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, launching fundraising campaigns and collaborating with local organizations to ensure that the space remains accessible for all, including seniors and people with disabilities.

The bar also participates in the “Queer Destinations Committed” program, a global initiative that trains hospitality businesses to understand and address the needs of LGBTQ+ travelers, further ensuring that every guest is treated with dignity and respect.

On any given evening, visitors to Twin Peaks Tavern may find a diverse mix of locals, tourists, and longtime regulars sharing stories beneath neon signs and rainbow flags. The bar’s open windows, once a radical act, now symbolize the progress and ongoing challenges of queer visibility worldwide. Twin Peaks Tavern remains a must-visit for those seeking not only a drink, but a tangible link to LGBTQ+ history—a rare place where past and present unite in celebration of pride and community.