de vinzare Polk Street Historically, the southern part of this street, known as Polk Gulch, was San Francisco s

away in dark corners of anony mous bars, the establishments here have full picture windows right on the street and are busy at all hours. Castro Street is closed off every Hallowe en for the famous gay costume party that most agree is one of the city s best, second only perhaps to the Gay Pride Parade (see p75). d Map E5

Polk Street Historically, the southern part of this street, known as Polk Gulch, was San Francisco s first openly gay district, before the rise of the Castro in the 1970s (see p107). Since then it has grown shabbier, although it still attracts plenty of younger de vinzare gays to its clubs, bars, and shops. At the other end, just down from Russian Hill, Polk Street is one of the city s shopping and dining lures, with a host of fine choices to tempt the eyes and palates of a discerning clientele. d Map Q1

( Seymour Pioneer Museum This museum has fascinating historical exhibits of 19th and 20th century California. The upstairs gallery displays furniture, sculpture, and paintings. d 300 4th St Map R5 (415) 957-1849 Open 10am 4pm Wed Fri and 1st Sat of the month Adm www.california.pioneers.org