San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and everyone knows about the classic sights: the Golden Gate Bridge, the twisting lanes of Lombard Street, the cable cars. These are all good reasons to visit, but the city also hides a wealth of offbeat charms--in fact, it's famous for them. If you're feeling adventurous or just enjoy avoiding the beaten path, check out some of San Francisco's weirder destinations.
Ghosts and Vampires
Many big cities have haunted tours, but San Francisco has more than its share, it seems--the city's weird history includes a strong streak of the macabre. A half-dozen different ghost tours are available for the city's famous historic districts, including haunted Chinatown, haunted Pacific Heights, and haunted Haight-Ashbury. For something even darker, check out the city's vampire tour.
Emperor Norton
Pay your respects to a true legend of San Francisco weirdness, Emperor Norton. During the 1860s and 1870s, Norton was a famous Bay Area eccentric who declared himself "Emperor of America and Protector of Mexico" to anyone who would listen. Plenty of San Franciscans humored him, addressing him by his proper title, offering him food and drink, and even honoring currency issued in his name. He was buried with honors and an appropriate headstone, in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Colma, just south of the city.
Castro District
San Francisco is legendary for its gay population, of course. But even straight people can enjoy the distinct culture of Castro Street, one of the world's oldest and largest gay communities. The area has tons of shops, some of which cater to the average tourist and others that appeal to more specialized tastes. To see the community in full flower, visit during June, for Pink Saturday and Pride Week, or the first Sunday in October, for the Castro Street Fair.
Humongous Hats
The Beach Blanket Babylon show is pure San Francisco weirdness. The legendary cabaret adds new meaning to the phrase "over the top" as it satirizes modern culture with music and wordplay. The performers are famous for elaborate hats and wigs that frankly defy verbal description. A San Francisco institution since 1974, the show bills itself as America's longest-running musical revue.
Weird Festivals
The St. Stupid's Day Parade, held every April Fool's Day, is another long-running event that lets visitors and residents embrace their inner freak. Outlandish costumes are encouraged. In March, the mad shopping-cart race known as the Urban Itadarod, or Idiotarod, charges up and down the hilly streets. Many cities have imitated the race, but San Francisco's, founded in 1994, was the first. If you're in the mood for a more somber festival, join Native Americans at Alcatraz in November for Unthanksgiving, a tribute to the native cultures who populated the American continent in the years before Columbus.
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