Seven Gay Wonders of the World 2018: San Francisco

EDGE returns with our fourth annual "Seven Gay Wonders of the World" - our yearly where-to-go-next guide for all those with serious wanderlust. For 2018, we've ditched calorie-counting and workouts for pure indulgence.

The first destination ever to make a repeat appearance on our "7 Gay Wonders" list, San Francisco is as iconic in the culinary world as it is in the LGBTQ community. From legendary spots like The Dash and Mona's 440 Club to queer milestones such as the country's first gay community center (1966) and the first same-sex marriage license (2004), the City by the Bay has been a rainbow beacon for more than a century.

And with all that pride comes a hefty appetite, supported by local chefs, boundary-pushing mixologists, and new hotels that are encouraging visitors from around the world to have an extra serving of what San Francisco has to offer.

More is More

Located in the city's emerging Mid-Market district, the recently opened San Francisco Proper Hotel is a flourish of design and dining options, visually represented by the wild imagination of Kelly Wearstler.

Color, texture, original art, and an abundance of wallpaper overtake the triangular, flatiron-style building's 131 guest rooms. James Beard-nominated chef Jason Franey oversees the food, which includes the lobby level Villon, and Charmaine's, a must-visit rooftop bar with panoramic city views featuring an expansive cocktail menu by Josh Harris and Morgan Schick of BVHospitality.

One Step at a Time

Graze your way through the Mission District (or other destinations such as the Ferry Building or Japantown) with Edible Excursions. Cultures converge throughout the neighborhood, where plentiful murals (lovingly overseen by the nonprofit Precita Eyes Muralits) give way to a bounty of delicious bites.

The tour includes local favorites such as Mission Minis cupcakes, Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen (featuring house-cured pastrami and corned beef), pupusas from El Salvadorian D'Maize, and wonky ice cream flavors such as "secret breakfast" and "strawberry Szechuan sorbet."

Be sure to allow enough time to calorie burn afterward along Valencia Street, where an array of retailers will lighten your load (or at least your wallet).

Oh, My! Kase

San Francisco has no shortage of omakase menus, where diners entrust their meal to the expertise of a sushi master. Add Kusakabe's Kaiseki-style 10-course feast to your culinary bucket list.

Chef Mitsunori Kusakabe and his team of exceptional chefs are visual artists as much as palate specialists, utilizing an array of extraordinary ingredients for a succession of dishes that only seem entrance further as the evening wears on.

Highlights from a recent tasting include cold-smoked Skipjack tuna served with citrus soy; assorted petit plats such as white shrimp with kelp and jellyfish topped with roe and pine nuts; grade-10 wagyu beef with buckwheat risotto and Matsutake mushrooms; and exceptional sushi innovations like aged bluefin toro and young snapper with bamboo leaves and egg yolk powder.

Imbibe in a sake pairing or allow the knowledgeable staff to guide you toward a more restrained option.

Old Dog, New Tricks

What could better inspiration for a cocktail menu than a children's illustrated book? Co-founded by Josh Harris, Scott Baird, and Jason Henton (aka the Bon Vivants), Trick Dog's menu is completely reinvented twice a year.

LGBTQ Intel

Sync your travel with one of these timely happenings to elevate your queer quota:

Frameline 42 - San Francisco's annual LGBTQ film festival returns June 14-28, 2018.

Folsom Street Fair - It's never too early to start harness shopping. Mark your calendar for September 30, 2018.

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus - Experience the country's oldest gay men's chorus as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Concert dates include March 29, June 22 and 23, 2018.

For more tips, visit www.sftravel.com/lgbtq.