Prostitutes San Francisco
Maiden Lane transformed from brothels to boutiques over decades, reflecting broader changes in San Francisco’s urban landscape. By August 2025, reports highlighted ongoing concerns about open prostitution in Oakland neighborhoods, drawing resident complaints. Several establishments near San Francisco remain focal points: Garden of Eden, Condor, Power Exchange, and Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club (rated 3.7 from 301 reviews).
Historical Context and Current Hotspots
Vice’s Angels explores notable figures in San Francisco’s sex work history, where streetwalkers have been present for decades—particularly in the Mission District. The FBI-shuttered SF Redbook website was a known online hub. Community tensions intensified when an alleged sex worker was arrested for attacking a homeless woman. Mission District residents filed lawsuits over street prostitution, even as one won a $30M lottery in May 2024.
Enforcement and Community Response
San Francisco police initiated the “Dear John” program, using officers as decoy sex workers. Street-based workers charge $30-$50 for hand-jobs, $40-$80 for oral sex, and $50-$150 for intercourse. Residents describe areas as Hooker havens
affecting hotels like The St. Regis. Enforcement actions include 30 arrests during a February 2024 sting where SFPD posed as prostitutes.
Online Shifts and Systemic Challenges
Sex workers claim Craigslist’s adult service ban pushed activity onto streets like Capp and Shotwell—described as playing Whac-A-Mole
with displacement. Platforms like MegaPersonals, PrivateDelights, and Slixa host listings, while Backpage alternatives emerged post-shutdown. Historical revelations include CIA-operated brothels for LSD testing. BAYSWAN advocates for workers’ rights amid resident lawsuits claiming streets resemble the Las Vegas Strip
.
*TAGS* – Dear John program, Mission District prostitution, Capp Street barriers, BAYSWAN advocacy, Shotwell Street arrests
