Studio Door
San Diego LGBTQIA+ Owned Meeting Services & Businesses
San Diego, America's Brightest City, shines not only with year-round sunshine but also with its commitment to inclusion and diversity. For event professionals planning conferences and conventions, the city offers a vibrant array of LGBTQIA+ owned meeting services, from innovative caterers and restaurants to cultural institutions and unique venues. Whether you're exploring the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego's historic LGBT neighborhood, or discovering welcoming businesses throughout the city, you'll find exceptional services that reflect San Diego's belief that tourism is for all.
Alternative Strategies
Alternative Strategies is an award-winning, full-service marketing communications firm that believes in the power of media exposure, branding and a meaningful online presence.
> Learn more about Alternative Strategies
Bollota Entertainment
Bollotta Entertainment is an award-winning event entertainment booking and production company specializing in corporate, private and association events. As a licensed, bonded and insured talent agency, San Diego based Bollotta Entertainment is a one-stop shop exceeding clients' expectations by paying exceptional attention to details like demographics, logistics, goals and objectives that frame every corporate, private and association event.
> Learn more about Bollota Entertainment
Triple Pocket Events
Triple Pocket Events is a full-service event production company that specializes in private, corporate, and virtual events. Event productions include highly curated conferences, luxury cocktail hours, noteworthy galas, unique birthday celebrations, and more. From conception to execution, the Triple Pocket Events team prioritizes brand values of radical honesty, exceptional client service, and complete inclusivity.
> Learn more about Triple Pocket Events
Thomas Bui Lifestyle
Thomas Bui Lifestyle is a full-scale production company and wedding planning business based in San Diego, CA, specializing in luxury weddings and social and corporate events.
Bencotto
Where: 750 Fir Street, San Diego, CA, 92101
Located in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, Bencotto Italian Kitchen brings the spirit of Italian hospitality to the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, offering an elevated yet approachable dining experience. Meaning "perfectly cooked," Bencotto reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality, authenticity, and warmth. Known for the largest selection of fresh pastas in San Diego, the award-winning kitchen blends time-honored family recipes with a modern, shareable menu that encourages connection through food. Paired with exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, Bencotto celebrates Italian tradition in every dish — from aperitivo to full-course meals.
Gossip Grill
Where: 1220 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Over the years, Gossip Grill has blossomed into a full patio bar and restaurant with a dance floor. The restaurant serves American comfort food, and the lively place is decked out with feminine-inspired art, fabulous chandeliers and a foliage facade outdoor patio bar with fire pits. As the sun sets, Gossip transforms into a dance nightclub for the ladies — but don't worry, the dance floor is open to all genders.
> Learn more about Gossip Grill
InsideOUT
Where: 1642 University Ave, Unit #100, San Diego, CA 92103
Sexy, chic and casually elegant, InsideOUT's main dining room opens to an outdoor atrium with sitting nooks, relaxing water features and spacious seating for guests to experience a hidden urban oasis in the heart of Hillcrest. The seasonal menu reflects a creative approach to California and Mediterranean-inspired fare using the freshest ingredients from local purveyors.
Negociant Winery
Where: 1263 University Avenue, San Diego, CA
An urban winery in San Diego making amazing wine from grapes sourced from California and beyond. We offer wine tastings, education, activities and live Jazz and other live entertainment, trivia, and more.
> Learn more about Negociant Winery
Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro
Where: 141 University Avenue #4, San Diego, CA 92103
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of authentic Baja-Mex cuisine at Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro, located in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood next to Downtown San Diego. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to the heart of Mexico, surrounded by the aromas of traditional Mexican spices and cooking.
> Learn more about Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro
Baja Betty's
Where: 1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
This lively Mexican restaurant creates a party vibe with a festive atmosphere and extensive menu of margaritas. Everyone is welcome, and you're guaranteed to have a fabulous Betty experience. Baja Betty's is also a great place to go for Extended Happy Hour Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and Bubbles and Brunch on weekends.
> Learn more about Baja Betty's
Hillcrest Brewing Company
Where: 1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
A trip along University Avenue isn't complete without a visit to Hillcrest Brewing Company. Considered the world's first and only gay-owned brewery, it's a great spot to grab a pizza or two, enjoy and make friends at a communal table, while enjoying "Hoppy Hour" offered 7-days a week!
> Learn more about Hillcrest Brewing Company
Industrial Grind
Where: 6020 Santo Road, San Diego, CA 92124
Start your day right at Industrial Grind Coffee, opened in 2011 by two retired Navy vets, Barbara Jeanine and Kathy Hansen. This cozy Hillcrest cafe is known for its amazing coffee and delicious gluten-free pastries.
> Learn more about Industrial Grind
Lips
Where: 3036 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for more than 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens.
Urban Mo's Bar & Grill
Where: 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
No visit to San Diego would be complete without a meal and good time at this iconic LGBTQ+ gathering spot, featuring spacious outdoor patio seating and an upper deck to watch all the action. Colorful, fun and filled with friendly locals and visitors on any given afternoon or night, Urban MO's is a happy hour favorite and is known for great burgers and strong cocktails adorned with plastic farm animals.
San Diego Equality Business Association
Founded in 1979, the San Diego Equality Business Association (formerly Greater San Diego Business Association GSDBA) continues to support small businesses in San Diego while advocating for mainstream acceptance of diversity. We are one of the largest specialty chambers in San Diego County and the second oldest LGBTQ and supportive chamber in the nation. SDEBA prides itself on outreach to other business chambers and to society at large.
> Learn more about San Diego Equality Business Association
San Diego Pride
Where: 3620 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
San Diego Pride's mission is to foster pride in and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally communities locally, nationally, and globally. They organize the region's largest civic event, Pride Weekend, and run year-round Pride 365 programs focused on charitable work, civic engagement, and community outreach.
> Learn more about San Diego Pride
The Studio Door
Where: 3867 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, San Diego, The Studio Door offers a one-of-a-kind destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. As you step through our doors, you'll discover a world where art becomes a deeply personal journey, where every brushstroke and sculpture speaks directly to your soul. Our curated monthly exhibitions showcase the best of contemporary art, while our 17 working artist studios offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process. Furthermore, The Studio Door is delighted to design workshops, art tours and artists' talks, offering enriching experiences that deepen your appreciation for the artistic journey.
> Learn more about The Studio Door
Cygnet Theater
Where: 2880 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Cygnet Theatre stands today as one of San Diego's most dynamic cultural institutions—rooted in bold storytelling, community engagement, and a forward-looking vision. It offers an immersive theatrical experience, from intimate dramas to dazzling musicals, supported by a legacy of excellence and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
> Learn more about Cygnet Theater
Diversionary Theatre
Where: 4545 Park Boulevard #101, San Diego, CA 92116
As the third oldest LGBTQIA+ theatre in the nation founded in 1986, Diversionary Theatre is one of San Diego's premier theaters, proudly showcasing the city's most vibrant and diverse talent. Committed to uplifting LGBTQ+ and other marginalized voices, the theatre provides dynamic, inclusive live entertainment that celebrates and preserves our unique
culture.
> Learn more about Diversionary Theatre
The Lambda Archives Of San Diego
Where: 4545 Park Blvd #104, San Diego, CA 92116
The mission of the Lambda Archives of San Diego is to collect, preserve, and teach the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the San Diego and Imperial Counties and the Northern Baja California region. Lambda Archives is dedicated to preserving and interpreting this important historical material and making it available for learning. Lambda Archives offers monthly walking tours of San Diego's LGBTQ history and Out at the Archives--a series of symposia on aspects of LGBTQ history.
> Learn more about The Lambda Archives Of San Diego
The San Diego LGBTQ Community Center
Where: 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103
The San Diego LGBT Community Center ("The Center") is one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTQ community centers in the nation. Through various programs and events, The Center enhances and sustains the health & well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities to the betterment of the entire San Diego region.
Bespoke Maestro
Bespoke Maestro is a premier custom suit and tuxedo maker, located in Solana Beach, San Diego. Our team of skilled and experienced tailors are dedicated to delivering the highest quality suits and tuxedos, using only the best Italian and English fabrics available on the market. By appointment only.
> Learn more about Bespoke Maestro
The Candy Pushers
Where: 1295 University Avenue #1B, San Diego, CA 92103
The Candy Pushers in Hillcrest offers the finest gourmet chocolates and candies on the market today. The wide selection of chocolates range from truffles, toffee, caramels, sugar free, vegan and our fresh homemade fudge. Looking to bring unique sweets to your next event? Give us a call!
> Learn more about The Candy Pushers
Dapper Boi
Dapper Boi is an online gender-neutral clothing line, made for every BODY by offering a unique fit and in a wide range of sizes. Their goal is to make people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
We're here to help
Start planning your next meeting, event or conference with the help of our knowledgeable destination experts. The San Diego Tourism Authority team not only has a comprehensive understanding of the destination but also the extensive in-market relationships to ensure that you find the right venue at the right price. Even better, all our services are free, including customized virtual or in-person site visits and our extensive lead system, which lets us compare your specific needs with the offerings at more than 135 San Diego conference hotels. Now more than ever, our team is your partner in planning a successful and safe event or conference in San Diego. Call 877-9SDMeet (877-973-6338), email [email protected] or complete an RFP online.