San Diego warmly welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors and guests with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and a wide array of activities and attractions. One of the top LGBTQ+ destinations in the country, San Diego embraces people of all stripes and types and meets the world with pride, energy, enthusiasm and true alegría de vivir. Use this guide to find things to do in San Diego!
Visitors can enjoy near-perfect year-round weather; 70 miles of beautiful coastline, including the renowned Black's Beach; and the spirit of a city where people from all walks of life come together to meet, shop, dine and enjoy the area's eclectic arts, nightlife and special events. Whether visiting for San Diego Pride or any time of year, San Diego's LGBTQ+ friendliness is simply awesome and there are plenty of things to do around San Diego, one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities.
The uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest is the heart of the action and of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community, where there is always something fun to see and do. Located within minutes of downtown, this colorful neighborhood is the setting of many LGBTQ+ events and activities throughout the year. Hillcrest celebrates diversity year-round and is known for its openness, hospitality and quaint, easy appeal.
Adjacent to Hillcrest, North Park is a trendy, eclectic neighborhood that's popular with LGBTQ+ visitors and locals alike. Home to a variety of inviting neighborhood bars and clubs, North Park is known for its many craft breweries, casual cafes, neighborhood eateries, one-of-a-kind stores and fashionable boutiques.
San Diego is one of most lgbtq+-friendly cities and that stretches far beyond Hillcrest and North Park. Neighborhoods from University Heights to South Park embrace queer-owned businesses, lgbtq+-owned businesses, host LGBTQ+ events and welcome everyone with warmth. These areas are the main LGBTQ+ center of San Diego.
The San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center, located in Hillcrest, has been supporting the community since 1971. It is home to a host of social, cultural and health programs, and everyone is welcome. It's the main LGBTQ+ center in San Diego.
Visitors to the Center are greeted by a friendly staff eager to share information about the facility's numerous events, programs and discussion groups that are open to the public and tailored to all age groups. The Center also features a cyber lab for Internet access, an architecturally stunning auditorium used for many public events, and a "wall of honor" celebrating local community activists who have made positive impacts on San Diego's LGBTQ+ community.
The San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center is funded in part by the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego Department of Health & Human Services and AIDS Walk San Diego, to name a few.
San Diego serves heaping platefuls of LGBTQ+ friendly restaurants that go beyond the same-old same-old. Whether you're hankering for a Tater Tot scramble in the heart of Hillcrest or a fresh lobster salad with a water view, expect a warm welcome upon arrival and satisfied stomach at the end of every meal. You can also find lgbtq+-owned restaurants and unique cafes to enjoy.
There is also a wide variety of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs and nightlife venues if you're craving entertainment, drinks and socializing, from the high-octane dance club Rich's to the lesbian-operated Gossip Grill to The Loft, a San Diego institution known for its strong drinks and unpretentious atmosphere.
San Diego's 270 days of sunshine, 70 miles of beautiful coastline and healthy lifestyle will keep you active and energized, whether you're hitting the beach for a surf lesson or hiking along majestic hillsides with stunning views. LGBTQ+ visitors and locals flock to clothing-optional Black's Beach, one's the world's most beautiful gay beaches, for swimming, surfing and strolling along the sand. And San Diego is also a prime place for great golfing, spectacular boating and such inviting options as outdoor fitness or yoga classes.
> LGBTQ+ Outdoor Recreation Guide
San Diego Pride, held annually in July, attracts more than 250,000 attendees each year and is the largest civic community event in the city. The weeklong celebration consists of the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, She Fest, Pride Block Party, a festive parade through Hillcrest and two-day festival in Balboa Park, and much more. In addition to San Diego Pride, there are a variety of exciting LGBTQ+ community events throughout the year, from Nightmare on Normal Street every Halloween to Hillcrest Mardi Gras every February to FilmOut San Diego in the spring.
> San Diego Pride and LGBTQ+ Events
San Diego's accommodations range from classic historic hotels and charming bed & breakfasts to trendy modern boutiques and casual hotel resorts where LGBTQ+ travelers can rest after a busy day of activities. Rest assured, San Diego has you all covered and comfy for more days of fun and excitement.
> Find an amazing place to stay
With scores of idyllic backdrops in the offing, San Diego ranks as one of the country's most desirable places to hold your LGBTQ+ wedding.
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