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San Diego's

LGBTQ+ Travel Guide

Proud, Welcoming and Simply Fabulous

San Diego warmly welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors and guests with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and 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.

Visitors can enjoy year-round, near-perfect weather; 70 miles of beautiful coastline, including the well-known 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 fabulous.

Welcoming Neighborhoods

The uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest is the heart of the action and 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 is popular with LGBTQ+ visitors and locals alike. Home to a variety of neighborhood bars and clubs that appeal to many lifestyles and styles, North Park is known for its many craft breweries, casual cafes, neighborhood eateries, one-of-a-kind stores, and fashionable boutiques.

San Diego's LGBTQ+ friendliness stretches wide beyond Hillcrest and North Park. Neighborhoods from University Heights to South Park house queer-owned business, host LGBTQ+ events and welcome everyone with warmth.

San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center

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.

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, County of San Diego Department of Health & Human Services and AIDS Walk San Diego, to name a few.

Dining and Nightlife

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.

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.

Outdoor Recreation

San Diego's 270 days of sunshine, 70 miles of beautiful Southern California coastline and healthy lifestyle keeps you active during the day, so you look fabulous at night! 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. There are also many opportunities for exercise and sports like America's Finest City Softball League, San Diego's Varsity Gay League and friendly, non-competitive volleyball games in stunning Balboa Park.

> LGBTQ+ Outdoor Recreation Guide

Year-Round LGBTQ+ Special Events

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 week-long 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

Accommodations

San Diego's accommodation properties 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 a fabulous place to stay

Weddings

With scores of idyllic backdrops in the offing, San Diego ranks as one of the country's most desirable places to throw your LGBTQ+ wedding.

> Hold Your Rainbow Wedding in San Diego

Deals just for you

Accommodation

STAY 3 & SAVE $100

Grande Colonial Hotel
Valid: Jan 3 - ongoing

Stay more and save more and find paradise all at the same time…right here in the Village of La Jolla, just a block from the ocean, with our “Stay 3 and Save $100”...

Restaurants

Show Your Badge & Save at LAVO Italian Restaurant

LAVO Italian Restaurant
Valid: Jul 26, 2022 - ongoing

Present your same-day Convention Center badge and receive 15% off your bill at LAVO Italian Restaurant. Offer valid all day Sunday-Thursday, and before 7pm Friday-Saturday. Only available for parties...

Venues

Save up to 15% off and Complimentary Valet Parking

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge - San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Oct 20, 2022 - ongoing

No Resort fees… AAA/CAA Members receive complimentary valet parking ($55 value) when you book our AAA special Offer Located within the Gaslamp Quarter, just minutes away from white sandy...

Related Articles and Features

Events to check out

Event

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2023

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed...

Event

Bike the Bay

Aug 27, 2023

San Diego's finest annual cycling event across the Coronado Bridge and around the bay! Ride the bridge, Bike the Bay for the 16th annual ride on Sunday, August 27, 2023! Cruise around San Diego Bay...

Event

2023 San Diego County Fair

Del Mar Fairgrounds 22nd DAA
Jun 7 - Jul 4, 2023

Adventure awaits at the 2023 San Diego County Fair – "Get Out There!" to explore the great outdoors and get s'more of what life has to offer Wednesday, June 7 through Tuesday, July 4 at the Del...

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