San Diego's healthy SoCal lifestyle keeps you active during the day, so you look fabulous at night. With 70 miles of beautiful coastline, and diverse terrain, San Diego offers outdoor recreation galore, from swimming at one of the world's most beautiful gay beaches to kayaking along La Jolla Cove to America's Finest City Softball League.
The 33 beaches throughout San Diego boast distinct personalities that offer LGBTQ+ travelers everything from quietude to "Baywatch"-like action. Whether you prefer throwing down a beach towel in the company of other LGBTQ+ beachgoers or amid families and youthful sunbathers, a perfect spot awaits.
One of the most beautiful gay beaches in the world, Black's Beach is known as San Diego's nude beach, although nudism is unlawful in San Diego. Located north of luxurious La Jolla, this beautiful stretch of sand is hugged by towering cliffs, and access to the beach can be challenging for some beachgoers.
The north end of Black's is where the LGBTQ+ community traditionally frequents. Throughout the year, you'll find colorful umbrellas, lively gatherings of friends, surfers and swimmers enjoying the ocean, and an endless parade of beachgoers strolling along the water's edge.
If you're seeking a different beach experience from Black's, here are a few options:
There are plenty of non-beach activities to enjoy in San Diego's great outdoors, from biking and hiking to volleyball and golf. Here's a short list of activities to check out.
Located above Black's Beach, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve — home of the rare and elegant Torrey pine tree — abounds with scenic hiking trails.
> Explore San Diego's Hiking Trails
Set on the bluffs above Black's Beach, Torrey Pines Golf Course is a golfer's paradise. San Diego is home to more than 70 golf courses.
Looking to skate while taking in the SoCal beach vibe? Head down to Mission Beach, where you’ll find sunbathers, surf shops, restaurants and a 3-mile-long, smooth boardwalk with ocean views. The two-way path is a hot spot for joggers, cyclists and skaters.
Lots of scenic sites and eye candy can be seen when biking along the Mission Beach-Pacific Beach boardwalk and the bike paths around Mission Bay.
> Discover San Diego's Bike Culture
Paddleboarding is popular in the calm waters of Mission Bay. Water enthusiasts also can enjoy water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, kiteboarding and kayaking.
On many weekends, friendly, noncompetitive volleyball games can be found in Balboa Park. Gay men can be seen spiking and bump-passing on the grassy lawn located between Sixth Avenue and Balboa Drive across from Olive and Nutmeg streets.
Kayaking off the coast of La Jolla Shores and along the tidal caves of La Jolla Cove is a fun outdoor activity, perfect for dates and groups of close friends.
> Explore 70 Miles of Coastline on a Kayak
San Diego's LGBTQ+ sports leagues provide lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and meet new friends regardless of whether you're in the middle of the action or cheering from the sideline.
America's Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) is San Diego's largest LGBTQ+ sports league. Founded in 1981, AFCSL is San Diego's oldest recreational softball league. The club boasts nearly 40 teams and more than 600 players, managers, and coaches.
San Diego's LGBTQ+ community is part of the Varsity Gay League (VGL), the nation's original Queer+ recreational sports league. Founded in 2007, VGL represents over 25,000 LGBTQ+ and allied athletes across the nation. Activities range from dodgeball and kickball to soccer and indoor volleyball, and everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or identity.
Formed in 1981, Front Runners & Walkers San Diego (FR&WSD) is one of more than 100 Front Runner clubs worldwide. FR&WSD provides running and walking activities for lesbians, gay men and non-gay family members and friends, and the club welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities, from beginners to experienced athletes.
Swimmers of all levels head to the pool with the Different Strokes Swim Team (DSST), a member club of U.S. Masters Swimming. DSST promotes swimming as a form of exercise and to create lifelong friendships, regardless of age (18+), gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability.
The San Diego American Flag Football League (SDAFF) is home of California's premier 7-on-7 flag football league. The SDAFFL is one of the largest flag football leagues of its kind in the nation with over 200 players; it is also home to the five-time National Gay Flag Football League national champion San Diego Bolts.
The San Diego Armada is an inclusive rugby union club that welcomes all players and supporters regardless of skill level, orientation, gender identity, religion, or national origin. The primary goal of the social club is to have a great time and make friends by playing rugby.
The San Diego Surfers Women's Rugby Club is the only women's club in San Diego. Founded in 1975, the Surfers were invited to join the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2010. WPL features the nation's top women's rugby talent and is the highest level of senior club 15s competition in the U.S. with 10 teams from coast to coast.
The San Diego Tennis Federation (SDTF) attracts LGBTQ+ tennis players and fans from throughout the San Diego area. SDTF provides playing opportunities for all levels of tennis enthusiasts, from beginners to Open players. The flagship annual event is the San Diego Open, a premier tournament on the GLTA World Tour.
For additional information about the LGBTQ+ sports leagues, visit the San Diego LGBT Pride organization.
Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...
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The PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open is played annually at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 & 2021 U.S. Open. Mark your calendars now, because one of San...
Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.
Join us Monday - Friday from 4:00pm-6:00pm for Valle Happy Hour at Rumorosa, featuring a variety of Cali-Baja appetizers and Mexican Wines.
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