California’s southernmost city draws over 30 million tourists every year – that’s almost three times more than New York. The city of San Diego conjures up images of perfect sunny skies, taco-peddling restaurants, and hunky surfer-filled beaches. In short, San Diego is sold as Californian at its finest with just a hint of Mexican culture. And it is all that for sure, but San Diego also offers visitors seemingly more museums than supermarkets, gorgeous parks, restaurants serving a delicious combo of local seafood and Mexican cuisine, diverse neighborhoods, over 150 craft beer breweries, and a flourishing LGBTQ+ scene that comes close to rivaling nearby San Francisco – well, almost.

San Diego also has a fascinating history. It was discovered in 1542 by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and, 200 years later, became the very first settlement founded in California, leading to it being heralded as the “Birthplace of California.” This history can be explored in depth at San Diego’s Old Town or in a number of museums scattered around the city. All this makes San Diego the ideal holiday destination for those exploring the States who fancy a little culture to juxtapose with their Californian dreaming beach time.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfers
3. Gay Hotels in San Diego
4. Sightseeing and Activities in San Diego
5. Gay Tours in San Diego
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. San Diego Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars in San Diego
9. Gay Beaches in San Diego
10. Gay Events in San Diego
11. Day Trips from San Diego

General Tips

Weatherwise, San Diego is fine to visit anytime of the year – except rather randomly in May and June when gray clouds roll ominously over the city from the Pacific – hence the terms ‘May Gray’ and ‘June Gloom’. The summer months that follow are hot and perfect for a beach-focused vacation, but you’ll encounter inevitable tourist crowds. For those who can, the absolute best times to visit San Diego are March/April or September/October. That way, you can enjoy pleasant weather, cheaper hotel prices, and fewer visitors blocking your sun. Alternatively, you can dive in for San Diego Pride in July – one of the largest and most celebrated Pride events in the country. Just be sure to book your hotel about a year in advance!

San Diego’s gay neighborhood is Hillcrest, and it positively hums with LGBTQ+ pride all year round. Its community spirit is infectious, and it is filled with gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also a very walkable neighborhood and close to Balboa Park – home to many of the city’s best tourist attractions. Hillcrest is split into two parts by the 163 freeway, but you can easily cross between the two via the joining bridge. Note that when exploring, on the south side, bars tend to be more staggered, whereas on the north (where the sign is), they’re clustered together.

Finally, there’s no getting around the fact that San Diego is an expensive city to visit! However, that shouldn’t deter anyone from going, as there are some ways to mitigate these costs: budget hotels can be found outside the center or in the nearby coastal towns. Deals can also be found both online and at the hotels themselves, which allow discounted entrance to all the main tourist attractions. And if all else fails, hey, the beach is free.

Transportation & Airport Transfers

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just three miles from San Diego – a short 10-minute drive from downtown. SAN serves mostly domestic flights, but direct flights also exist to and from London, Tokyo, and Munich. You can take a taxi, rideshare, or the San Diego Flyer, a complimentary shuttle service connecting the airport to the Old Town Transit Center. From Old Town, you can access ‘the Trolley,’ a tram that provides extensive coverage throughout the city.

San Diego is a large city, and the neighborhoods are somewhat spaced out. The public transportation includes buses, the trolley, and trains, but the best way to get around is by renting a car or catching an Uber/Lyft. For added convenience, consider renting a bike or scooter to explore the city at your own pace.

Gay Hotels in San Diego

Although there are no specifically gay hotels in San Diego, there are many hotels that go out of their way to be LGBTQ+ friendly, most in the downtown area.

Luxury

Hotel del Coronado – this resort on Coronado Beach is an integral part of San Diego’s history. Built back in 1888, it was the largest wooden Victorian beach resort in the world at the time. Nowadays, it's a luxurious resort with multiple accommodation choices, including poolside or beachside cabanas, contemporary beachside rooms/suites, villas, cottages, or standard rooms in the original Victorian-style hotel. As you’d expect from such a place, they have a huge pool, a spa, beachside bars, and multiple restaurants. The price for such luxury, however, is high, with the cheapest accommodation costing around $600 to $700 per night.

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego – located on the waterfront of the San Diego Bay, this towering 40-floor luxurious hotel offers a range of upscale amenities. They have not one, but two rooftop pools, five dining spaces, and a large fitness center. This Grand Hyatt is ideal for romantic getaways for those with cash to splash, as you can enjoy such things as a candlelit meal at the 40th-floor restaurant or canoodling with your loved one within a private poolside cabana. The rooms feature smooth, modern-looking decor and are always positioned to capitalize on the hotel’s view. As you’d expect, none of this comes cheap, and the lowest-cost room will set you back about $300 a night.

Mid-Range 

The Bristol Hotel – a gay-friendly boutique hotel located in an ideal location for exploring downtown and the surrounding areas. It's an easy walk to the Gaslamp District and a short drive to Hillcrest. The whole hotel is extremely modern, recently renovated, and has great amenities, such as a fitness center and on-site lounge (no pool, though). The rooms have a distinctly colorful character but are tastefully decorated. Prices for rooms range from $200 to $300.

Porto Vista Hotel – Little Italy is a downtown area famous for its bohemian art, and this three-star hotel is a lovingly crafted work of art all in itself. Pieces of art are scattered throughout the hotel and its rooms, infusing it with personality. There’s an outdoor pool, gym, salon, massage parlor, restaurant, and a rooftop bar that has a very lively cocktail hour. Rooms have simple yet stylish furnishings and cost around $150-$200.

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego – most of the best hotels can be found near or in the Gaslamp District, and this hotel is no exception. You are always guaranteed a decent – somewhat rock and roll – standard from Hard Rock hotels with chic rooms and facilities like a spa, gym, diner, sushi bar, rooftop bar, pool, and the trademark Rock Shop of the brand. The rock-themed hotel also actively partakes in the nightlife of the area around it, and their bar gets lively at night. Guests can also, rather randomly, borrow an electric guitar for their stay. Hard Rock San Diego is the favored hotel for visitors coming to the Comic-Con festival, during which it runs a selection of events, including an exclusive “Playboy Party.” Rooms start at around $300.

Budget

Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel & Hostel – If you’re looking to be right on the beach but don’t want to pay a hefty price for the privilege, this gay-friendly hotel/hostel might be a great fit. Ocean Beach has hippy, laid-back vibes and is very welcoming to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Choose between shared rooms at around $60 or private rooms at around $300 – both come with a healthy breakfast included.

Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast – this hotel is right in a secluded section of the Hillcrest gayborhood. The building is a 1910 Craftsman-style house, and the interior is equally homely. Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast is an ode to San Diego as a whole through the decorations in its rooms, each representing different neighborhoods and attractions in the city. There’s a Gaslamp room, Coronado room, and Zoo room (designed with animal decorations), to name but a few. Rooms cost around $180 and come with breakfast included.

Sightseeing and Activities in San Diego

Balboa Park – this 1,200-acre park is the largest urban parkland in the US. You could easily spend a whole day here exploring its many parks, trails, and gardens without even entering its many museums. Within the grounds, there’s everything from a botanical building housing 2,000 exotic tropical plants to a Japanese Friendship Garden to a recreation of the Alcazar Gardens of Seville. Balboa Park is home to eighteen museums, ranging from the Museum of Us, which has over 300,000 archaeological items chronicling the entirety of human history, to the Comic-Con Museum, showcasing comics and pop culture. Balboa Park is also where you’ll find the world-famous San Diego Zoo. A Balboa Park Pass can be purchased for $89, allowing you admittance to all 14 museums and lasting for seven days. Book tour →

San Diego Zoo – one of the most famous zoos in the world and a global leader in conservation, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals across 650 species. There you can see elephants, polar bears, koalas, camels… you name it, it’s probably there. It’s also one of the only places outside of China where you can see giant pandas up close. Guided bus tours and aerial tram rides show you everything the zoo has to offer. The zoo has a sister safari park an hour’s drive out of San Diego for an even more immersive experience – there you can even see cheetahs running at their full capacity on a racetrack. Tickets for the zoo cost $79 for a day pass. Book tour →

Old Town State Historic Park – this historic park is built upon the grounds of the first European settlement in California and offers a glimpse into California's Native American and Hispanic heritage through its restored 19th-century homes, original adobe structures, and museums. Entrance is free, including the museums and sights like the Whaley House, one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. Besides the museums, you can shop for unique souvenirs at Old Town Market, enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at local eateries, watch live performances of Mariachi music, and even participate in cultural festivals. Book tour →

USS Midway Museum – the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history has been converted into a fascinating museum, which is a salute to the navy of old. Located in downtown San Diego, the museum allows you to explore the labyrinth of sleeping quarters and galleys of the USS Midway to get insight into the life of a sailor. Self-guided audio tours narrated by former sailors further amplify the experience. Book tour →

Gaslamp Quarter – spanning 16 blocks, this neighborhood features beautifully restored 19th-century buildings housing trendy boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants offering global cuisine. At night, the Gaslamp Quarter’s nightlife comes alive with bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues. Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences such as live theater performances at the historic Balboa Theatre and annual events like the Gaslamp Mardi Gras. Book tour →

Petco Park – the San Diego Padres are a legendary baseball team, and their stadium has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, the views from the top of the stadium are stunning, and you can enjoy the park's food stalls and local craft beer. Dedicated baseball fans can also take guided tours for a behind-the-scenes look at the dugout, press box, and luxury suites within the stadium. Book tour →

Whale Watching Cruise – December to April is whale season in San Diego. During that time, visitors can experience the thrill of seeing whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life up close on a whale watching cruise. These cruises offer an educational and awe-inspiring adventure on the Pacific Ocean, complete with knowledgeable guides and comfortable viewing platforms. Book tour →

Cabrillo National Monument – situated at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, it was here that explorer Juan Rodriguez first stepped ashore in 1542. Explore the historic lighthouse, tide pools, and the 2.2-mile Bayside Trail, which provides scenic vistas of the city and surrounding areas. With good weather, you can even see Mexico! Book tour →

SeaWorld – San Diego has the very first SeaWorld, situated in Mission Bay. The premier marine theme park is renowned for its spectacular orca, dolphin, and sea lion shows, as well as exciting rides like Manta and Electric Eel. Visitors can explore vibrant aquariums, interactive touch pools, and the Shark Encounter tunnel.

La Jolla – this picturesque seaside community in San Diego is famous for its stunning coastline beaches surrounding it on three sides. The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea lions. The village itself features upscale boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet dining with ocean views. Outdoor enthusiasts can also kayak through sea caves or hike the trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Book tour →

San Diego Beaches – a lot of people primarily come to San Diego for the beaches, and there’s nothing wrong with that; every beach in San Diego offers something a little different. The most popular are Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. Each has its own vibe: Mission and Coronado Beaches are the most beautiful and therefore popular, Ocean Beach has a bohemian, hippy-esque environment, whereas Pacific Beach is a nightlife hotspot full of trendy bars.

Gay Tours in San Diego

San Diego LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour – this walking tour takes you through Hillcrest while teaching you all about how the area became the gayborhood it is today. It covers San Diego’s LGBTQ+ history with stories of some of its earliest gay bars, the hate crimes plaque, Harvey Milk Street, the Center, the Rainbow Flag, and much more. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Fort Oak – located in Mission Hills, Fort Oak offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on wood-fired cuisine. Their menu features innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, providing a modern twist on classic American fare.

Buona Forchetta – this beloved Italian restaurant in South Park is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas and hearty pasta dishes. The charming, rustic decor and warm atmosphere create a perfect setting for enjoying traditional Italian comfort food. Buona Forchetta consistently receives high praise for its friendly service and delicious, reasonably priced meals.

Casa Guadalajara – San Diego has more Mexican restaurants than most counties across the US, so you’re kind of spoiled for choice, but this one in Old Town is certainly one of the best. Not only do you get authentic Mexican food, but also an authentic Mexican atmosphere in its beautifully detailed dining rooms and patios reminiscent of a welcoming Mexican hacienda.

Parakeet Cafe – with locations in La Jolla and Little Italy, Parakeet Cafe is a popular spot for health-conscious diners. The menu includes a variety of organic, gluten-free, and vegan options, along with specialty coffees and teas. The bright, airy atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes make it a favorite for breakfast and brunch.

The Prado – this restaurant in the House of Hospitality is the best place to eat when in Balboa Park. Its huge Spanish courtyard is a beautiful environment to tuck into the restaurant’s Spanish-inspired cuisine, which includes everything from Spicy Calamari Fries to its own freshly cooked Paella. The Prado gets extra points for being part of the Cohn Restaurant Group, which has lent support to the LGBTQ+ community in the past.

Baja Betty's – ‘Home Sweet Homo’ reads the sign above the door, and this homely bar/restaurant is a great start to any night out in Hillcrest. They serve Tex-Mex food best washed down with one of their signature cocktails or their impressive array of tequilas. They also often have drag shows, which ‘serve’ in a different way.

Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe – located in La Jolla, Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe is an excellent place for brunch or a light lunch when exploring the seaside area. It offers a cozy atmosphere and a delectable selection of artisanal cheeses and gourmet sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

San Diego Gay Bars and Clubs

Most of San Diego’s gay bars are found within the Hillcrest gayborhood. The area is split into two parts by the 163 freeway, but you can easily cross between the two via a bridge over the freeway. Note that when walking between bars, on the south side of Hillcrest, bars tend to be more staggered apart, whereas on the north side (where the Hillcrest sign is) they’re more clustered together.

Urban MO's Bar & Grill – located in Hillcrest on the northern side, this is perhaps the most popular gay bar to go to when first hitting the gay scene of San Diego. Urban MO's has a bit of everything: a fun atmosphere, a spacious patio made to take full advantage of the San Diego sun, delicious grilled food, a small dance floor out the back, drag shows, and generously strong drinks.

Rich's – San Diego's largest and most popular gay dance club, Rich's features two separate dance floors with top-notch DJs, multiple bars, and an outdoor lounge. Music varies in genre depending on the night, but there’s often the welcome addition of drag performances and go-go boys thrown into the mix.

Gossip Grill – a thriving lesbian bar which is busier than most gay girl bars in San Francisco. However, it’s also popular with all members of the LGBTQ+ community as the atmosphere is welcoming to everyone. It sports a large patio, dance floor, and tasty American comfort food to go with your drinks.

Flicks – a long-standing favorite in Hillcrest, Flicks is a video bar that plays more than 15,000 video clips in the background as you enjoy cheap drinks, a fun atmosphere, and a pop music-playing dance floor. They often host game nights and karaoke.

Hillcrest Brewing Company –  touted as the world's first gay-owned brewery, Hillcrest Brewing Company offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, which are only $2 at happy hour! The pizza is pretty good too, as are the hot servers.

The Loft – a beloved institution in San Diego, The Loft is known for its unpretentious vibe. This casual bar has good music, cheap drinks, a large terrace, hot bar staff, and a jukebox. What more could you want?

San Diego Eagle – there’s always an Eagle, isn’t there? And just like in San Francisco and New York, the San Diego Eagle is known for its leather and fetish scene. The atmosphere is cruisey but laid-back, and they hold a range of events catering to the fetish community.

Pecs Bar – one of the few gay bars not actually in Hillcrest, Pecs Bar in North Park, is known for its laid-back, jeans-and-leather atmosphere. This gay dive bar features pool tables, darts, a back patio, and affordable drinks, making it a favorite spot for a diverse crowd looking to have no-nonsense fun.

San Diego Saunas and Cruising Bars

Club San Diego – this premier gay bathhouse has been a part of the gay scene in San Diego for over 40 years and is incredibly well-kept. It’s open 24 hours and has a steam room, dry sauna, “Bliss Spa” Jacuzzi, a cinema room, private rooms, and a dungeon sporting two slings. It’s a little pricey, though, as you pay $43 for a locker on entrance, or $33 for members, whereas rooms are around $50.

Gay Beaches in San Diego

Black’s Beach – found in the La Jolla area, this clothing-optional beach is one of the most famous gay beaches on the West Coast. The north end of the beach is where you’ll find the action. The hike down is steep and challenging, but the breathtaking “scenery” and welcoming vibe make it worth the effort.

Ocean Beach – while it's not a designated gay beach, Ocean Beach has a 1960s hippie vibe that is naturally inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, making it a popular hangout. The beach features a variety of recreational activities including surfing, swimming, and volleyball. O.B. is also home to Dog Beach, where pets are allowed to roam leash-free all year round.

Gay Events in San Diego

San Diego Pride – held in July, San Diego Pride is an epic event for the city, attracting over 300,000 people. It features a Spirit of Stonewall Rally, She Fest (a street-fair celebrating the talents and contributions of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people), Pride 5k Run, Hillcrest Block Party, a mile-long parade, and a two-day festival in Balboa Park. The San Diego Padres also host Pride Night at Petco Park, which includes a special performance of the national anthem by local LGBTQ+ choirs and offers a chance to enjoy a baseball game while celebrating pride.

FilmOut San Diego – in the spring, FilmOut San Diego showcases LGBTQ+ cinema with film screenings, panel discussions, and parties. This event highlights the work of acclaimed filmmakers and brings together the community for a celebration of queer cinema.

Red Dress Party San Diego – this September fundraiser requires all attendees to wear a red dress, symbolizing compassion and solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS. The event features entertainment, dancing, and an opportunity to support a meaningful cause.

Comic-Con International San Diego – San Diego boasts the biggest Comic-Con in the world. Although not a specifically gay event, lots of LGBTQ+ folks attend – not to mention hot nerds – with the intent of celebrating all things geeky in comics and pop culture. There’s even a big ‘Playboy Party’ held inside the Hard Rock Hotel, which is surprisingly popular with the LGBTQ+ community.

Day Trips from San Diego

Temecula Wine Country – located about 60 miles northeast of San Diego, Temecula is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and wineries. Spend the day tasting wine at over 50 wineries, take a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of the countryside, or explore Old Town Temecula with its charming shops and restaurants. For a unique experience, try horseback riding through the vineyards or enjoy a relaxing spa day at one of the luxurious resorts. Book tour →

Carlsbad – a short 45-minute drive from San Diego, Carlsbad is a delightful coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant flower fields in the spring, which explode into a colorful display of blooming ranunculus flowers. In Carlsbad, you can also unleash your inner child at Legoland, explore the Carlsbad Premium Outlets for shopping, or relax on the tranquil sandy shores of Carlsbad State Beach. Book tour →

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – just under two hours from San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers stunning desert landscapes, wildflower blooms in the spring, and fascinating outdoor sculptures. Hike through scenic trails, visit the Borrego Palm Canyon, or explore the unique metal sculptures scattered throughout the park. This expansive state park is perfect for nature lovers and offers a serene escape from the city.

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