As one of the most captivating destinations in the United States, California has long held a certain allure for gay travelers. Maybe it’s the progressive laws, the welcoming attitudes, the gorgeous landscape, or even the coveted weather. Or maybe it’s the famous gayborhoods, from San Francisco’s legendary Castro District to San Diego’s storied Hillcrest neighborhood.
No matter what draws you to the Golden State, you’re guaranteed a wide range of experiences at the following gay-friendly hotels (many of them GayTravel Award winners!), from relaxed beach vacations and urban adventures to wine country exploration and championship golf.
Read on to learn more about the hotels, or check out our gay guide to California.
San Diego
Hotel Republic San Diego – GayTravel Approved®
With an enviable location in downtown San Diego between ever-popular Little Italy and the rollicking Gaslamp Quarter, this trendy property is the ideal base for gay travel enthusiasts who want to be in the middle of the action. Some of San Diego’s biggest attractions — Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum, and Balboa Park, for example — are just a few miles away (or a short ride when you rent bikes from the hotel).
But that doesn’t mean you should spend your entire trip out on the town. Leave some room on your itinerary to enjoy cocktails on Hotel Republic’s chic rooftop lounge or happy hour in the handsomely appointed blue-and-gold lobby.
Learn more about Hotel Republic San Diego.
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Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Ideal for LGBT travelers, the hotel’s location and accommodations provide convenience to the destination’s premier restaurants and amenities in a stylish and comfortable resort environment. Located on the waterfront of San Diego Bay, the hotel is walking distance to the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Little Italy, and Petco Park, and it's a short trip away from Balboa Park and the Hillcrest neighborhood. After exploring the area, relax in spacious accommodations, offering either scenic city or waterfront views.
Unwind poolside – on comfortable lounge chairs or by poolside patio fire pit. Take a dip in one of two freeform swimming pools. Indulge in an onsite treatment at the Hideaway Spa. Maintain your workout routine with a run on a dedicated pathway along San Diego Bay. Or, enjoy the facilities and services of the Fitness Center, which includes a variety of instructor lead fitness classes. Cap the day off with a diverse offering of dining options ranging from a modern take on American comfort food at Marina Kitchen. Another option is to enjoy the flavors and spices of the region featuring Baja Cali cuisine at Tequila Bar. Or, visit Roy’s Asian Fusion for the premier Pacific Rim inspired cuisine to complete your Southern California hospitality experience.
Learn more about Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
See our full gay San Diego travel guide.
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Dana Point
Monarch Beach Resort – GayTravel Approved Luxury®
Live your best life on a gay California vacation at this grand beach resort, a AAA Five-Diamond property and a 2018 GayTravel Award winner for “US Luxury Hotel.” Boasting a palm-tree-lined pool, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a bliss-inducing spa, this hotel gives you the chance to experience the SoCal beach lifestyle at its very finest. Wake up to fresh ocean breezes on your private balcony, or soak in the views from the meticulously manicured gardens.
Want to save on your stay? Check out these offers from Monarch Beach Resort.
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Palm Springs
Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa – GayTravel Approved®
Set between lovely national parks and nature preserves, the sprawling Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa offers serenity, unmatched views, and plenty of space to unwind. Iconic Palm Springs, with its trendy downtown district, is a short distance away, as is Joshua Tree National Park. Escape hot afternoons and cool off in one of three chic resort pools before heading to one of the hotel’s on-site eateries to answer your cravings. Golf lovers will be in heaven — there are two championship courses here, designed for players of all levels.
Learn more about Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa.
See our full gay Palm Springs travel guide.
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Napa Valley
Meadowood Napa Valley – GayTravel Approved Luxury®
Tucked amid the wineries that make the Napa wine region famous, gay-friendly Meadowood Napa Valley is a sumptuous retreat for gay travelers who crave the finer things in life. With three GayTravel Awards under its belt, including “Spa of the Year” in 2016 and 2017 and “Best Restaurant” in 2018, Meadowood is a true standout. This stunning property allows guests to sample wines and the cuisine right from Napa Valley, all from the comfort of the hotel.
Every afternoon, guests are invited to a tasting of local wines, one red and one white, while hearing tales about the wines and the local vintners. More regional flavors can be savored at The Restaurant, a Michelin 3-star and James Beard Award-winning dining experience that will take your gay California vacation to the next level.
Learn more about Meadowood Napa Valley.
See our full gay Napa Valley travel guide.
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Pasadena
The Langham — GayTravel Approved Luxury®
A tasteful, traditional base offering rooms, suites, and cottages, The Langham puts gay travelers within a short distance of the Rose Bowl, the Norton Simon Museum, and The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. Want to head to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, or a popular neighborhood like Silver Lake? Those areas are easily within reach, as is the Eaton Canyon Falls Nature Preserve.
Whatever you imagine for your gay Pasadena vacation, this lavish 5-star property serves as a comfortable base. Simply in the mood to unwind at the hotel? With elegant rooms, lush gardens, and an award-winning spa, that’s easy to accomplish.
See our full gay Pasadena travel guide.
San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr – GayTravel Approved®
For a stylishly bold base located smack dab in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf and right next to Pier 39, you couldn't choose better than gay-friendly Hotel Zephyr. As the only upscale waterfront boutique hotel in San Francisco, this spot caters to gay travelers looking to immerse themselves in their surroundings. It offers a unique outdoor communal space called The Yard, where you can sip drinks or mingle with fellow travelers and other hotel guests. When you retire to your room, you’ll be impressed by the décor, which incorporates a playful nautical theme.
Learn more about Hotel Zephyr.
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The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – GayTravel Approved®
Nicknamed the “Grand Dame” of Union Square, this 4-star stunner is a quintessential member of San Francisco’s skyline, and the winner of the 2018 GayTravel Award in the “Hotel, City Domestic” category. Throughout its rich history spanning more than 100 years, The Westin St. Francis has hosted many luminaries and celebrities, including icons of the Jazz Age.
Despite its age, the hotel manages to offer a fresh take on modern luxury, with clean, minimalist décor in the guest rooms and a sleek fitness center open 24/7. Caruso’s, ostensibly named for the famous Italian tenor who visited the hotel on the day of the 1906 earthquake, is the ideal place for your morning coffee or a bite before bedtime. Want to get out and see the sights? No problem — cable cars stop directly outside of the hotel’s doors.
Learn more about The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square.
See our full gay San Francisco travel guide.
