Gay San Diego
America's finest city. If San Diego is known for anything, it's got to be its perfect weather. Temperatures average 70 degrees (F) nearly every day, and as such, California's second-largest city enjoys gorgeous weather year-round.
"The birthplace of California," Gay San Diego is the first location European explorers landed when visiting the West Coast for the first time. The Spanish subsequently built the first of the Alta California Missions here and a Presidio to protect the growing region from attack. Both the San Diego Mission (or Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala) and the San Diego Presidio can still be visited today. The Spanish influence can still be seen throughout the city although the Mexican influence - especially in Old Town -- probably outweighs the former contemporarily. You're not likely to find better, authentic Mexican food anywhere else in America, and many citizens speak Spanish as well as English.
Also, did you know that San Diego’s Balboa and Civic Theaters (both within a 5-minute walk from the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter) have an amazing lineup of shows BroadwaySD plays in both of those theaters?
Make it a true theater experience: DINNER + SHOW + STAY? Check out Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter's special offer of 20% food at Bronze Bird when you show your same-day performance ticket. Then spend the night!
Other things to explore? Check out Kylie Condon's travel journal exploring the lesbian culture in San Diego! Lez Explore: San Diego
VIDEO: Get The Inside Scoop On Gay San Diego From One of Our Gay Travel Gurus Below!
California's second-largest city by population is also home to thriving science and defense industries. There are large firms in technology, aviation, biotechnology, military, and education, which translates to over 40% of the population holding at least a bachelor's degree. Being home to the world's largest naval fleet means there are sailors everywhere. Marine base Camp Pendleton is only about an hour's drive away too, so there is a large and celebrated military presence in the city.
If you're gay and happen to be in Gay San Diego, you'll want to head to Hillcrest. The gayborhood is North and West of Balboa Park and home to some of San Diego's best food options. Here you'll find dozens of bars and clubs along the main strip of University Avenue, including perennial favorites like Urban Mo's and Rich's. Pride events also occur in the area, with the parade route running from University down 6th Avenue and ending in the park. San Diego has one of the largest nude beaches in the nation. Black's Beach stretches for several miles under beautiful cliffs west of Torrey Pines State Park and is the perfect place to spend the lazy Sunday after Pride suntanning.
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in San Diego
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Gay San Diego
Being the second-largest city in California means Gay San Diego is no stranger to diversity, and gays here are welcomed with open arms. They tend to concentrate in the gayborhood of Hillcrest, where there are prominent bars and restaurants that gays frequently attend. There's also a newly-installed, large Rainbow flag flying proudly a short walk away from the recently re-named Harvey Milk Street. There are several gay bars outside of Hillcrest even, with The Hole in Point Loma and Bourbon Street Pub and Grill being notable. The neighborhoods around Hillcrest also serve as bastions of the gay community. Mission Hills, University Heights, and North Park have significant gay populations. You're likely to find a handful of leather bars and specialty shops in North Park, as it's a bit rougher around the edges than Hillcrest, and Mission Hills is more residential. University Heights is very gay-friendly but much quieter than Hillcrest.
Black's Beach, just west of UCSD and accessible from paths near the Torrey Pines Gliderport, is several miles of uninterrupted coastline beneath gorgeous cliffs and blanketed in sunshine. Don't forget the sunscreen! There's also a prominent gay beach in Gay San Diego, or at least the gays have claimed the nude beach as their own.
Best Time to Visit San Diego
Gay San Diego boasts some of the most spectacular weather in the country. There's always some event in the city, whether it's a high-heel race through Hillcrest or Comic-Con downtown, and why wouldn't you participate when it's beautiful outside nearly every day! One of the best times to visit San Diego is between the months of March through May and September through November, when the weather will always be perfect. These are also considered the slower months, so that traffic will be down, and room rates should be down.
Gay-Friendly Dining
San Diego is known for having some of the best Mexican food you can find, and the locals rave about the quality and authenticity. So while visiting, try some!
Old Town San Diego offers many different Mexican restaurants that serve hand-made tortillas and traditional serving plates. The atmosphere is festive and you'll be surrounded by traditional decor. If you prefer to stay away from the tourist locations and explore other areas where the local restaurants serve authentic Mexican dishes, you'll still get delicious food...just without all the decor.
No matter what, if you love food as much as we do, you'll be very happy with all the gay-friendly restaurants in San Diego. Here are just a few recommendations:
Café 21 is a full-service eatery with Azerbaijan roots, where you'll encounter a unique approach to a gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner. They provide neighbors with an exotic and flavorful experience with signature homemade bread sandwiches, fresh organic salads, hearty breakfasts, and a wide selection of organic coffees, teas, and more.
Babycakes will have you asking for dessert first, and for a good reason. They're best known for their cocktails and cupcakes - a fun combination to leisurely break your Sunday afternoon.
Costa Brava is a Spanish restaurant located in Pacific Beach, a gorgeous area known for its beach culture! This restaurant is unique in San Diego; it is one of the few restaurants that import "jamon iberico" from Spain.
MUST VISIT: San Diego Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
San Diego has some of the best gay bars and clubs around. For a night of dancing and fun drinks for all, look no further than San Diego's nightlife!
Urban Mo's is part restaurant, part bar, and part nightclub. Located in the heart of Hillcrest, on 308 University Avenue, this perfect concoction of food, drink, and dance will have you asking for seconds (maybe thirds?).
Gossip Grill is the best lesbian bar in town! People are friendly, and the bartenders are always fabulous. The location is fantastic because you can even stumble to the first gay-owned and operated brewery in the U.S. right nearby!
True North is a cool straight gay-friendly sports bar located in the heart of North Park. They have 2/3 pool tables, a great bar sitting area with TVs all over, and the best part is that the staff members are lovely! This bar is also within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, North Park Theater, and many other entertainment places.
Travel Safety Tips
San Diego is considered a safe place to visit. The weather is perfect, and the people are friendly, so you're guaranteed to have a great time. Feel free to be your most authentic self here, especially in Hillcrest.
While visiting, always practice common sense travel safety. Remember where you parked, plan how to get back to your room by familiarizing yourself with a map ahead of time, and lock up all your valuables in the hotel safe. That way, you can lounge by the ocean, have some great tacos, and dance the night away without worrying about the world.
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