Gay area san diego

For those who can, the absolute best times to visit San Diego are March/April or September/October.

For incredible views and challenging hikes, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has 1,750 acres of stunning wilderness dedicated to protecting the Torrey Pine tree. The building is a 1910 Craftsman-style house, and the interior is equally homely. San Diego Pride began in 1974, and the first unofficial Pride parade was held in the same year. 

In 1993, Christine Kehoe became the first openly LGBT San Diegan elected to the City Council.

The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea lions. 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.

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. Laws discriminating against LGBT individuals existed, but the Stonewall Riots in New York spurred nationwide change. 

In response, the Hillcrest Center for Social Services opened in the 1970s to foster social and political rights for the city’s LGBT people.

From Pride parades to year-round LGBTQ+ events, the city’s acceptance is baked into its identity.

According to recent data, about 3.6% of San Diego’s population identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

San Diego’s Top Gay Neighborhoods 

Each neighborhood has its unique history, attractions, and charm, making it ideal for a diverse range of residents and visitors.

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. Visit Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill, a self-proclaimed “hetero-friendly gay bar” in Hillcrest that serves cocktails and incredible burgers.

After The Flame, a lesbian bar, closed in 2004, the city’s current favorite bar and restaurant by-women, for-women is Gossip Grill.

Things to Do: Soaking in the City

Whether under the famous Hillcrest Pride Flag or on a sandy beach, there are plenty of cultural and outdoor activities in and around San Diego neighborhoods. 

Arts and Culture

The biggest LGBTQ-themed celebration in the city is San Diego Pride in July. 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.

However, that’s not your only option. 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. The beach features a variety of recreational activities including surfing, swimming, and volleyball.

This active and welcoming gayborhood is among the most walkable, with a blend of eclectic shops, gay bars, restaurants, and clubs.  

Many San Diego LGBT community events begin in Hillcrest.

Making San Diego Your Home 

The city may have a reputation as an expensive place to live, but San Diego’s cost of living is lower than San Francisco, Palm Springs, and New York City.