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Gay San Diego
San Diego is known for its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere, and nowhere is this more prominent than on the LGBTQ+ scene. One of the most popular destinations in the country for queer tourists, San Diego welcomes people from across all the spectrums of the community. The Hillcrest area is the hub of the LGBTQ+ scene and is always buzzing no matter what the season, hosting events from CityFest to the renowned annual Pride parade. The party atmosphere can also be found across the city, where more queer friendly destinations welcome you in for a good time.
San Diego Hotel Deals
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San Diego Gay Bars
GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.
Number One Fifth Avenue
Gay Friendly, Outdoor Seating
As one of the oldest gay dive bars still operating in Hillcrest, Number One holds a special place in the heart of the neighbourhood. For nearly 40 years, this bar has moved with the times while not forgetting its roots, allowing it to remain a hub for the LGBTQ+ community of San Diego, and a place where everyone is welcome. With great drinks, a pool table, and a patio out back, this is a place to relax and make friends.
The Loft
Drag
The Loft is a true neighbourhood gay bar where you can find all your favourites for a fun night out. Classic bar snacks and great drinks set you up for a good time. Have a friendly game of pool or just enjoy the music, which is a quirky mixture of emerging rock, pop, and indie tunes. There are also events hosted throughout the week, from comedy nights and performing arts to features DJs entertaining late into the night.
Flicks
Outdoor Seating
In the heart of Hillcrest, Flicks is one of San Diego's original gay video bars. The patio out front is great for relaxing with a beer and doing a bit of people watching at any time of day or night. Inside there are games and karaoke to enjoy with a friendly crowd, plus videos playing throughout the venue. Drink, dance, and enjoy this place where you can always be yourself.
The Rail
Drag, Dancing, Cocktails, Food
Having been around since the 1930s, The Rail is established as one of San Diego's historic gay bars but has been remodelled with more modern decor that still nods to the past. This venue's calendar is full, and features a legendary Latin night, premier drag shows, a Country Music weekly and much more. During the day, The Rail is a popular spot for brunch, serving cocktails and beers in a lounge style atmosphere.
Gossip Grill
Lesbian, Food
Gossip Grill is a female forward bar and restaurant that also proudly served the whole LGBTQ+ community. This favourite local hangout is arguably the most popular for lesbians in the area and is a place to meet new people. The kitchen serves delicious American comfort food while the bars are fully stocked with a great range of spirits and beers. The decor throughout is feminine inspired and quirky, making Gossip Grill a place to be seen.
The Hole In The Wall
Cocktails, Outdoor Seating
The Hole in the Wall was one of San Diego's first openly gay bars, and today remains a favourite bar for the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone is welcome for a good time in the city's friendliest dive bar. Drop in to relax on the beautifully spacious patio where you can enjoy your drinks with friends, including delicious cocktails that are especially popular. If you can, visit on Sunday Funday for the weekly beer bust!
Gay friendly hotels in San Diego
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!
5* Hotel del Coronado
By the Beach, Luxury
Imagine yourself as Marilyn Monroe in the classic movie "Some Like it Hot" which was filmed at this San Diego landmark hotel. Enjoy sun, sea, and time together at the iconic California beach resort, blending idyllic charm with golden-era allure for the ultimate seaside escape.
This historic hotel is ideally situated along California's Pacific coastline and boasts luxurious accommodations, first-class amenities and exceptional service, in a charming Victorian-style atmosphere.
Originally built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado provides guests with a number of modern luxuries. Plan the day with the concierge staff, enjoy a swim in the spacious outdoor pool, or relax with a beach-side massage.
Set along the sands of the famous Hotel del Coronado, Del Beach offers a full day of reserved seaside seating. Guests can enjoy bar-to-beach service that includes a delectable food and drink menu.
A conference centre is available for business guests.
The Hotel del Coronado is conveniently located close to many area attractions. With its beachfront location, guests can enjoy a variety of water sports.
San Diego International Airport is 25 minutes' drive away from the hotel. The San Diego Convention Center is 15 minutes' drive away.
4* Catamaran Resort and Spa
By the Beach
Discover the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, a tropical San Diego Beachfront Hotel on the sparkling shores of California's beautiful coast.
Located just 100 m from the Pacific Ocean, this San Diego resort features an outdoor pool and full-service spa with beauty treatments. Rooms at the resort include free Wi-Fi.
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa provides rooms with balconies or patios. Every room contains a flat-screen cable TV with HBO and an iPod docking station.
Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the property's restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen. Guests can also rent inline skates and bicycles at Catamaran Resort Hotel. Water sport rentals, sand volleyball courts and children's activities are also available at the hotel.
The Catamaran Hotel Resort is 6.4 km from SeaWorld. The San Diego zoo is 16.9 km from the hotel.
3* Empress Hotel La Jolla
By the Beach, Boutique
This European boutique-style hotel in La Jolla, California is just steps to the stunning shores of the Pacific Ocean.
The elegant rooms at Empress Hotel are styled in jewel-toned colors. Each features fridge, microwave and coffee maker for convenience. With free WiFi and a work desk, the Empress Hotel is the ideal "work from hotel" option.
The on-site Manhattan Restaurant features Authentic Italian Cuisine in a stylish setting, also available for in-room dining.
With Concierge service, our Front Desk Team will help guide you to the numerous galleries, shops and restaurants that bring visitors back to La Jolla time after time. Enjoy walking by the seals and sea lions or opt for adventure in Sunny Jim's Cave or kayak in La Jolla Cove.
Nearby golfing at Torrey Pines and San Diego attractions of San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and Sea World are a short drive from Empress Hotel La Jolla for an experience to remember.
3* Porto Vista Hotel
Great Value, City Centre
Located in Downtown San Diego's Little Italy, Porto Vista Hotel In Little Italy offers a bar with panoramic views of San Diego Harbour and San Diego International Airport. Each contemporary room has free WiFi.
The modern rooms at Porto Vista Hotel In Little Italy offer a cable TV, a safety deposit box and a work desk. Each room is accessible through the open air exterior corridors.
The Glass Door Restaurant & Bar offers great views of San Diego Harbour, specialty drinks and a daily happy hour.
Porto Vista Hotel In Little Italy has an on-site gym with cardio equipment, weights and a flat-screen TV.
The hotel is 8 minutes' walk from the County Center/Little Italy Trolley Station. It is less than 1.6 km from the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are 8 minutes' drive away.
4* Indigo Gaslamp Quarter
GayMapper Favourite, Boutique
Overlooking Petco Park and less than 1.6 km from the San Diego Convention Center, this Gaslamp District hotel offers unique guest rooms with contemporary amenities and a restaurant on site.
Guest rooms at Hotel Indigo San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter feature hardwood floors and plush bedding. Guests will also enjoy 37-inch flat-screen TVs and iHome clock radios. After a long day exploring the city, guests can use the in-room, free wireless internet access or order a meal from the hotel's 24-hour room service.
Phi Bar & Bistro, the hotel's casual restaurant, is open for breakfast and dinner with stunning views of the city.
With facilities such as a 24-hour fitness centre and an on-site business centre, the Gaslamp Quarter Hotel Indigo ensures a comfortable and productive stay.
3* Hillcrest House B & B
Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique
Located within easy walking distance to all the attractions of Hillcrest, the bright, cheerful, and charming Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast is your San Diego home-away-from-home. From the 1910 Craftsman-style house to the rooms designed after attributes of city neighborhoods, the look and feel is quintessential San Diego.
Set in San Diego, 3.3 km from San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park reachable within 3.7 km, Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast offers a shared lounge, a garden and free WiFi.
Every unit features a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. A fridge and kettle are also featured.
The bed and breakfast offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is 4.3 km from Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast, while Maritime Museum of San Diego is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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