San Diego gay guide 2024, gay bars, clubs & hotels

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.

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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.

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.

Cheers

Cosy

Cheers is a simple gay dive bar that has been serving its community for years. It has absolutely no attitude and a down to earth vibe so come as you are a meet a diverse crowd of local gays who are always happy to chat. The bar draws a mainly male crowd but welcomes anyone for a game of pool or a catch up at the bar. Drinks are cheap, and there's daily specials so you can grab a bargain.

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.

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.

Alibi

Cocktails, Outdoor Seating

This true dive-bar in the heart of the Hillcrest neighbourhood has a real rock and roll feel with loud music from an old school jukebox. Alibi is a favourite watering hole for the LGBTQ+ community of San Diego and their allies who like good music and great drinks. Have a friendly game of pool or hang out on the patio with a cocktail, and watch out for the great value drinks specials on offer.

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!

San Diego Gay Bars

Recommended 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!

3* Empress Hotel La Jolla

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.

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3* Hillcrest House B & B

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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3* Inn at the Park

This historic boutique resort offers charming studio, one- and two-bedroom resort suites in a central location on the edge of Balboa Park West. Featuring a fitness center and rooftop sundeck, this San Diego resort is a premium choice for families, couples and all types of travelers. These spacious suites feature private bedrooms, separate dining/living areas, Wi-Fi and full kitchens. Inn at the Park features traditional historic charm and spacious suites. Each suite includes clean white linens and a cable TV. The San Diego Zoo is 3.2 km from the hotel. The restaurants, clubs and shopping venues of Hillcrest, Little Italy and the Gaslamp District are nearby San Diego Inn at the Park.

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3* Porto Vista Hotel

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.

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4* Catamaran Resort and Spa

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.

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4* Coronado Island Marriott

Set on 16 acres of scenic waterfront, Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa is 8 km away from San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. This luxurious resort boasts 3 heated outdoor pools, a sauna and 2 on-site restaurants. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego skyline from the property. A flat-screen TV and a spacious seating area are included in all air-conditioned accommodation at Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa. Select rooms offer balconies with views of San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bridge. All rooms include a desk and an en suite bathroom with bathrobes and free toiletries. ALBACA, the hotel's signature restaurant, blends coastal cuisine made from the freshest ingredients with an inviting atmosphere. Guest can dine inside, or enjoy dining outside with views of the San Diego skyline. Auga, the poolside bar, serves beverages and a limited poolside menu. For guests who like to keep fit, Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa provides a well-equipped gym. Guests can hire bicycles to explore the charming beach community of Coronado. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are 8.5 km away from this resort. San Diego International Airport is 12 km away.

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Tours & Experiences in San Diego

Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences. There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife. Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.

Tours & Experiences in San Diego