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San Diego Gay Bars

Most of the LGBTQ+ meeting places in the city, particularly nightlife destinations, can be found in the fabulous Hillcrest neighbourhood. There’s always a party happening here and crowds of friendly and equally fabulous people to spend your night with. That being said, other neighbourhoods across the city such as North Park and University Heights, are emerging onto the gay scene and becoming destinations in their own right. Here you can find even more queer-friendly places to drink or dance the night away. You’re bound to find a place to suit your taste or even discover something new on your travels.

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Bar and Club Suggestions

Alibi

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.
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San Diego Eagle

San Diego Eagle

Older Crowd, Fetish, Cruising

Tucked away in the corner of the San Diego gay scene, this small and intimate bar is a haven for a mainly male crowd who identify with the leather crowd, as well as other fetishes. As the only leather bar in the city, the Eagle draws plenty of guys every night who are looking for some good beer, a casual game of pool, and of course some cruising action.
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Number One Fifth Avenue

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.
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Cheers

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.
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The Hole In The Wall

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!
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The Rail

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.
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Rich's

Rich's

Young Crowd, Dancing

Rich's is San Diego's largest and oldest gay bar and nightclub, located in the heart of the vibrant Hillcrest neighbourhood. Rich's has two rooms each with big dance floors, full bars, incredible DJs, and the best dance music in town. It's arguably one of the most popular gay nightlife destinations in the city, attracting a mixed and generally younger crowd. State of the art light shows, themed events, and friendly staff make for a great night out.
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Gossip Grill

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.
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The Loft

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.
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Pecs Bar

Pecs Bar

Outdoor Seating

Pecs Bar offers the perfect outdoor space to relax and enjoy yourself with good drinks, good food, and good company. You can enjoy the sun on the patio, or if you'd rather stay inside the bar you can find pool tables, darts, TVs, and a digital jukebox to play your favourite tunes. Everything is at a reasonable price and top quality, and friendly staff will make sure you have a great experience overall. Regular happy hours are especially popular.
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Flicks

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.
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Tours & Experiences in San Diego

San Diego makes sightseeing feel suspiciously like a holiday. Explore Balboa Park, visit the USS Midway or kayak around La Jolla, then head back towards Hillcrest for dinner, drinks and one of California’s most relaxed LGBTQ neighbourhoods.

Gay friendly hotels in San Diego

Hillcrest is the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community and the obvious place to stay if gay bars and nightlife are the priority. Neighbouring North Park adds independent restaurants and a more local feel, while Downtown or the beach areas may suit travellers focused more on sightseeing and the coast. GayMapper’s recommended gay-friendly hotels cover city stays, stylish resorts and beachfront options, giving you the choice between keeping the gay scene close or waking up beside the Pacific and travelling in when you’re ready to go out.

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