There's also a newly-installed, large Rainbow flag flying proudly a short walk away from the recently re-named Harvey Milk Street. They tend to concentrate in the gayborhood of Hillcrest, where there are prominent bars and restaurants that gays frequently attend. MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlifeīeing the second-largest city in California means Gay San Diego is no stranger to diversity, and gays here are welcomed with open arms. 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. San Diego has one of the largest nude beaches in the nation. Pride events also occur in the area, with the parade route running from University down 6th Avenue and ending in the park. 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. The gayborhood is North and West of Balboa Park and home to some of San Diego's best food options. If you're gay and happen to be in Gay San Diego, you'll want to head to Hillcrest. 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. Being home to the world's largest naval fleet means there are sailors everywhere. 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.
You're not likely to find better, authentic Mexican food anywhere else in America, and many citizens speak Spanish as well as English.Ĭheck 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!Ĭalifornia's second-largest city by population is also home to thriving science and defense industries. The Spanish influence can still be seen throughout the city although the Mexican influence - especially in Old Town - probably outweighs the former contemporarily. Both the San Diego Mission (or Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala) and the San Diego Presidio can still be visited today. The Spanish subsequently built the first of the Alta California Missions here and a Presidio to protect the growing region from attack. "The birthplace of California," Gay San Diego is the first location European explorers landed when visiting the West Coast for the first time. Temperatures average 70 degrees (F) nearly every day, and as such, California's second-largest city enjoys gorgeous weather year-round. If San Diego is known for anything, it's got to be its perfect weather.