Not every culinary experience that San Diego offers is in a restaurant, of course. Find out about the can’t-miss shops and hangouts in key neighborhoods such as the Gaslamp Quarter, the East Village, North Park, Old Town, and others, and learn how you can leave your car-and parking worries-out of your daily plans and get around via the extensive system of trolleys, light rail, trains, busses, and water taxis. Read on to discover some of those culinary standouts, including the ones with the most relaxing and photo-worthy waterfront settings. Whether you’re spending a few days indulging in the myriad of aquatic pastimes that are available at the Mission Bay Aquatic Park, the world’s largest of its kind, or exploring the inland offerings of the city, San Diego will not disappoint. There are specific events geared to teens and young adults, sponsored by Pride Youth, but the entire event is billed as family- and kid-friendly.Īs if all that sunshine weren’t enough, San Diego is a waterfront city with top-notch restaurants and beautiful ocean-sprayed vistas (often at the same time), neighborhoods that are steeped in history and culture, and beer that's perfectly hoppy to enjoy after a day of Southern California fun. With its year-round sun, San Diego doesn’t really have a “best” time to visit, but LGBTQ travelers might want to aim for San Diego LGBTQ Pride Parade and Festival, a three-day celebration in July that draws 300,000 people to its rally, parade, block party, and music festival more than 200 bands take to stages set up in Balboa Park. There are plenty more suggestions on the city’s guide to LGBTQ+ Friendly Lodging. A short drive from Hillcrest, catch productions showcasing LGBTQ stories and themes at the Diversionary Theatre, first opened in 1986.īook a room at the Hillcrest Inn, located in the middle of it all, or at the historic boutique resort Inn at the Park, on the edge of Balboa Park West. The neighborhood is also home to Hillcrest Brewing Company, a proudly gay brewery and restaurant-some say the nation’s first-with signature pours such as Banana Hammock Scotch Ale and Long & Stout Russian Imperial Stout.
Dig into classic American comfort foods at Gossip Grill, then dance the night away at The Brass Rail, San Diego’s oldest gay bar. This leafy neighborhood is a shopper’s heaven, with distinctive boutiques and plenty of cafes where you can window-shop, dine al fresco, and soak up the great weather. Hillcrest, a retro-hip enclave located northwest of Balboa Park, is San Diego's unquestioned LGBTQ hub. Blessed with sunny beaches and plenty of cultural attractions, San Diego is an appealing destination for LGBTQ travelers.