14 Things to Do in San Diego
Along with the likes of Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Diego holds its own as one of the most fun and exciting places to visit on the Unites States’ West Coast. With tons of attractions and events catering to the LGBTQ traveler year-round, you’ll never be without something to do in San Francisco!
Here is our list of the most popular LGBTQ attractions and events in San Diego, California!
LGBTQ Attractions and Places to Visit
Diversionary Theatre
The third oldest LGBT theatre in the US, founded in 1986 to provide quality theatre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
Diversionary Theatre usually presents performances with thought-provoking theatrical platforms to explore complex and diverse LGBT stories, which influence the larger cultural discussion. Pay them a visit while in San Diego for some ground-breaking LGBTQ theatre!
Hillcrest
Hillcrest is San Diego’s local gayborhood, and it’s buzzing with gay bars and gay-owned restaurants, cafes, and shops. Whether you’re after some fabulous coffee, a brunch spot for you and your crew, drag shows, thrift shopping, farmers markets, or some partying, you will find it right in this neighborhood!
Visit www.fabuloushillcrest.com for more information on what to do in fabulous Hillcrest!
Black’s Beach
Black’s Beach is San Diego’s most popular LGBTQ beach, located in a secluded section beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines, just north of La Jolla. Black’s Beach is huge, expansive, and rather private – the northern end is queer, then it becomes a nude beach before catering to surfers at the other end. It’s a great vibe, and absolutely pumping with parties on the weekends!
For a complete beach guide for the entire state of California, visit www.californiabeaches.com.
Bears San Diego
Bears San Diego is an interest club for bears and bear admirers, that hosts various events and parties at local bars, as well as outings to movies, restaurants, the zoo, and even den nights at members’ homes! Club members consist of all types, from bears and cubs to otters and those who have little or no body hair but enjoy the company of hairy, fuzzy men!
Take a look at their website if you’re looking for some very beary fun while in San Diego!
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego also has a great arts and culture scene, and one of its pillars is the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)! SDMA is an imposing building with an intricately carved façade that has been home to works of art since 1926! While its strength and focus are in Spanish art, there is also an old master collection and pieces from 19th and 20th-century American artists.
Take a look at SDMA’s website to see what exhibits are on during your trip!
The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center
The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center is one of the largest and most vibrant LGBT community centers in the nation promoting LGBT health/wellness and human rights. Stop in to get an idea of the incredible work these guys do, to seek help or simply to ask about the local gay scene and get a better idea of all the LGBT events taking place while you visit.
Annual LGBTQ Events
Hillcrest Mardi Gras (February)
Hillcrest Mardi Gras, much like the celebrations in New Orleans and Sydney, is one of the largest street parties in San Diego and always a wild and scandalous evening! With a huge dance stage and open-air beats, live entertainment, costumes and, of course, beads, you’ll definitely want to be in town for this annual celebration!
Check the dates for this year’s celebration at sandiego.org!
FilmOut San Diego (April)
FilmOut is San Diego’s annual LGBTQ film festival, which seeks to recognize, promote, celebrate, and support the important diverse artistic contributions LGBTQ filmmakers make to their community.
Take a look at their website to see what’s on this year!
Pride of Hillcrest Block Party (July)
This block party kicks off Pride celebrations in the city with urban style and flare! They shut down the streets, bringing in the dance stages and tempting all members of the LGBTQ community out for a gigantic Friday night block party. Celebrate the start of Pride with their open-air dance floor, DJ stage, tons of entertainment, and a gigantic Ferris wheel!
Check the San Diego Pride website for more information!
She Fest (July)
She Fest is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within the LGBT and the larger San Diego community.
Take a look at San Diego Pride’s website for more information about She Fest!
San Diego Pride (July)
Pride in San Diego is the city’s biggest summer party, and it’s calling your name! Celebrate diversity and inclusion in Balboa Park with community resources, booths, and four stages of live entertainment.
A three-day LGBTQ party with everything from inspiring speeches from recognized LGBTQ leaders to a rally, Pride runs, club nights, festival and, of course, a Parade that is among the largest Pride in the United States, attracting over 200,000 cheering supporters of the LGBTQ community.
If you are able to plan your trip around Pride, then you should absolutely do so! Take a look at their website for dates!
Hillcrest CityFest (August)
San Diego’s ultimate summer art and music festival and an annual celebration of community spirit featuring live bands, amazing DJs, arts, crafts, and food that attracts over 150,000+ visitors from Southern California!
Hillcrest CityFest is San Diego’s largest and best art and music festival– stretching nearly half a mile in size on over 9 city blocks! Known to locals as “Pride-Light,” Hillcrest CityFest is a celebration of the landmark Hillcrest sign, the residents and businesses of Hillcrest– who have been champions for equality, diversity, and inclusion in San Diego and beyond.
Visit fabuloushillcrest.com/cityfest-street-fair-music-festival for more information on this year’s event!
Red Dress Party San Diego (September)
Also taking place in other cities such as Portland, Sacramento, and Chicago, this is a night of music and dancing mixed with charity and fun, where all attendees (And they do mean everyone!) are required to wear a red dress, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation!
This serves as a powerful sign of solidarity and compassion for those of us affected by HIV/AIDS and a way to unite the crowd in one radiant theme. Red Dress Party is a unique celebration that invites everyone to be brave, let loose, and celebrate impact.
See RedDressPartySD.com for dates!
S.I.R. Festival (October)
The S.I.R. Festival invites men who love men for a weekend of creating community and connecting deeper with other men who love men!
The S.I.R. Festival will feature a unique, immersive experience that brings together distinguished facilitators in sex, intimacy, and relationships to create a transformative experience for men who love men.
For dates and more information, visit sirfestival.com.
For more attractions and events for LGBTQ travelers in San Diego, visit https://queerintheworld.com/gay-san-diego-california-travel-guide.
