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. Shuttles will be available before and after events end.America's finest city.
This family-friendly event is free for kids.įree parking for all Pride events is available at the Old Navy Hospital lot at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way.
Be sure to wave at the 10News team - we’ll be live streaming the event to Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and social media.Įnjoy multiple stages and dance areas, beer gardens, community booths, and vendors at the Pride Festival in Balboa Park. Join the crowd lining the streets for a colorful display of community pride. The event is free and open to the public. at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street. The annual rally will be held Friday, July 12, from 6-7 p.m. “This Pride we will highlight the Stonewall generation, their activism, and all that our community has gained through their efforts, as we challenge ourselves to reflect on our own role in that legacy, and how, if we approach our own individual legacies with intention, we can build on their successes to leave a better world for those who come next,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando Z. The theme for 2019 is Stonewall 50: A Legacy of Liberation, marking the 1969 Stonewall Riots when members of the LGBTQ community fought back against “legal oppression.”
Thousands of visitors are expected in the Hillcrest and Balboa Park neighborhoods for a weekend of celebration and political purpose. (KGTV) - San Diego’s LGBTQ community and visitors from around the world will gather in July to mark Pride with a festival, parade, and other special events.