LGBTQ+ Travel

Proud, welcoming, and ready to celebrate: California is home to more than 2.7 million LGBTQ+ residents, and it rolls out the rainbow-striped carpet to anyone who wants to explore queer culture, history, and communities.

LGBTQ+ Destinations in California

The Golden State has long been a pioneer of gay rights, both in terms of marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws related to employment, education, and housing. San Francisco was an early beacon of those rights. One of the first Pride parades in the nation was held in Golden Gate Park in June 1970 and the Castro District has been the heart of the city’s gay culture for decades. 

That said, California’s thriving LGBTQ+ communities extend well beyond San Francisco. West Hollywood, home to the legendary bar The Abbey, is the center of Los Angeles County’s gay community. You’ll also find a vibrant scene in Downtown Los Angeles. 

Palm Springs, represented by the first-ever all-LGBTQ+ city council, offers its own colorful mix of midcentury design boutiques, sleek hotels, and a sense of fun. Just ask Mod Squad tour guide and local expert Kurt Cyr. 

Learn about more great LGBTQ+ getaways—and where to eat, stay, and shop—in towns including Laguna Beach and San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ Events in California: Pride and Beyond 

June is high season for Pride events across California. Choose from several activity-packed events—think parades, fun runs, concerts, and family-friendly festivals—in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Smaller cities and towns have their own June events too, such as Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Redding.

Other towns hold their pride events during different times of year. Long Beach starts in May, San Diego celebrates in July, and Downtown L.A. hosts a pride event in August. Modesto throws its party in September, and Palm Springs celebrates a few times, including  The Dinah in September and Greater Palm Springs Pride in November, the beginning of the desert high season.

LGBTQ+ Themed Fun Year Round 

In Anaheim, Gay Days typically comes to Disneyland Resort in September or October with specialized activities, celebrity panel discussions, and fun merch. Mix pride with snow during Mammoth Gay Ski Week in March or at Gay Ski Weekend at Palisades Tahoe in April. Consider heading to Sonoma County in July for Gay Wine Weekend or enjoy the hikes, bonfires, and more wine tastings of Lazy Bear Week in Guerneville. 

There are established LGBTQ+ film festivals throughout the year too, such as San Francisco’s long-running Frameline Film Festival (June); Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (typically August), Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival (September), and Long Beach QFilm Festival (September).

Plan Your Trip 

Start exploring the ways to experience California’s LGBTQ+ spirit by listening to more pointers on an episode of the California Now Podcast. Or focus your planning on one specific area, such as LGBTQ+ travel tips for San Francisco, the Palm Springs area, San Diego, West Hollywood, and Guerneville.