California has been part of our travels for years, and every time we come back, it feels like there is something new to discover. We’ve danced at Pride in West Hollywood, hiked through Joshua Tree and Yosemite National Park, kissed in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland, and shared quiet mornings at clothing-optional gay resorts in the desert of Palm Springs. This gay travel guide by Couple of Men brings together our experiences and research so you can plan your LGBTQ+ friendly trip to California with confidence and curiosity.
– in paid collaboration with Visit California –
Plan your gay California trip with our travel guide
Planning a trip to California can feel overwhelming at first because the state is so big and diverse. That’s why we put this guide together: to help LGBTQ+ travelers like us make sense of what to see, when to go, and how to get around. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, the sections below give you a seasonal calendar of queer events, tips for getting around with and without a car, and an overview of queer-welcoming accommodation options. These options make you feel genuinely welcome.
We’ve also added bits of history and safety resources, because for us, traveling as a gay couple is not about ticking off destinations. For us, it’s about connecting with the community and feeling at home wherever we go. Throughout this guide, you’ll also find links to our journal-style blog posts where we share detailed stories from California: spending autumn in Big Bear Lake, discovering the desert around Joshua Tree, or celebrating Pride in West Hollywood and Palm Springs. If your trip takes you further, we also connect this guide to our Gay USA Travel Guide and other U.S. content.
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LGBTQ+ travel to California: Why you should visit!
California has been at the heart of LGBTQ+ activism, visibility, and culture for decades. For queer travelers, this translates into a place where you can feel both safe and celebrated. The state’s history includes figures like Harvey Milk and symbols created like the rainbow flag. Still, it also lives in the everyday: the drag shows in West Hollywood, the pool parties in Palm Springs, the Castro’s political energy, or a queer-owned winery in Sonoma. The climate is just as diverse: foggy mornings along the coast, hot desert afternoons, and snowy winters in the Sierra and forested mountain ranges. Summer is the big Pride season, but autumn and spring are ideal for smaller crowds and good weather.
All our California blog articles in an overview
When to go: California’s LGBTQ+ year
Summer headliners (May–August)
Summer is California’s queer festival and outdoor season. We’ve demonstrated shoulder to shoulder with thousands at West Hollywood Pride, taken surfing lessons at Huntington Beach, and danced late into the night at the gay bars at Arenas in Palm Springs. Each Pride and summer event has its own identity, from block parties and film festivals to beach vibes. Long Beach Pride and Sonoma County Pride bring coastal and wine country flavor, while film buffs shouldn’t miss Frameline in San Francisco or Outfest in Los Angeles, two of the most important queer film festivals in the world.
Fall & winter anchors (November–March)
California’s Pride calendar doesn’t stop when summer ends. Palm Springs Pride in November is one of our personal favorites—perfect desert temperatures, poolside parties, and a welcoming city buzzing with rainbow flags. Or what about a romantic autumn weekend in a Big Bear Lake cottage in the San Bernardino Mountains? In winter, head to the mountains for Elevation Mammoth and Elevation Tahoe, two gay ski weeks when you can hit the slopes by day and dance at après-ski parties by night. These events make the snowy High Sierra a queer playground.
Bear & leather favorites
The gay bear and leather communities thrive in California. Although we haven’t attended any gay bear event ourselves yet, we heard lovely stories from fellow bloggers, friends, and queer travelers about Lazy Bear Weekend in Guerneville by the Russian River in the redwoods. Palm Springs’ International Bear Convergence in February fills the desert with pool parties and social events. Big Bear Romp in September adds mountain air at Big Bear Lake to the mix. San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair and Leather Week remain global icons of kink heritage. And Castro Street Fair in October, which we were able to join during our first-ever trip to California, brings activism and local pride back to the heart of the city.
Mobility in California: Getting in & around
Gateways & arrival
With national and international airports in Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), and Palm Springs (PSP), entry points are easy to find for LGBTQ+ travelers. From Europe, we usually fly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines direct from Amsterdam to Los Angeles. We prefer Premium Economy or Business for long-haul flights. Depending on your budget, Economy and Economy Comfort are options we would recommend, too!
On arrival in California, you’ve got several options:
- LA offers the FlyAway bus and Metro system.
- The Bay Area (San Francisco & Oakland) has BART and airport shuttles.
- In San Diego, use the MTS Bus Route 992 or the San Diego Flyer electric shuttle.
- Palm Springs Airport is located conveniently close to Downtown Palm Springs.
Rail & regional transit
Trains are one of our favorite ways to travel through a country we are visiting. And yes, California has some nice train routes to offer. The Pacific Surfliner hugs the coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, passing beaches and cliffs that make the journey itself a highlight. The Coast Starlight runs north from Los Angeles through wine country and up to the Bay Area and even further north, up to Seattle. The California Rail Pass is perfect for more extended stays, giving you seven travel days within 21. Around cities, Metrolink connects Southern California’s counties, and BART and Caltrain cover the Bay Area. Bus systems like Greyhound and FlixBus add options for budget travelers. For us, train journeys have always felt more relaxing, letting us enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic.
Driving notes
We’ve done several road trips with rental cars all over California and the US. And we loved it! And of course we did, since the entire country seems to be built around life in a car. Most visitors over 18 can drive with a home license, though some rental companies may ask for an International Driving Permit, especially if it is not written in the Latin alphabet. Expect deposits on your credit card, and be aware of insurance add-ons that rental companies will offer to you during pick-up. Did you know that California leads the U.S. in EV-charging infrastructure?
Seasonal conditions matter: Highway 1 can be foggy and busy in summer. Deserts scorch in summer, and the mountains often require snow chains in winter. During our first road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, we had to reroute because of wildfires near Big Sur. Because of clear instructions by the fire department and guided detour routes, this wasn’t an inconvenience but just a reminder that planning flexibility is key. Our tip: Always check Caltrans updates before long drives.
Accessibility
Trains, buses, and metro systems are largely ADA-compliant, with staff available to help – usually if booked in advance. Major hubs like LA, San Francisco, and San Diego also provide paratransit services. What we learned from friends who use mobility aids was that most stations were well-equipped, and planning ahead made the experience even smoother. Accessible hotel rooms are widely available, and many national and state parks offer detailed accessibility routes and guides on their official sites.
Where to stay in California? LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodation
Our policy on how to select an accommodation
In general, we recommend stays that are LGBTQ+ owned or Booking.com Travel Proud certified properties. Travel Proud means staff are trained in inclusive hospitality, something we value when we walk into a hotel lobby together. In the end, choosing places where we feel acknowledged as a couple sets the tone for the whole trip.
LGBTQ+ friendly hotels we stayed in during our trips
- West Hollywood: boutique hotels near Santa Monica Boulevard’s bars. Staying here puts you right in the middle of queer nightlife.
- Palm Springs & Desert Cities: clothing-optional resorts like Santiago or Descanso, plus chic design hotels with desert views. We’ve spent days lounging by the pool here.
- Big Bear Lake: cozy mountain cabins and queer-friendly lodges by the lake, where fireplaces keep you warm during cold nights.
- Joshua Tree & High Desert: creative BnBs such as Kit & John’s El Dorado Oasis, which felt like a home away from home.
- Anaheim/Orange County: Travel Proud hotels near Disneyland, perfect for families or park-focused trips with short walks to the theme parks.
- San Luis Obispo & Central Coast: relaxed wellness hotels along Highway 1, close to vineyards and surf hot spots—a perfect balance of wine and waves.
After this year’s trip, we will update this guide with even more information. Stay tuned, and don’t forget: wherever you stay, respect local rules, support queer-owned spaces, and remember that the money you spend helps keep our LGBTQ+ community alive and thriving – regardless of where you travel.
Gay USA Travel Guide
LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, spectacular attractions, and our favorite restaurants: Explore the USA together with our gay travel guide! From California, New York, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, Utah to Florida – We’ve got you covered!
LGBTQ+ history in California: past & present
Early resistance
California played a key role in the early fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In 1966, patrons at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco’s Tenderloin resisted police harassment in what became one of the first documented queer uprisings in the United States. This event, led largely by trans women and drag queens, predated the Stonewall riots by three years and is commemorated today through exhibits at the Tenderloin Museum. It marked the beginning of visible queer resistance in California, laying the groundwork for later activism – and our Gay California Travel Guide.
Icons & symbols
The state also gave rise to some of the most recognizable symbols and figures of queer liberation. Harvey Milk, elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States of America. His assassination in 1978 galvanized the Pride movement, inspiring a new wave of activism. That same year, Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag in San Francisco. First flown in Castro, it has since become a universal emblem of Pride and the basis for all future Pride flags. Today, walking through the Castro, you’ll find rainbow flags on nearly every corner, a daily reminder of this powerful legacy. The annual Harvey Milk Day on May 22 keeps his memory alive across California schools and communities.
Leather & kink heritage
California is also home to one of the most visible leather and kink communities worldwide. San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair, launched in 1984, is now the largest leather event of its kind, drawing visitors from across the globe. SF Leather Week expands the celebration with exhibitions, parties, and community events. Equally important is the Castro Street Fair, founded by Harvey Milk in 1974, which focuses on neighborhood pride and grassroots activism. Beyond events, California hosts key archives such as the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco and the ONE Archives at USC in Los Angeles, both preserving decades of LGBTQ+ stories. Guided walking tours in the Castro or along Folsom Street Fair offer a more profound context, connecting present-day celebrations to the struggles and victories of earlier generations.
During our upcoming trip to California, we will also attend Leather Pride in Palm Springs. This will be our first bigger leather and kink event in the United States that we will attend together. Stay tuned!
Essential rights & safety resources
Legal protections & reporting
California is one of the most progressive states in the U.S. when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. State law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Hate crimes legislation provides enhanced penalties for offenses motivated by bias. If an incident occurs, there are multiple ways to seek support: local human rights commissions in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego; county-level offices across the state; and statewide hotlines like the California Civil Rights Department and the California Department of Justice’s hate crime reporting line. Knowing these protections exist has always given us peace of mind compared to traveling in other regions of the U.S., where rights are less secure.
Community & health centers
California is home to a vast network of LGBTQ+ community centers offering health services, counseling, cultural programming, and advocacy. During our travels, we’ve visited some of these spaces, not only for resources but also to connect with the local LGBTQ+ community. Here are some of the most important hubs across the state:
- Los Angeles LGBT Center (LA): one of the world’s largest, with health services, youth programs, support for older people, and cultural events. More here.
- San Francisco LGBT Center (SF): community programs, financial coaching, career services, and meeting spaces in the heart of the city. More here.
- San Diego LGBT Community Center (Hillcrest): counseling, HIV services, advocacy, and youth programs. Read more here.
- Sacramento LGBT Community Center (Sacramento): resources for youth, housing support, and HIV prevention. More information here.
- Long Beach LGBTQ Center (The LGBTQ Center Long Beach): mental health counseling, youth and trans programs, and community events. Read more here.
- The Center OC (Orange County) offers programs for youth, older queer people, and the trans community, as well as health and advocacy services. More here.
- Santa Cruz Diversity Center (Santa Cruz): community events, support groups, and educational programs. More info here.
- Pacific Pride Foundation (Santa Barbara & Central Coast): health programs, youth services, and outreach in coastal communities. Read more here.
- LGBTQ Connection (Napa & Sonoma Counties): youth leadership, cultural events, and health resources in wine country. More info here.
These centers represent only part of California’s LGBTQ+ network—many smaller towns and universities also host resource groups or community spaces. For us, visiting a few of these centers has been a way to understand local queer life. In some cases, it is helpful to know where to find practical assistance, even when traveling. They are safe havens where you can meet people, get advice, or simply feel at home in a new city.
Gay Travel Index 2025
The Berlin-based Spartacus informs LGBTQ+ and queer travelers about how gay-friendly a holiday destination is according to several ranking factors and criteria.
Which country ranks first? Where is it safe to travel to as a gay and LGBTQ+ traveler?
You can use the GTI to prepare for your gaycation and as a guide when choosing a holiday destination.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Businesses in California
One of our goals with Couple of Men is to highlight LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses across California. Beyond the big destinations and festivals, it’s the local cafés, bookstores, boutique hotels, tour operators, and creative studios that give the community its heartbeat. Every time we travel, we look for places where our money supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs directly, because visibility and economic empowerment go hand in hand.
Over the coming months, we’ll introduce inspiring LGBTQ+ businesses from different parts of California—from West Hollywood to Palm Springs, San Francisco to San Luis Obispo. These will be published as stand-alone stories on our blog and interlinked with this guide. Think of them as personal spotlights: we’ll share who is behind the business, what makes them unique, and why supporting them matters.
By gathering these features in one place, we aim to create a practical resource for queer travelers seeking trips with a positive impact. So check back regularly, as this guide will continue to grow with new interviews and introductions to LGBTQ+ businesses shaping California’s queer culture.
Must-see & do: LGBTQ+ friendly highlights
Cities & Neighborhoods in Northern California
Long Beach & Oakland: Long Beach has its own Pride festival, one of the oldest in the U.S., and a strong local queer community with bars, galleries, and The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. Oakland hosts Oakland Pride and Oakland Black Pride, reflecting the city’s diverse culture. We’ve learned about both from local friends and blogger colleagues who describe it as a creative, political, and community-driven Californian city.
San Francisco: The Castro remains a symbol of activism and community. From Harvey Milk Plaza to the GLBT Historical Society Museum, the neighborhood tells stories of resilience and celebration. SOMA is San Francisco’s leather and kink hub, with historic venues like the SF Eagle. For breathtaking views, we often walk up to Twin Peaks, where the Pride flag waves over the city. San Francisco Pride, Folsom Street Fair, and Castro Street Fair anchor the calendar.
Cities & Neighborhoods in Southern California
San Luis Obispo: Between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a college town with a laid-back vibe. Its growing queer presence, paired with nearby Edna Valley wineries, makes it a great stop on Highway 1. We enjoyed a slower pace overnight stop here, in a lovely wellness resort, with pools and a delightful breakfast at Avila Beach. Pride in SLO brings the community together every May.
West Hollywood: Known as the beating heart of queer Los Angeles, West Hollywood (WeHo) is home to the famous rainbow crosswalks along Santa Monica Boulevard and a nightlife scene that attracts locals and visitors alike. We spent nights moving between drag comedy shows at Hamburger Mary’s, the iconic Abbey, and smaller cocktail lounges that feel more intimate. The city hosts WeHo Pride every summer and is also home to cultural institutions like ONE Archives, the largest LGBTQ+ archive in the world.
San Diego: Hillcrest is the city’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, with the giant rainbow flag on University Avenue as a central marker. Explore its restaurants, cafes, and nightlife before heading to nearby Balboa Park, which features museums and gardens. San Diego Pride is one of the largest on the West Coast. The combination of coastal cliffs, beaches, and queer culture makes the city feel both welcoming and relaxed.
Theme parks
California is home to some of the world’s most iconic theme parks, and inclusivity is part of the experience. We’ve spent multiple days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. Events like Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite highlight the queer community, but even outside special dates, rainbow pins and same-sex couples are a common sight. Universal Studios Hollywood offers film-themed rides and an LGBTQ+ friendly environment. It also provides a wonderful Pride collection. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park blends classic Americana with roller coasters and seasonal events. Six Flags Magic Mountain, located north of Los Angeles in Santa Clarita, features world-record coasters and is part of our theme park diaries, hosting its LGBTQ+ event, Out on the Mountain. All of these parks have strong queer fan groups, annual Pride events, and open welcomes for LGBTQ+ visitors.
Nature & National Parks
California’s natural beauty is legendary, and many national and state parks are easily accessible. High on our list was Yosemite National Park, which we visited in 2016. We were stunned by its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. We recommend booking permits early, especially for the summer. On our way back, we stopped at Mono Lake near Yosemite, which features unique tufa formations. It was a fantastic feeling to witness the sunset there, surrounded by these nature sculptures.
If you have time, consider adding a visit to Bodie Ghost Town to your road trip list. It adds a fascinating background history about the Gold Rush. Joshua Tree National Park combines desert landscapes and star-filled skies, where we spent a few days hiking and stargazing. It is one of those surreal places in the world where we did not want to leave – and had to come back. Read more on the website of National Park Service.
Places we have not been but should not be missed are Death Valley, which offers the lowest point in North America, and surreal desert scenery. And of course, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, protecting the giant trees that are thousands of years old. For trips to Northern California, Redwood National and State Parks are worth adding.
Famous beaches & water safety
California’s coastline stretches for more than 800 miles (ca. 1,287 km), offering beaches for every mood. And we saw quite a bit of it, starting with our road trip on Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The rough coastline, the blue water of the Pacific, and a road that winds its way along the coast, through forests, and past viewpoints.
Then we arrived in Malibu, where we stopped our trip to go for a loooong walk along the sandy beach, watching surfers and sitting on a swing overlooking the sea. We arrived in Los Angeles, and of course, a visit to Santa Monica was on the list. Take a ride on the rollercoaster at Santa Monica Pier and snap a selfie in front of the rainbow-colored beach houses that line up towards Venice Beach.
We biked there, passing by its skate park, Muscle Beach, and taking a shopping stroll along the quirky boardwalk. At Huntington Beach, we even had surfing lessons, and let us tell you, the Pacific is really cold compared to the Gulf of Mexico.
Another beach to consider is Laguna Beach in Orange County, which has long been popular with LGBTQ+ visitors. San Diego’s La Jolla and Mission Beach are also favorites for swimming and sunsets.
Safety tips for taking a swim in the Pacific:
- Always swim near lifeguards, as the currents of the Pacific can be tricky
- Check the lifeguard safety flags before you take a swim or surf
- Learn to identify rip currents and check water quality advisories, especially after storms. Official updates: visitcalifornia.com/beaches.
Accessibility, Transit & Local Know-How
Getting around California is part of the adventure, and we’ve tested both public transport and driving. In Los Angeles, the TAP card and app provide access to buses, the metro, and light rail across multiple agencies. It isn’t as seamless as in European cities, but it works if you plan ahead. The Bay Area has BART and Caltrain, which connect San Francisco to Oakland, San Jose, and beyond. For shorter distances, rideshare apps and micromobility options like scooters and e-bikes fill the gaps—we’ve used e-bikes when staying in West Hollywood. Parking in big cities can be a headache, so book accommodation with parking if you plan to drive, but be aware that it is costly, especially in West Hollywood, Downtown LA, and SF.
Accessibility is well integrated
Buses, metro lines, and trains are ADA-compliant, and paratransit services exist in major cities. Many parks publish accessibility guides online, detailing trail conditions and facilities. Traveling with friends who use mobility aids, we’ve found California more accessible than many other destinations. Nightlife districts in LA, San Francisco, and San Diego are generally safe, but we follow the same precautions as at home: keep an eye on your drink, stay with friends, and plan your route home. Outdoors, preparation is essential. In the desert, carry extra water, hats, and sunscreen; in the mountains, bring snow gear and check if tire chains are required. Seasonal hazards include wildfires, fog, and heat waves. Official resources like Caltrans for road conditions and the National Park Service for park updates are indispensable.
Now, plan your California adventure with our gay travel guide
Traveling in California is straightforward, but a few basics make life easier. For connectivity, consider buying a local SIM card or eSIM; coverage is generally good in cities, but can be patchy in remote areas.
Payments are almost entirely cashless—besides tips. Credit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay work everywhere from gas stations to taco trucks. Tipping culture is strong: expect 15–20% at restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, and tips for hotel staff or rideshare drivers.
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Permits are increasingly required for popular destinations. Yosemite has a timed-entry system in summer, Muir Woods requires parking reservations, and other parks have quota systems for specific trails. Wildfire season (late summer to autumn) can affect air quality and road access, while winter storms can close mountain passes. Always check official sources before setting out.
Photography is part of travel, but remember to be respectful: ask before photographing performers at drag shows, respect private venues, and follow guidelines in Indigenous and natural areas. Packing depends on your route. In one trip, you might need desert clothing, coastal layers for foggy mornings, and jackets for snowy mountains. We always bring layers, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Travel insurance is recommended—medical costs in the U.S. are high, and insurance that covers cancellation and emergencies is worth the peace of mind.
Disclaimer: Please note!
This guide was created in collaboration with Visit California, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Booking.com. All opinions and experiences are our own. We only recommend accommodations that are LGBTQ+ owned or Travel Proud certified. Internal links lead to our travel diaries; external links point to official sources. We regularly refresh this guide with new dates, resources, and accessibility information, ensuring it remains useful long after its initial publication.
For more travel news and background info on the LGBTQ+ community, follow Couple of Men on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Karl & Daan.