Los Angeles For Gay Travelers: A Fabulous Guide to the City of Angels

Prideloop
Jul 4
4 min read

Updated: Jul 4

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of Hollywood legends, sunbathing next to bronzed Adonises or sipping martinis in a city where rainbow flags wave as proudly as palm trees sway, Los Angeles is calling.

Just a two hour drive from the desert luxury of Palm Springs and bathed in sunshine nearly 300 days a year, LA blends Old Hollywood charm, progressive spirit, and beachside bliss. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s not just a city, it’s a playground. Whether you're here for glam nightlife, laid back beaches or deep community connection, LA welcomes you with open arms (and a killer tan).

Where to Stay: West Hollywood – The Heartbeat of Gay LA

West Hollywood (WeHo) is the epicenter of LGBTQ+ life in LA.

Think: rainbow crosswalks, shirtless bartenders, fabulous drag brunches and luxury hotels where queer celebs might be lounging by the pool next to you.

Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotels:

The London West Hollywood: Glam suites, rooftop pool, star vibes.

Kimpton La Peer Hotel: Artistic, modern, inclusive, and chic.

Pendry West Hollywood: Sleek, ultra luxe, and party-adjacent.

Ramada Plaza: Budget friendly and walkable to all gay bars.

Montrose at Beverly Hills: Quiet, stylish, and just steps from WeHo nightlife with a rooftop pool and spacious suites

Gay Bars & Nightlife: From Iconic to Underground

Whether you want to party until 3 a.m. or sip a quiet cocktail with your boo, LA’s nightlife caters to every letter in LGBTQIA+.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood or WeHo, as the locals call it, is more than just a neighborhood; it’s the epicenter of gay nightlife on the West Coast. A short stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega and San Vicente is packed with bars, clubs, patios, and rainbow crosswalks. It’s walkable, wild, and welcoming every night of the week.

Here’s an in depth look at the must visit gay bars in WeHo:

World famous and still fabulous.The crown jewel of gay LA. Go go dancers, drag brunches, celeb sightings, and a mix of lounging and partying in one massive, glam space.

Micky’s

After hours + iconic drag shows. A party powerhouse. Known for wild Mondays, late night dancing, and legendary drag. Open till 4 a.m. on weekends!

Rocco’s

Social hotspot with food + flirtation.Start your night here. Great patio, strong drinks, drag brunches, and eye candy all around.

Trunks

Old school, no frills fun.The dive bar of your gay dreams. Cheap drinks, jukebox tunes and zero pretension, just good vibes.

East Side Queer Culture: Alternative, Artistic, Unapologetic

If WeHo is LA’s glitzy gay Disneyland, the East Side is its experimental art house, gender fluid, pierced and dancing in warehouses to techno or indie pop.

Akbar (Silver Lake)

A divey queer hub with DJs, zine launches, leather nights, and legendary themed parties. Indie vibes, cheap drinks and a welcoming crowd.

Precinct (DTLA)

LA’s underground queer cathedral. Drag, fetish nights, and wild dance floors in a historic warehouse. Edgy, raw, and electric.

Redline (DTLA)

Sleek but soulful. Karaoke, drag battles, open mics, and activist fundraisers. A polished pillar of the DTLA LGBTQ+ scene.

Best Gay Beaches: Sun, Skin, and Saltwater

Will Rogers State Beach (Tower 18): LA’s top gay beach where tan lines fade and flirting flows.

Venice Beach: Queer artists, roller queens, and lots of eye candy on the boardwalk.

Santa Monica Beach: Picture perfect for couples and sunsets with a quieter energy.

Where to Shop: Fashion, Flair & Queer Finds

Los Angeles is a style capital where LGBTQ+ travelers can shop everything from glam to indie.

Fashion & Designer Districts

Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills): Ultra-luxury icons like Chanel Gucci and Tom FordMelrose Avenue (WeHo to Fairfax): A blend of edgy designer boutiques vintage gems and hype streetwear

The Grove: Outdoor mall meets celebrity sighting zone with Nordstrom and Topshop.