Gay Friendly Los Angeles

To some, New York City may be the art culture capitol of the US, but for the rest of us, Los Angeles is the pop culture vortex. LA conjures so many images: Old Hollywood, Joan Crawford, Warner Brothers Studios. OJ, the Viper Room, Capitol Records. Hippy soaked Venice Beach, celebrity studded Rodeo Drive, drag-fabulous West Hollywood. Sitcom celebs, film crews and don't forget Susan Dey's modified flip hairdo in LA Law! For a gay traveler in LA, those images only hint at the dynamism of Los Angeles and its urban goldmine of possibility and adventure.

Gay LA's propensity for excitement and entertainment welcomes thousands of travelers each year, each pursuing their own niche among the vast array of alluring experiences. Few states can claim as gay friendly an atmosphere as California, and Los Angeles in particular prides itself on maintaining a level of celebration that far exceeds the fluttering rainbow flags of other cities. As the second largest city in the United States, L.A. encompasses multiple regions, each with a unique identity just waiting to be discovered by a new gay visitor. The vibrant cityscape is second only to the spectacular geographic landscape that includes rolling mountain ranges, rocky canyons, coastal bluffs, and the breathtaking Pacific beaches.

They say the US is a melting pot but the citizens of LA make it seem more like a salad: a rich jumble of individual ingredients, each maintaining their own unique flavor and distinct characteristics. In fact, nearly half of Los Angelenos are foreign-born and gay LA blends over 80 different languages and cultures ranging from Armenian to African, Japanese to Jewish, and Laotian to Latino. This eclectic mix of people makes LA one of the most diverse cities in the world and sets the stage for a wide-ranging smorgasbord of potential attractions - both touristy and physical!


Where to Stay - Gay Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles

The city of LA encompasses so much area, that selecting a home base is of primary importance - otherwise you�ll spend all of your time driving from location to location (everything you've heard about LA traffic is true so do yourself a favor and find a hotel close to whatever it is you are in town to do!) . Are you coming for business? Then downtown LA makes sense. Celebrity spotting? Head over to the Valley or Santa Monica. Trying to save money? Park it in a nearby suburb like Huntington Beach. Once you decide on location, think about the style of services you're seeking in your hotel. Which amenities rank highest on your list? The variety of gay friendly guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, boutiques and nationally branded hotels offer a range of experiences designed to indulge gay travelers from head to toe - and some even better spots in between.

The Avalon Beverly Hills Hotel, a unique hideaway, caters to a trendsetting crowd. "High style meets Zen Vibe" quotes Instyle magazine about this luxurious accommodation, known as a getaway for many celebrities. Avalon offers private cabanas, a dramatic pool, business services, and proximity to Beverly Hills restaurants, bars, and shopping. Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard boasts sleek, contemporary accommodations with sophisticated and luxurious amenities - think granite and marble as far as the eye can see. The Standard hotel on Sunset Boulevard is anything but conventional with its floor to ceiling white shag carpet lobby, a DJ spinning unobtrusive ambient tunes, and a lounge known as a celebrity hangout - was that Lindsay Lohan or just a red-headed wig on a broomstick? Stylish and affordable, the hotel�s upfront sexual allure boasts minibars stocked with everything from gummy bears and Oreos to Trojans and KY. Who could ask for anything more?

The city also boasts several gay Guesthouses featuring unique spa-like amenities. Looking for a tropical oasis in the center of gay Los Angeles? How about a 20-man steam room? Redwood sundecks? Clothing optional? I thought so. Then head over to West Hollywood where you'll find hotels like the San Vicente which providse a country club atmosphere with lush private gardens and yoga studios.

The gay bed and breakfast scene is well served in Los Angeles, particularly in gay friendly West Hollywood. Looking to keep fit while traveling - or better yet, just admire those who are? Rooftop tennis courts offer the perfect opportunity to seek tips on your serve from the well toned and tanned hunks on Los Angeles's gay sundecks. You're from out of town - feel free to gawk.

Nationally branded gay friendly hotels ensure impeccable levels of service. The Westin Bonaventure located in the financial district offers easy access to the LA Convention Center, Staples Center, cultural and business districts, and beaches. As L.A.'s largest convention hotel, the Westin offers a central atrium with 42 restaurants and bars, a revolving cocktail lounge, panoramic views, and a first class workout facility.

Whatever your needs, there is a gay friendly hotel for you. You can view a few of our favorites below, view the full list, or refine your search by clicking on the type of hotel you prefer in the city directory on the left of this page.


See and Do - Gay Friendly Activities and Attractions in Los Angeles

Attractions and possibilities for your gay travel experience in Los Angeles are endless as the city boasts beaches, mountains, theme parks, museums, theatres, galleries, shops, cafes, and bars. Downtown, Melrose, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Catalina, and Malibu are all regions in gay Los Angeles with a range of free-spirited bars, upscale restaurants, dynamic clubs, quirky shopping strips and boardwalks.

The Sunset Strip is the main intersection of LA's music and celebrity scene; it is bursting with hotspots that entice gay starlets and musicians alike. The Strip is jammed with groovy bars and clubs, swanky hotels, oddball boutiques - and be sure to snap a few shots of the billboards featuring scantily clad men promoting local fashion and design shops - they make the Abercrombie boys look like Dressbarn rejects.

Other gay-friendly areas are Silverlake, East of Hollywood, North of Downtown, and Studio City/North of Hollywood. Visit eclectic art galleries, bohemian clothing shops, and intimate cafes as part of your gay Los Angeles vacation. Be sure to hit the Santa Monica Pier. Best known for its starring role in the "3's Company" opening, the 100-year old wooden pier is home to several excellent seafood restaurants, jugglers, caricaturists and a rickety roller coaster that threatens to toss you into the bubbling Pacific tide that churns far below.

Two of West Hollywood's must-see events are the boisterous Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Pride Parade in June, and the vibrant Halloween Costume Carnival in October. Stalking a celebrity? Take a guided tour of fabulous Hollywood hot spots and homes (Was that Paris Hilton? Nope - just a stork wearing nice shoes) or visit one of L.A.'s music, TV or film museums where you'll find that LA residents are never hesitant to talk up "the industry."

For gay theatre (is that redundant?) and musical productions, Los Angeles attractions rise to the occasion. The Celebration, a renowned theatre, showcases both irreverent and politically correct works. Other attractions include Gruman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Kodak Theatre, home of the Oscar Academy Award, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Getty Center. The Hollywood Bowl, one of the largest natural amphitheatres in the world, is a famed LA cultural landmark (remember it in "Beaches?"). This historic venue has hosted legendary performers and musicians since 1922.

Visit Gay Los Angeles' breathtaking beaches to admire hot bodied surfers and volleyball players. As evening falls, Santa Monica Beach is the perfect site for enjoying Pacific sunsets. Adjacent wetlands, flower gardens, tide pools, and terrific bird-watching spots also provide great opportunities to explore the landscape.



Where to Shop - a Gay Man's Paradise in Los Angeles

Are you a gay guy who likes to shop? West Hollywood is a gay man's shopping paradise. The Avenues of Art and Design are premier destinations for art galleries and interior design showcases. Beverly Center offers fine stores and eateries and LA�s only "California Welcome Center." Hollywood and Highland Center include upscale boutiques, eateries, and proximity to the Kodak Theatre. Montana Avenue is home to many high-end, design-conscious shops. Rodeo Drive houses top names in fashion, from Prada to Gucci; Dress up, act cool, and check out all the hot boys out gettin� their diva on.

Beautiful outdoor malls native to California's gay Los Angeles shopping scene, such as the Third Street Promenade, offer bookstores, eclectic shops and plenty of cafes. Paseo Colorado, Pasadena's gleaming white outdoor mall lures gay diners, movie lovers, divas and fashionistas of all types.

The breadth of entertainment in Los Angeles is hard to beat, so get out there and be seen! Visit your favorite cultural landmark or unique district and discover why so many sources cite L.A. as America's playground for the beautiful people.

Gay Nightlife in Los Angeles

By nightfall, the trendy, sun kissed crowd descends on Gay LA's bar scene.
LA is upscale and proud of it! L.A. clubs and bars are dynamic and entertaining, and remember, even supposed casual scenes require an elite touch. Dress to impress, and prepare to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous. At first it may seem like everyone just stepped from the pages of International Male with their perfect coifs, bottle tans and sparkling veneers but take some time to explore the scene and you'll find the LA crowd can be quite friendly once you break through its initial big city standoffishness. Not satisfied with the detailing on your new Mercedes? Neither is that sexy guy standing next to you in line at the club. Bored with your personal trainer? So is everyone else! Conversations such as these promise to entertain as you experience the bizarre normalcy of Los Angeles's gay nightlife. !

There are tons of historic gay and gay friendly nightspots and eateries in LA. Clubs such as the Troubadour, Comedy Store, Whiskey-a Go-Go, the Roxy and the Viper Room make up some of the largest concentrations of gay bars and restaurants in the city. Santa Monica Boulevard, a gay district between La Cienaga and Robertson, is one of the most flamboyant and colorful experiences on historic Route 66. L.A.'s club venues with world-renowned deejays offer plush couches back lounges as perfect spots for intimate moments. And be sure to check out Santa Monica Boulevard - one of the main strips for gay nightlife. Experience its reputation as one of few walkable areas in Los Angeles

Heading out on your own? Be captivated by shirtless men gyrating to the beats or better yet, get out on the floor and be one of them yourself! Continue on the strip for foam parties and muscle go-go gods teasing the crowds with their chiseled bodies. Step out in style a bit earlier to sample some of West Hollywood's happy hours before the nightlife experience - and its attendants -are in full swing.

West Hollywood's restaurants are also very gay-oriented. Many restaurants cater to an ethnically diverse crowd, offering superb food and interiors. Gay Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a vast number of restaurants offering cultural menus of all sorts: Armenian, Brazilian, French, Mexican, Romanian, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, among others. To find out what's going on, view the list of bars and their profiles on Pride City Guide (each bar with a profile has it's own Calendar of Events ) or pick up one of the free gay magazines found in bars, caf�s, and bookshops.

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