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Balboa Park is also where you’ll find the world-famous San Diego Zoo. A Balboa Park Pass can be purchased for $89, allowing you admittance to all 14 museums and lasting for seven days. I saw my first ever drag show here with some of the main stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race at the time, so the talent they book isn’t anything to balk at.
Pecs
Address: 2046 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Website
If you want to get out of the heart of Hillcrest but still be near it, head down University Avenue and stop at Pecs.
Note that when exploring, on the south side, bars tend to be more staggered, whereas on the north (where the sign is), they’re clustered together.
Finally, there’s no getting around the fact that San Diego is an expensive city to visit! During that time, they received numerous “Best Gay Bar” and “Best Neighborhood Bar” awards, and they’ve deserved every one.
Inside, there’s an additional speakeasy known as The Boardroom hidden in the back that connects & Bar to Barrel & Board. If you like to wear a pup mask, a harness, or anything leather-related, The Eagle should be the first stop on your list.
SRO Lounge
Address: 1807 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Website
The SRO Lounge is another great dive bar that has a more dark and old-school vibe.
They have not one, but two rooftop pools, five dining spaces, and a large fitness center. Its huge Spanish courtyard is a beautiful environment to tuck into the restaurant’s Spanish-inspired cuisine, which includes everything from Spicy Calamari Fries to its own freshly cooked Paella. It features a Spirit of Stonewall Rally, She Fest (a street-fair celebrating the talents and contributions of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people), Pride 5k Run, Hillcrest Block Party, a mile-long parade, and a two-day festival in Balboa Park.
Go ahead, queue the group text and get ready to hit every dance floor, patio, and pole in town!
Which of These Gay Bars San Diego Is Your Favorite?
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Written by Archie Villaflores
Archie is a Destination Research Writer at Tripster, bringing seasoned travel expertise to every guide he creates.
Among their various events include the Game Nights held on Mondays, as well as the After Show Dance Parties on Fridays. Hillcrest is split into two parts by the 163 freeway, but you can easily cross between the two via the joining bridge. Located halfway between Hillcrest and North Park, Pecs is the bar where the bears frequent — otherwise known as the big, hairy men.
Urban MO's has a bit of everything: a fun atmosphere, a spacious patio made to take full advantage of the San Diego sun, delicious grilled food, a small dance floor out the back, drag shows, and generously strong drinks.
Rich's – San Diego's largest and most popular gay dance club, Rich's features two separate dance floors with top-notch DJs, multiple bars, and an outdoor lounge.
There’s a Gaslamp room, Coronado room, and Zoo room (designed with animal decorations), to name but a few. Dates: to be announced.
Red Dress Party San Diego – This September fundraiser requires all attendees to wear a red dress, symbolizing compassion and solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS. There you can see elephants, polar bears, koalas, camels… you name it, it’s probably there.
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The village itself features upscale boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet dining with ocean views.
On the second Saturday of every month, you can also join in for the Silent Disco. It's an easy walk to the Gaslamp District and a short drive to Hillcrest. Book tour →
Carlsbad – A short 45-minute drive from San Diego, Carlsbad is a delightful coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant flower fields in the spring, which explode into a colorful display of blooming ranunculus flowers.
Entrance is free, including the museums and sights like the Whaley House, one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. Besides the museums, you can shop for unique souvenirs at Old Town Market, enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at local eateries, watch live performances of Mariachi music, and even participate in cultural festivals. It’s San Diego’s only leather bar, and the whole place has a sexually charged vibe that you most likely won’t find anywhere else.