Los Angeles: Sun, Scene, and So Much More

There's a reason LA has been drawing queer dreamers westward for decades. Beyond the glittering promise of Hollywood, this sprawling metropolis offers a uniquely layered experience—one where you can hike through canyon wilderness in the morning, brunch in a historic gayborhood by noon, and dance until 2 AM without anyone batting an eye.

WeHo and Beyond

Let's start with the obvious: West Hollywood. This 1.9-square-mile city-within-a-city remains the beating heart of LA's gay scene. Santa Monica Boulevard is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants that have been welcoming our community for generations. Catch a drag brunch at Hamburger Mary's, grab happy hour at Rocco's, or dance the night away at The Abbey—still going strong after all these years.

But here's the thing seasoned visitors know: WeHo is just the beginning. Silver Lake, once the scrappier alternative to West Hollywood, has evolved into a hub of queer creativity with a more laid-back, artsy vibe. Grab coffee at Intelligentsia, browse the vintage shops along Sunset, and soak in the neighborhood's effortlessly cool energy.

Beach Days Done Right

No LA trip is complete without sand between your toes. Will Rogers State Beach (affectionately known as Ginger Rogers Beach) has been a gay beach destination since the 1940s. Head to tower 18 and plant your umbrella among friends. For something wilder, make the drive up to Malibu's hidden coves or south to Laguna Beach for a proper day trip.

Culture Beyond the Clubs

LA rewards the curious traveler. The Getty Center offers world-class art with jaw-dropping views—and it's free. LACMA's Urban Light installation is iconic for a reason (yes, you should take the photo). For something more intimate, check out the ONE Archives at USC, home to the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world.

The food scene here is genuinely extraordinary. From the legendary pastrami at Langer's Deli to innovative tasting menus in downtown Arts District warehouses, your biggest challenge will be choosing where to eat next. Don't sleep on the Thai food in Thai Town or the tacos from any roadside stand in East LA.

Practical Magic

A few tips: Yes, you'll probably need a car, though the Metro has improved significantly. Book your WeHo hotel early during Pride weekend (June) unless you enjoy paying triple. The weather is gorgeous nearly year-round, but "June Gloom" is real—May gray and June gloom mean overcast mornings that burn off by afternoon.

Most importantly, give yourself time to wander. LA reveals itself slowly, neighborhood by neighborhood. It's a city that can feel alienating at first—too spread out, too car-dependent, too obsessed with surfaces. But settle into its rhythm, and you'll discover a place of genuine warmth, creativity, and community.

The queer people who built lives here over the last century created something special. Come see it for yourself.