What's it really like?
Los Angeles, also known as The City of Angels, LA LA Land, or simply LA, isn’t the gay capital of the US; San Francisco has that title. It’s not even the capital of California — that’s Sacramento.
It is, however, the entertainment capital of the world, and Hollywood, also known as Tinseltown, is where many people go to ‘be discovered.’
For gay travelers, it’s an excellent destination; Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Seaworld are only an hour’s drive away. As for gay people, they’re here alright — in droves.
Los Angeles airport is one of the few American airports that welcome direct international flights, so for non-US travelers, it’s exceptionally easy to get to.
The best time to visit LA is any time you choose, but it can get sweltering in summer, July to August. During the winter months, prices come down, so for those on a budget, it’s worth considering. March to May is regarded as the ideal time to travel there.
So, what does Los Angeles have to offer for gay travelers? Plenty. Apart from some of the most beautiful people on the planet all vying for your attention, there are three gayborhoods — more on that below — and some of the best restaurants, bars, and shopping (Rodeo Drive, anyone?) you’ll ever find.
Los Angeles doesn’t have any exclusive gay hotels, but the pink dollar is hugely welcome here, and staff aim to please.
When choosing where to stay, the best advice we can give you is to stay near the places you plan to visit. LA traffic is notorious for being some of the heaviest in the world, and nobody wants to spend their entire holiday sitting in a car on a slow-moving freeway.
There’s everything here, from big-brand 5-star luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels.
Los Angeles isn’t a cheap destination by any means; it’s certainly pricier than many other American cities, but it’s LA, and you’d expect that.
California has had a rocky road regarding gay legislation. Despite same-sex relationships being legalized back in 1976, it wasn’t until June 2013 that gays and lesbians could get married. Things have certainly improved since then.
If you’re planning an American wedding, Los Angeles is a convenient place to achieve it, with many wedding planners specializing in gay nuptials.
In 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom passed some of the most robust laws in the US regarding protecting LGBTQI people. These include all-gender bathrooms in schools and businesses, extra protections for transgender youth, and more relaxed foster care rules.
Not all of LA is gay; it’s such a vast city, and it’s easy to get lost. The town has three areas where most of the gay action lies.
West Hollywood (nicknamed WeHo) has one of the largest gay populations on the planet, with over 40% of residents identifying as LGBTQI. It’s easily the gay capital of LA, and most of the bars and other entertainment venues are there. WeHo is the home of beautiful people; muscle chests, bulging biceps, and 8-pack abs, as far as the eye can see, are predominant here. LA icon The Abbey is one of the most popular gay bars in Los Angeles and has its home right in the heart of WeHo.
Silver Lake is LA’s newer gay suburb. It’s got a more alternative crowd than WeHo, meaning that everyone is equally accepted, and you don’t have to be beautiful to fit in. It has an emerging leather scene, and new venues seem to be constantly popping up. It also has a large Latino population. Sunset Boulevard runs right through Silver Lake and has been the setting for many gay-themed movies and documentaries.
Downtown LA is also surprisingly gay. With Chinatown and Little Tokyo next to a robust Latino community, this melting pot of cultures is starting to attract a gay crowd. Rather than having a lot of permanent venues — there are only a handful — one-off LGBT nights are becoming popular in many other bars and clubs.
Of course, Los Angeles isn’t just for gay travelers, Tinseltown has many neighborhoods that need to be visited by everyone. For those who want to ‘shop til they drop,’ a day out in Beverly Hills is essential.
There are many things for movie lovers, too. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the famous celebrity handprints are on the footpath, is something every visitor to LA should visit. It begins on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and ends at the TCL Chinese Theater (formerly Graumanns).
Studio tours can be done at the major studios dotted around Los Angeles, and it’s even possible to see a taping of a live sitcom or talk show.
Anyone wanting to get tested for STDs, including HIV, has loads of places to choose from. Free testing is provided at DPH public health centers, but only a limited number of walk-ins are available, so booking ahead is advisable.
People wanting to renew their PrEP or needing PEP can contact Get PrEP LA to find a nearby location.
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