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Where to go and what to see for LGBTQ+ visitors and locals alike.
So you want to go to California–but what’s a gay to do? Los Angeles is rich with LGBTQ+ history, businesses, and bars–so much so, that they have their own designated gayborhood! Because L.A. is, of course, a sprawling city, home to nearly 4 million people, it’s impossible to capture the essence of every queer subculture and party in the city. Alas, here are a few of our favorite LGBTQ+ landmarks, attractions, organizers, and events in Los Angeles, California.
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West Hollywood
West Hollywood, California, is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ tourist attractions in the world–and for good reason. The city’s queer legacy began in the 1920s when prohibition laws incited queer-coded speakeasies and drag events to pop up across the area. Though these bohemian tendencies were pushed back underground by laws and homophobia, the queer community persisted. Today, it’s home to a massive strip of gay bars and businesses and boasts an extremely visible LGBTQ+ population. Every year, West Hollywood hosts an annual Pride Parade and music festival, Outloud.
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The WeHo Strip
WHERE: West Hollywood
Lined up down West Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard are some of the city’s most iconic LGBTQ+ bars like Mickey’s, Hamburger Mary’s, and the “Pink Pony Club” of Chappell Roan lore, The Abbey. But less publicized spots like The Bayou, Beaches Tropicana, Roosterfish, Hi-Tops, and Trunks offer much more bang for your buck. Spend an entire day (or chaotic night) bar-hopping up and down the iconic West Hollywood strip, complete with several rainbow crosswalks.
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Circus of Books
WHERE: West Hollywood
Established in 1960, the iconic Circus of Books store provides the West Hollywood LGBTQ+ community with a unique (and erotic) peek into the past. Located in front of the legendary cruising spot Vaseline Alley, the store specialized in hardcore porn for both straight and gay audiences when these topics were much more taboo. Today, Circus of Books has pivoted from seedy to high-end boutique. It also features the Gallery @ Circus, which works to highlight LGBTQ+ artists who, according to their website, “might be a bit racy still for most galleries.”
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Cuties Los Angeles
Hi, cuties! This Black-owned and operated community space offers digital and irl events for LGBTQ+ folks, especially queer, trans, and POC. Though COVID shut down their coffee brick-and-mortar, Cuties LA regularly hosts meditations, poetry readings, day and nighttime dance parties, and more while even taking the time to highlight other queer events their followers might take interest in.
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The Ruby Fruit
WHERE: Silverlake
The Ruby Fruit opened in Silverlake in 2023. Though it began as more of a queer-centered wine bar and event space, the establishment rebranded as a bar and grill in 2025 after a brief closure–though remains “proudly Queer and Women-owned and operated” according to their website. “Be gay and stay!” reads the quirky menu that offers equally quirky drinks like The Martha and Dyke’s Hard Lemonade.
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Honey’s at Star Love
WHERE: East Hollywood
Described as a “queer bar and watering hole serving L.A.,” Honey’s at Star Love in East Hollywood hosts themed parties like Ladies’ Nights Out, female gogo dancers, social and dating events, and R&B/hip-hop themed dance parties. The bar is especially popular among sapphics looking for a dancey night on the town and was recently listed on Esquire as one of the 42 best gay bars in America.
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The Mattachine Steps
WHERE: Silverlake
This Silverlake staircase was a landmark in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Los Angeles. At his residence at the bottom of the steps, activist Harry Hay founded the Mattachine Society and pushed back against homophobia in the 1950s when many still considered homosexuality a mental disease. His efforts marked the beginning of Silverlake’s queer hub and it became a safe haven for the community. In 2012, the Los Angeles City Council officially named them the Mattachine Society Stairs. There’s also a great view at the top.
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Precinct
WHERE: Downtown L.A.
If you’re looking for a night out outside of West Hollywood, try Precinct. The iconic downtown bar hosts events nearly every night of the week, including Latin leather parties, Tuesicals, Golden Girls Brunches, Drag Race viewing parties, underwear party VPL, sports gear discos, video game nights, goth nights, bingo, twink competitions, and more. If you’re lucky, Precinct regular and Drag Race winner Alaska Thunderfuck might be in the crowd–or hosting the show. And be sure to check out the brand new gay bar, Kiso, just a block away.
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Akbar
WHERE: Silverlake
This popular Silverlake bar opened in 1996. With an old-school jukebox in the main room and a sweaty dancefloor in the back, Akbar has been a “neighborhood oasis” for the local LGBTQ+ community. Akbar hosts parties like Dirty Dirty House Club, Craft Night, Bears in Space, Planet Queer, Drunk on Stage, Rock Steady Ska & Reggae night, and more. It’s already a great spot for a strong drink that won’t break the bank.
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The Eagle
WHERE: Silverlake
Just down the street from Akbar lies The Eagle. Though it’s been home to gay bars since the 1960s, it rebranded as The Eagle in 2006 and works to “uphold the Leather/Uniform/Fetish traditions.” The space hosts jock, bear, and pup-themed parties to name a few, while showing up for the local community with events like their Mr. Leather and Dyke Day Beer Bust Fundraisers.
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The Black Cat Tavern
WHERE: Silverlake
This historic bar was the site of the 1967 police brutality protests against LGBT people, which took place even before the Stonewall Riots in New York City. Today, it’s a lounge-y bar that is especially popular among queer women. With delicious food, tasty cocktails, and nostalgic vibes, The Black Cat is certainly worth your time.
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Stud Country
WHERE: Silverlake
When you think of Los Angeles, line dancing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Stud Country has become a massive community event especially popular among queer women. Typically hosted at Los Globos in Silverlake, the event hosts parties, lessons, and even Spring Formals, all in the hopes of honoring “the rich history of LGBTQ cowboy culture.”
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Tom of Finland Foundation
WHERE: Echo Park
Dedicated to preserving the homoerotic art and legacy of Finnish artist Tom of Finland, the architecturally protected museum in Echo Park is a must-visit for fans of erotic history. On top of thoroughly cataloging Tom of Finland’s history and even preserving the bedroom he once lived in, the foundation also boasts a massive library of erotic art and hosts artist fellowships. But be sure to check on the museum’s location, as newly drawn fire hazard zones may push the iconic museum to relocate.
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Ginger Rogers Beach
WHERE: Santa Monica
Marked by a rainbow lifeguard tower, this section of the Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica is taken over by the gays every weekend once the summer season kicks off. You can swing by almost any day of the week to see local LGBTQs tanning in Speedos, flying kites, playing volleyball, or chatting each other up. Sunday afternoons have become an unofficial social hour.
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The Reparations Club
WHERE: Inglewood
This Black-owned and women-owned bookstore services Inglewood and Los Angeles at large with author signings, book clubs, and community events. They even appear at events like Tina Knowles’ book tour event in Los Angeles. Founded by Jazzi McGilbert, the Reparations Club is dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ authors and books. The brick-and-mortar space is also such a vibe.