Shed the Scene Queens, Head West to Santa Monica
On any given day in Santa Monica you’ll find friendly, sun-kissed LGBT locals leisurely strolling the beach or drinking coffee at a local café. The city is the epitome of Southern California. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of West Hollywood or Los Angeles, head west to Santa Monica.
Options are limited for the LGBT traveler looking for an exclusively gay or lesbian bar. The best and closest option is Roosterfish in nearby Venice. As the name suggests, this venue caters to both men and women. Affectionately known as a “dive bar,” Roosterfish is located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a trendy thoroughfare in Venice. The scene varies depending on what night you go. On Thursday you’ll find a predominantly local crowd and on Fridays, you’ll find a lot of WeHo guys and girls.
One of the biggest draws for visitors to Santa Monica is of course, the beach. A section of Will Rogers Beach is a well-known Mecca for gay men who want to admire the bronzed bodies of the community. Off of the Pacific Coast Highway, this is a great spot to cruise, play volleyball and relax.
You’ll find that Santa Monica is extremely gay-friendly, like most cities in SoCal. There are several great properties in the city that gladly welcome the LGBT community.
If you’re looking to stay close to the shoreline, the Sheraton Santa Monica is an ideal location. The hotel offers more than 300 renovated guestrooms and suites and a state-of-the art fitness center, perfect for fine-tuning your physique for the beach.
The newly renovated Shangri-La Hotel is another great option. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Shangri-La offers lavish rooms and suites, beautiful views and an elevated pool complete with cabanas. You’ll find some of Southern California’s best restaurants in Santa Monica, but if you don’t feel like venturing out, head to The Dining Room for a exquisite meal followed by a night-cap at their posh rooftop bar.
Always a hit with straight and LGBT travelers alike is the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Beautiful accommodations, a well-equipped health club and crystal clear swimming pool, you’ll find it all here. No stay at the Fairmont Miramar would be complete without a meal at the fabulous FIG Restaurant, an ingredient-driven seasonal bistro headed by Chef Ray Gracia.
It would be such a shame to vacation in Santa Monica and not check out Third Street Promenade or Main Street. The city is well-populated with talented artists, musicians and chefs, and this is the area where you find great shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
Whether you’re planning to spend your entire trip in Santa Monica or just a day-long excursion, this is a destination that cannot be missed. Great beaches and beautiful weather have made Santa Monica a major tourist destination and there’s never been a better time for LGBT visitors to come for a holiday. Thriving skateboarding and surfing communities have contributed to the intoxicating laid back atmosphere that is rarity in today's world. One thing is certain, you’ll be thrilled you came and hating that you have to leave.