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.

For the 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.