Sun, palm trees and hot, tan boys in tank tops. There’s a lot to love about Los Angeles. West Hollywood is the predominant “gayborhood” in Los Angeles, and no matter what night you’re in town, there’s always a good time to be had.
There are a few staple venues that are always hopping. The Abbey, on North Robertson Boulevard, is at the top of the list. Part restaurant, part indoor/outdoor lounge, you’re always guaranteed a hot bartender or waiter and a sea of attractive patrons. Just across the street on Santa Monica Boulevard, the main artery in West Hollywood, you’ll find the best margaritas in town at Fiesta Cantina. Here Lounge, Fubar and Rage are nearby and are popular spots in their own right.
Many local ladies in Los Angeles say the lesbian scene feels small and interconnected. There are a number of hotspots exclusively for women, depending on which night of the week you decide to go out. Friday is all about Truck Stop at Here Lounge. Here you’ll find the sexiest babes dancing on the bar and giving lap dances to other hot women. There are giveaways and great drink specials every week. On Thursday nights, the fairer sex meets in a remodeled fire house for the “Midnight Girly Show” at Eleven. Great food, drinks and a show, what’s not to love?!
There is a lot more to the gay scene in Los Angeles than West Hollywood and Santa Monica Boulevard. Silverlake is a hot spot for locals and out of towners alike who want a respite from WeHo. If it’s Tuesday night, you’re certain to find a huge crowd at MJ’s for “Rim Job,” a weekly theme night at the cruisy dance bar that’s always a hit. The best time to get there is around 10-11pm, before that the crowd tends to be light. Before you hit MJ’s, head to Casita Del Campo for some chips, salsa and a few margaritas.
If the gay bar scene isn’t your thing, there’s are variety of other things to do in Los Angeles for the LGBT traveler. There are two defined gay beaches to choose from. The first, a section of Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades known as “Ginger Rogers.“ This is the ideal place to see bronzed hotties and to play a little volleyball. To gawk at the beefy set, head down to Venice and take a stroll on Muscle beach.
If you’re a shopaholic, Los Angeles is of course one of the most cosmopolitan and chic cities in the world. The Grove and Rodeo Drive are the most well-known fashion traps in Los Angeles, but there are a lot of great boutiques and retailers in West Hollywood and Silverlake. LASC is a hotspot in West Hollywood. From designer tops and bottoms to accessories and swimwear, you’ll find everything you’ll need to fit in with the trendiest of WeHo boys.
This is just a taste of what you’ll find in the City of Angels. Los Angeles gets a bad rap, but there a lot of warm and welcoming members of the LGBT community that are more than happy to give you the lay of the land.