San Diego is Only Looking Up!
San Diego is known for near-perfect weather, 70 miles of beautiful coastline and a little something called "pride." San Diego Pride, the city's largest civic community event, returns July 14 – 16, 2017, with a brand-new theme: "Allied in Action. United in Justice."
If your groups are interested in joining festivities and exploring San Diego's vibrant community, consider these events and local hot spots.
Join the movement ... Literally.
With San Diego's beautiful weather, it's unlikely it will rain on this parade—but it will be rainbow-filled. The annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is the fourth largest in the United States and attracts over 100,000 cheering spectators. Join the mile-long parade through Hillcrest on Saturday, July 15, at 11 a.m. It begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag, where University Avenue and Normal Street intersect. At the end? The entrance to the Pride Music Festival.
Get your groove on.
Musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers ... Oh, my! San Diego Tourism Authority calls its annual LGBT Pride Music Festival the city's "biggest summer dance party." Here, you'll find five phenomenal stages with over 100 entertainers for two days of jam-packed entertainment. This year, the multiplatinum female musical group En Vogue is headlining—and there's an art exhibit, some really great food, a score of cultural presentations and so much more.
Give some color to the night.
Hillcrest is the LGBT after-dark headquarters, with nightlife for nearly every interest and style. Rich's San Diego is the largest and most popular gay nightclub, and Gossip Grill, a women's bar, is known for strong drinks and delicious food.
Grab a brew—and some food.
Hillcrest Brewing Company was the world's first gay brewery. Its menu is packed with pizza, including the BBQueer Chicken. (And if you get a crack out of that one, you'll definitely have to order the drinks.)
Hit the beach.
Soaking up the sun at San Diego's beaches is a classic travel experience. Black's Beach is considered one of the most beautiful gay beaches in the world. It's located beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve in La Jolla.
Get ready for a standing ovation.
San Diego is a hot spot for more than just beaches: Theater buffs love the city. In addition to boasting two Tony Award-winning theaters (The Old Globe and the La Jolla Playhouse), the city's Diversionary Theatre is one of the oldest theaters offering LGBT themes in the country.
Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey L. Brown
