California’s laws regarding LGBTQ+ people are some of the best in the US. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is banned, and same-sex couples have equal legal rights. It is one of our favourite American travel destinations, and one that we are consistently recommending to lesbian women and female same-sex couples! From the desert to the ocean, California has so much to offer every kind of traveller. Whether you want to relax on a quiet beach, go hiking with some beautiful views, or visit a lively city with a thriving gay scene, you can do it all in California. Keep reading for our top 6 lesbian travel destinations in California!
San Francisco
At the top of this list needs to be San Francisco. A lively city famous for its amazing LGBTQ+ community, hippie culture, and incredible history, San Fran cannot be missed. As a leader in the gay rights movement and LGBTQ+ activism in the USA, San Francisco has been called the original gay-friendly city. Lesbians will feel right at home with plenty of female centric events, as well as many welcoming venues. Explore the city, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, eat your way through the Mission District, and party in the Castro. It truly is the ultimate gay city destination in Cali.
Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to San Francisco
Palm Springs
Home of the Dinah Shore – the biggest lesbian party in the country (and maybe the world), Palm Springs is another amazing destination for women in California. A great spot for sunbathing and relaxing by the pool in the daytime, and hitting the town in the evenings. There are plenty of hip bars in downtown Palm Springs as well as great gay hotspots in the Arenas District, the local gaybourhood. Check out the mid-century modern architecture that the area is famous for, and soak up some desert heat. Palm Springs is a great California vacation destination for lesbians!
Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Palm Springs
Los Angeles
If you love city destinations, then of course LA needs to go to the top of your list. This huge city has plenty of gay and gay-friendly neighbourhoods like West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, and Downtown LA. Of course you can also head out to the beaches and enjoy the sun in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. No matter what vibe you’re looking for or what you’re into, you can find it in LA. It is an incredibly diverse and eclectic city bringing together so many different cultures. Go cafe hopping, enjoy the nightlife, and check out one of the many lesbian parties in the city.
Joshua Tree
A true gem of a destination in California and the most unique on this list, is Joshua Tree. In San Bernardino County, this quiet, artsy little town brings travellers from all over the world to Joshua Tree National Park. A huge protected desert area, the park is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Hike, camp, or just spend some time exploring, and don’t miss the incredible rock formations and of course the Joshua trees. A perfect destination for adventure travellers, Joshua Tree is a very welcoming place. Lesbian women and female couples will feel right at home here!
Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Joshua Tree
San Diego
Another beautiful city that offers a little bit of everything! San Diego sits on the coast of Southern California and has gorgeous beaches, an impressive craft beer scene, and a welcoming gaybourhood. You can enjoy the laid back beach towns in the North County or explore the lively city, and will definitely find plenty of things to do. Visit Balboa Park, stroll along the Embarcadero, and people watch on a patio in Little Italy. You’re almost guaranteed sunny days and warm weather any time of the year, and there’s even a longstanding lesbian bar you can check out!
Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to San Diego
Monterey
Last but certainly not least, is Monterey. On the most incredible stretch of California Coast, this area offers so much natural beauty! Explore the city of Monterey, enjoy the beaches, visit nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, and do the drive through Big Sur to Bixby Creek Bridge (don’t forget your camera!). This region is one of our favourite places in the whole country. It’s charming, serene, and incredibly welcoming, and we cannot recommend it enough to other lesbian travellers. Don’t miss this beautiful part of California!
Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Monterey
Is anyone else in love with California? Let us know in the comments!
