Gay laguna beach ca

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Grab a bucket and fill it up with all that your heart (and wallet) desires. At Nick’s Mexican Kitchen, expect traditional Mexican cuisine including a fresh catch menu and elevated, next-level favorites like their dual-flavored Enchiladas Divorciadas (chicken enchilada with mole sauce, cheese enchilada with poblano cream sauce, Monterey jack cheese, sour cream and onions).

Afternoon

Hike to the historic Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach for some pirate-inspired Instagram stories.

THE VAULT sister stores offer the latest in men’s and women’s fashion as well as workout and leisure wear. Most of the candy is paid by weight, so be mindful when filling your bucket.

For those who might need an afternoon adult refreshment during their shopping experience, visit The Seahorse, a neighborhood beer and wine bar that is located inside Pearl St.

General in the Pearl District of Laguna Beach. Make sure to leave room for dessert because you guessed it, they have waffles, and the toppings (including Nutella) are worth the cheat day.

Or if people watching is more your thing, visit Sapphire Laguna, and enjoy lunch outside in their patio. This became the hub and heart of gay culture for the next several decades.

It was in 1982, that Laguna Beach made national news by electing the first openly gay mayor in Orange County, Bob Gentry.

In addition, he has written for every major LGBT publication in the US as well as several others overseas. Or hang with the locals at The Saloon, located along historic Peppertree Lane, and which gives off more of a speakeasy vibe. Please remember to protect our tide pools — do not disturb or remove any marine life from these areas.  Continue your balanced morning with some fresh coffee from Succulent Coffee Roasters or Koffee Klatch.

Lunch

Make your way to South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar, for another sampling of Laguna Beach’s diverse ethic dining options.

And easy flat hike to Barbara’s Lake, the only fresh water lake in Orange County, is a great option.

By David Duran, award winning travel writer who has contributed to such publications as Travel+Leisure, Jetsetter, The New York Post, Fodor’s and Southbay Magazine.

gay laguna beach ca

The Rooftop Lounge offers a front row seat for a spectacular sunset in addition to a killer happy hour menu. Roughly a 1-acre center with about 10 tenant spaces, the rebranded art hub features Laguna Beach Beer Co. and McClain Cellars, serving up local brews and top notch wines. The bar celebrates diversity and inclusion and is a bar for everyone, with a really special history for the LGBTQ community.

There aren’t any shops or cafes around, so bring all the food, water, sunscreen and beverages you need for your visit.

If it’s 4th of July weekend, West Street Beach plays host to one of the biggest unofficial 4th of July gatherings for the LGBTQ community in Southern California.

Though Laguna is best known for its pristine beaches, its hills are threaded with a network of fantastic trails with sweeping, breathtaking views.

It’s a fantastic place to relax, mingle, skimboard, view the tide pools and play volleyball. Find him at mrdavidduran.com and @mrdavidduran.

LGBTQ Nightlife Guide

There was a time when Laguna Beach had its staple gay bars, which were a much needed presence during their reign of the beach city, and its very possible that in the future, more will make their way back to Laguna Beach, but until then, the city is filled with options galore.

The Seahorse

In 1926, a liquor store and a hardware store opened on the corner of Pearl Street and Pacific Coast Highway, and in 1946 it became its current namesake The Seahorse, which was actually Laguna Beach’s first gay bar.

Or visit The Deck, an open-air bar with fire pits and some of the best specialty cocktails on the beach.

Post Dinner Drinks

The Stateroom Bar provides a bit of history with your order with a series of drinks named in honor of other legendary Laguna Beach nightspots, like the now closed Boom Boom Room. The good news is, most everything is within a reasonable walking distance, so once you park your car, or get dropped off by your ride-share (which we suggest using), all of your options are within a close proximity, making it really easy to hop, skip or walk your way from bar to bar.

Today, The Seahorse celebrates diversity and inclusion as all are welcomed to enjoy the craft and micro brew beers, wines by the glass & bottle and creative bar food.

Evening

For those looking for a more romantic way to start the evening, head to West Street Beach, Laguna’s “gay beach” where you can sit on the sand and take in the sunset.

While hanging in the outside courtyard, and enjoy an array of murals.hivelagunaLaguna Beach Beer Company

Lunch

Continue with a beer-inspired lunch at Brussels Bistro (open for lunch Saturday and Sunday), an underground spot with European flare, famous for their Belgium beer and mussels. Once on Forest Avenue, stop by the famous Candy Baron, a place sure to put a smile on your face, for some sweet treats.

The city continued to be a haven and friendly place for the local LGBTQ community

During the day crowds flock to WEST STREET, the unofficial gay beach.

On May 9, 2017, the City of Laguna Beach presented the LGBT Heritage and Culture Committee with a proclamation recognizing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Heritage and Culture Month in Laguna Beach.

There are a set of stairs that lead down to the beach so be mindful that the only way off the beach is to climb back up the stairs, unless you walk along the coast to the nearby beaches where the main road is more accessible.

Or if you’re more inclined to continue with libations, head to The Rooftop Lounge (famous for their mojitos and 360-degree views) for sunset drinks.