San Diego Gay and Lesbian Vacations
Your gay San Diego vacation
California’s second-largest city is defined by its geography, with stunning beaches lining its coast to mountains and deserts inland to its border with Mexico. And beyond its family-friendly attractions -- among them the world-famous San Diego Zoo, its safari-like Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld and Legoland in nearby Carlsbad -- the city is quickly becoming known for its sophisticated hotels, dining and nightlife. The city is young and athletic, with pronounced student, military and surfer populations.
Featured Hotels
LGBT-welcoming San Diego hotels
Historic all-suite hotel near Balboa ParkSitting on the edge of Balboa Park, the seven-story Park Manor is an independently owned, all-suite boutique hotel. The building itself dates back to 1926 and interior arches and moldings invoke a simpler time. Rooms are modern and spacious; even standard room measure 525 square... More
Andaz San Diego a Hyatt Hotel
San Diego, California
Includes bkfast, tickets to harbor cruise for 2
Urban chic stay in the Gaslamp District Located downtown in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Andaz San Diego is in the heart of the shopping, dining and entertainment hub. Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, mini bars and free luxury car service in the downtown area. The hotel features valet parking, a... More
Chic hotel with spa and open-air lounge near Gaslamp QuarterThe swanky W San Diego sits on the doorstep of the Gaslamp Quarter, one of the most happening neighborhoods in all of San Diego. The property features many of the same amenities found at other W hotels. The spa, AWAY, offers treatments designed to detoxify... More
Asian-influenced luxury at downtown hotelMove into luxury and sophisticated, art-filled style at Palomar San Diego a Kimpton Hotel at the gateway to the Gaslamp District. Rooms are modern and sophisticated. The on-site spa invites you to relax and rejuvenate in remarkable style. The hotel boasts a swanky rooftop pool... More
Historic resort in heart of Mission ValleyBuilt in 1954, the Handlery is centrally located near many of San Diego's most popular attractions. Guests enjoy a luxurious swimming pool and complimentary shuttle service to Old Town and Sea World. The hotel also sits next to the 27-hole Riverwalk Golf Course and Driving... More
Modern boutique hotel with views of PacificHotel La Jolla a Kimpton Hotel welcomes discerning travelers to a contemporary boutique oasis overlooking the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla. The resort is situated less than eight blocks from the water's edge, a short walk to downtown La Jolla and a short drive to Torrey Pines Golf... More
Historic luxury hotel with restaurant in heart of San Diego A luxury 5-star hotel, the US Grant is situated in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and features a variety of high-class amenities. Built in the early 1900s, the exclusive landmark building has been a popular location for dignitaries and celebrities. Find... More
Boutique hotel with free Wi-Fi near the heart of Gaslamp DistrictSophisticated and swanky, the Hotel Indigo San Diego sits on the edge of the city's most exciting neighborhood: The Gaslamp District. This modern hotel is within walking distance to restaurants, bars and a variety of other attractions. All guests receive... More
Sophisticated elegance in Gaslamp with business center and yogaThe Sofia Hotel was designed for business travelers. Guests enjoy the 24-hour business and fitness centers and 24-hour health center with yoga studio. Other convenience-oriented amenities in this sophisticated and elegant property include mini refrigerators,... More
Big, yet intimate at Gaslamp District hotel with shoppingDon't let the size of The Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego fool you. Though the hulking property boasts 450 rooms, the lodging experience is intimate and cozy. Many rooms have striking views of San Diego Bay. The hotel sits adjacent to Horton Plaza, one of the... More
Sprawling luxury near shores of Mission Bay with spa and water slidesThe Hyatt Regency occupies prime real estate along the shores of Mission Bay, giving guests panoramic views of the water at every turn. The property, renovated in 2010, consists of three separate buildings that flank three outdoor pools. The luxury... More
Familiar luxury in Gaslamp Quarter with rooftop loungeSituated right next to Petco Park, the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter offers familiar comforts in a small and intimate setting. The property underwent extensive renovations in 2009 and 2010 and emerged with an updated, sophisticated look. Indoor public spaces are... More
Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall
San Diego, California
Save 25% on your stay
All-suite high-rise accommodation with vistas above San Diego Symphony Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall is built atop the Symphony Hall itself, where elevators shuttle guests from the ground-level foyer to the sleek 12th-floor lobby. Amenities include an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, and modern lobby... More
Situated adjacent to the 18th green of San Diego's championship Torrey Pines Golf Course, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is set within 6.5 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Torrey Pines cliffs in La Jolla, California. In keeping with the early 1900s Craftsman-inspired style, rooms and suites feature custom-designed... More
Waterfront hotel feature spectacular views and lush garden There's no shortage of things to keep you busy at the Catamaran Resort & Spa. The property gardens house more than 1,000 plants and dozens of exotic birds. Treatment options abound at the Catamaran Spa. The Atoll, the on-site restaurant, serves seafood and a... More
Luxury Mission Bay hotel on private peninsula with seal poolSituated on its own 14-acre peninsula in Mission Bay, the Bahia Resort Hotel exudes privacy. The hotel dates back to the 1950s. Today it features a tropical garden and a seal pool with two seals on loan from the San Diego Zoological Society. The hotel also owns... More
Distinctive grandeur blends with splendid comfort and Old World styleBritt Scripps Inn is a Victorian establishment with 24-hour butler service. The emphasis is on intimate grandeur and is an experience beyond the usual bed-and-breakfast. Stay here and be transported to another time when service was elegant and the decor... More
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
San Diego, California
Rate includes breakfast
The newest Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle in San Diego, features the latest, contemporary Courtyard hotel design and amenities. You'll find easy-to-use technology, inspired dining, relaxing guest rooms and a sophisticated vibe. Whether traveling for business or play, you'll experience a... More
Family-friendly hotel near Sea World with discount tickets and poolFew hotels are as fun as the Kings Inn. The property, located minutes from Sea World and the San Diego Zoo is decorated in a medieval theme. Kings Inn has a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi tub. Two on-site restaurants specialize in family-friendly cuisine... More
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Coronado, California
Spa Package includes Treatments & Breakfast
With stunning views of the San Diego skyline across the Bay from our hotel, Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa offers a comfortable atmosphere for relaxation and renewal. Our Coronado resort welcomes guests with its many luxurious on-site features, including a full-service health spa, convenience to beautiful sandy... More
Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center is the best value in downtown San Diego. All rooms include free full hot breakfast featuring eggs, meat, fresh-made waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit & pastries. All rooms include free high speed Internet, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, free bottle water,... More
Taste of Europe in San Diegoās Little Italy with rooftop yogaLocated in the heart of San Diego's modest Little Italy neighborhood, the Porto Vista Hotel offers a taste of Europe. The Mediterranean style hotel features an interior open-air courtyard and spacious rooms. All guests receive, complimentary Wi-Fi,... More
Best in Stay
LGBT Best in Stay San Diego hotels
Historic luxury hotel with restaurant in heart of San Diego A luxury 5-star hotel, the US Grant is situated in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and features a variety of high-class amenities. Built in the early 1900s, the exclusive landmark building has been a popular location for dignitaries and celebrities. Find... More
Asian-influenced luxury at downtown hotelMove into luxury and sophisticated, art-filled style at Palomar San Diego a Kimpton Hotel at the gateway to the Gaslamp District. Rooms are modern and sophisticated. The on-site spa invites you to relax and rejuvenate in remarkable style. The hotel boasts a swanky rooftop pool... More
Boutique hotel with free Wi-Fi near the heart of Gaslamp DistrictSophisticated and swanky, the Hotel Indigo San Diego sits on the edge of the city's most exciting neighborhood: The Gaslamp District. This modern hotel is within walking distance to restaurants, bars and a variety of other attractions. All guests receive... More
Sophisticated elegance in Gaslamp with business center and yogaThe Sofia Hotel was designed for business travelers. Guests enjoy the 24-hour business and fitness centers and 24-hour health center with yoga studio. Other convenience-oriented amenities in this sophisticated and elegant property include mini refrigerators,... More
Inn at the Park
San Diego, California
Limited Time OfferĀ Save at least 10% on your stay
Historic all-suite hotel near Balboa ParkSitting on the edge of Balboa Park, the seven-story Park Manor is an independently owned, all-suite boutique hotel. The building itself dates back to 1926 and interior arches and moldings invoke a simpler time. Rooms are modern and spacious; even standard room measure 525 square... More
Distinctive grandeur blends with splendid comfort and Old World styleBritt Scripps Inn is a Victorian establishment with 24-hour butler service. The emphasis is on intimate grandeur and is an experience beyond the usual bed-and-breakfast. Stay here and be transported to another time when service was elegant and the decor... More
Beautiful minimalistic architecture reflects tranquil beachfront locationPacific Beach is one of the premier California beaches and Tower 23 Hotel is on its breathtaking doorstep. The architectural design captures the essence of the beachfront location. Clean lines of glass glow sweetly by day and night define the... More
Flights
| Departure | Arrival | Travel dates | Round-trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | San Diego | Thu, Jun 6 - Tue, Jun 11 | $186 |
| Chicago | San Diego | Sat, Jul 20 - Wed, Aug 14 | $298 |
| Minneapolis | San Diego | Sat, Jul 20 - Wed, Jul 24 | $308 |
| Seattle | San Diego | Tue, Jun 11 - Sat, Jun 15 | $165 |
| New York | San Diego | Mon, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 19 | $266 |
| Washington DC | San Diego | Wed, Jun 19 - Thu, Jun 20 | $362 |
| San Francisco | San Diego | Tue, Jun 4 - Sat, Jun 8 | $118 |
| Baltimore | San Diego | Wed, Jun 12 - Wed, Jun 19 | $390 |
| Philadelphia | San Diego | Thu, May 30 - Tue, Jun 4 | $261 |
| Boston | San Diego | Wed, Jun 5 - Mon, Jun 10 | $212 |
| Indianapolis | San Diego | Thu, May 30 - Tue, Jun 4 | $285 |
| Milwaukee | San Diego | Wed, May 29 - Fri, May 31 | $216 |
Why book on Orbitz?
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Miss Richfield 1981 says it best in this video—not all travel sites are created equal. When you book on Orbitz, your travel dollars work harder. Here’s why:
- We’re the ONLY leading travel agency with a perfect Corporate Equality Index Score from the Human Rights Campaign, with two GLAAD Media awards to boot.
- We’re the ONLY leading travel site with filters for hotel reviews by other LGBT travelers.
- We feature the top gay-friendly accommodations, including Best in Stay hotels and gay resorts.
- We’re proud sponsors of many LGBT charities and events, year after year.
San Diego highlights
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Landmarks
Areas every visitor should see include downtown’s revitalized and historic Gaslamp Quarter, historic Coronado Island and its famous Hotel Del Coronado (where the drag romp Some Like it Hot was filmed) and historic Old Town with its Spanish colonial architecture.
Massive museums
Right near downtown, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in America. Here you can while away a few days alone exploring the San Diego Museum of Art, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Centro Cultural de la Raza, the Museum of Man, Mingei International Museum and the Museum of Photographic Arts.
LGBT community
Many visitors are surprised at the size of San Diego’s LGBT scene. Hillcrest, the epicenter of San Diego’s gay community, dates back as a queer haven to the 1960s. But the city has a number of gay enclaves, including University Heights, Normal Heights and North Park, all with LGBT bars and restaurants. Visit in the third week of July for the town’s huge Pride festival, with an outdoor dance party at the San Diego Zoo.
Insider tips for San Diego gay travel
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Combine San Diego with a grand tour of Southern California
San Diego is enough of a destination on its own, but the local tourism board has launched an ambitious gay and lesbian campaign with Palm Springs and West Hollywood to create a “pink triangle” tour of SoCal.
Plan in advance for summer
San Diego hotel rates can increase during the summer (roughly late May through late August), and reserving months in advance is a good idea. Keep in mind that weather is better in late summer than early summer, when skies can be overcast.
Avoid LAX
Even though you may get better airfare deals flying into LA, the money saved is usually not worth making the drive through traffic. A number of low-cost carriers serve San Diego’s less crowded and pleasant airport.