California has always held an irresistible allure – from the beauty and refinement of the north to the endless sun and fun of the south. It is the ideal escape for romantics and families, adventurers and dreamers, anyone and everyone.
In the Los Angeles area there’s so much to capture your imagination. Find out what’s really behind the silver screen at the many movie studios. Catch the hottest celebrities as you visit the exclusive shops of Beverly Hills. Or take in the natural magnificence of Malibu.
San Diego is a paradise of sunny days where you can monkey around at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or visit impressive naval ships and colorful sailboats down by the pier. And the magnificent resort of Palm Springs is a beautiful desert oasis of swimming, entertainment and championship golf.
Head north to the dramatic beauty of San Francisco and ride the famous cable cars, dine on seafood chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf and walk the corridors of Alcatraz prison. The rolling hills of Sonoma are the perfect romantic backdrop for sampling delectable homegrown wines and taking in the beauty all around you.
It’s time to make your own dreams come true – and head to the sunny Pacific shores of glorious California.
The California sun shines on its gay community, offering a nice range of LGBT vacation opportunities.
Of course, any conversation must start with breathtaking San Francisco. The city’s gay population is young and professional, but quite extensive. While gays and lesbians are settled throughout the city, there are definite hot spots like the area south of Market Street, the Mission District, Pacific Heights, nearby Berkeley and Noe Valley. World-famous Castro Street is more diverse than in the past, but it’s still the hub of San Francisco’s gay culture. Not far to the north, the mellow Sonoma Valley is perfect for escaping the city life, touring a vineyard and sampling America’s best wines.
When you get to Los Angeles jump in your convertible, put on your sunglasses and get ready for your close-up. Hitting the gay big-time in LA means being seen in the gay centers of West Hollywood and Santa Monica Boulevard. Also check out the gay scene in the Silverlake District, the Valley, Long Beach and LA’s western beaches. If you’re up for a scenic drive, the gay resort of Laguna Beach is about 90 minutes away.
Thanks in large part to a gay influx, Palm Springs has once again become a hot year-round resort town. In autumn, you can catch the annual Gay Pride Parade, Gay Rodeo and the LGBT Leather Pride. Be a part of the popular Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, or enjoy Palm Springs during Easter week for the White Party and celebrate. |
