Ultimate Gay Guide to Santa Monica & Venice Beach

There aren’t many resources for gay travelers focused specifically on Santa Monica, Venice, and the coast; however, this region is part of metro Los Angeles, which is one of the world’s centers of GLBT culture. Numerous gay newspapers and publications serve the general area, while West Hollywood serves as the hub of the region’s vibrant gay scene. Long Beach also boasts a distinctive gay culture near the coast.

For helpful resources, consider the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and popular gay newspapers such as Frontiers and Lesbian News. The Los Angeles Times is a prominent mainstream news source, while L.A. Weekly provides alternative news coverage.

For tourism information, check out the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau visitor site, which is an invaluable guide to the area. Since Venice is part of Los Angeles, you can gather more insights from the Los Angeles CVB visitor site, which has specific information on the L.A. Beach cities.

Getting to Know Santa Monica

From the ’30s until the ’50s, the section of Santa Monica just south of where Wilshire Boulevard hits Pacific Coast Highway was known as Queer Alley. Today, you’d never guess that this primarily straight area was once a bastion of gay culture, featuring bathhouses, cruising spots, and nude sunbathing. The Tropical Village, a large gay bar off the beach, attracted navy men and celebrities alike, including authors Christopher Isherwood and Stephen Spender. However, by the ’60s, with gentrification and police crackdowns, the area lost much of its appeal among the queer community.

While gay residents still play a significant role in Santa Monica, their presence is notably smaller compared to areas like West Hollywood and Silver Lake. That said, the community remains welcoming and liberal, along with a longstanding feminist culture. The ongoing influx of top-notch restaurants and beautifully designed hotels has made Santa Monica a favorite getaway for couples and beach lovers seeking a more laid-back experience of Los Angeles.

At the Santa Monica Pier and along a few blocks of Broadway, you’ll find arcades, gift shops, and vibrant—but occasionally touristy—attractions. Despite the crowds, the pier and oceanfront provide a pleasant strolling experience, featuring an aquarium, carousel, arcade, and the Pacific Park Amusement Park. Interestingly, Historic Route 66 officially ends its long journey from Chicago right by the pier.

Near the beach, downtown Santa Monica is bustling with lively dining and shopping options. The 3rd Street Promenade, a lively pedestrian mall south of Wilshire Boulevard, is not to be missed. It’s home to the fantastic Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, as well as the upscale Santa Monica Place shopping center anchored by major retailers. Along Montana Avenue, you’ll encounter reasonably priced boutiques, cafes, and coffeehouses, particularly between 7th and 20th streets.

Head south towards the Venice border to discover Ocean Park—one of L.A.’s best neighborhoods for walking. The stretch along Main Street, from Pico Boulevard to Marine Street, offers a blend of galleries, shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses. One standout is architect Frank Gehry’s Edgemar Center for the Arts, featuring a striking geometric design with cafes, shops, galleries, and courtyards.

Interior Santa Monica primarily serves as a bedroom community, but it’s worth the visit to check out the Santa Monica Museum of Art for contemporary exhibits. Additionally, explore Highways Performance Space, an acclaimed venue known for innovative dance, theater, and performance art, much of which is queer-produced.

Getting to Know Venice Beach

The Venice Beach area is vibrant, filled with hipsters, surfers, artists, and performers amidst its quaint streets. This neighborhood is often likened to L.A.’s East Village or even Haight-Ashbury by the sea, having been a haven for counter-culture during the ’50s and ’60s, welcoming avant-garde artists and graffiti experts, notably the late gay artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, in the ’80s. Secondhand clothing shops, piercing and tattoo parlors, health-food stores, and outdoor markets still line the beach roads, along with art galleries and theaters. The iconic 1.5-mile Venice Boardwalk offers some of California’s most colorful people-watching opportunities, showcasing street performers, fit gym-goers, and fortune-tellers. At the southern end, a 1,300-foot fishing pier juts into the sea, having been restored and reopened in 1997 after years of neglect.

The community, while less polished than Santa Monica, is still relatively stress-free. Notably, the trend factor on Abbot Kinney Boulevard has significantly increased over the past decade, with an array of noteworthy restaurants and hotels springing up.

However, Venice is not particularly car-friendly, with narrow streets and heavy weekend traffic making it best to park by the beach and explore on foot. While it had struggled with a reputation for crime until the mid-’90s, it has seen considerable improvements, particularly near the beach, where neighborhoods have been revitalized. Nonetheless, avoid leaving valuables in your car and stick to well-lit areas.

For a glimpse of Venice circa 1905—when the eccentric cigarette magnate Abbot Kinney developed this area to resemble Italy’s Venice—walk along Dell Avenue from Washington Street to Venice Boulevard. This path crosses several restored canal bridges, and many homes along the canals now sport little boats. This section comprises the Venice Canal Historic District.

The northern end of Venice, around Rose Avenue and Main Street, transitions into the trendy shopping and dining district of Ocean Park in Santa Monica.

Overview of Malibu and Pacific Palisades, Including Will Rogers Beach

North of Santa Monica lies miles of beautiful, largely undeveloped beaches, primarily encompassing the exclusive communities of Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

Will Rogers State Beach, located near the Santa Monica–Pacific Palisades line, is famed as one of the most popular gay beaches in greater Los Angeles. With a festive atmosphere on sunny days, the southern section of the beach is affectionately termed “Ginger Rogers Beach.” This locale, close to Patrick’s Roadhouse, serves as a gathering place, frequently bustling with volleyball players and sunbathing crowds on weekends. The area features a biking, jogging, and inline skating path spanning 20 miles, with bike rentals available at the Santa Monica Pier. A significant perk of Will Rogers State Beach is the usually available free parking along Pacific Coast Highway.

The rugged coastline that is now Malibu developed slowly until the late ’20s when affluent movie industry figures began exchanging rural estates for luxurious oceanfront homes. Unfortunately, this area can be prone to floods and mudslides, but it also boasts attractions like the Getty Villa, which replicates a 1st-century Roman villa and houses an impressive collection of Roman, Greek, and Etruscan artifacts. The gardens reflect those of ancient Rome, although admission is free with a $7 parking fee, but reservations are necessary in advance. The post-classical collection is displayed at the stunning Getty Center in nearby Brentwood.

Pacific Palisades transformed into a hotspot for artists and intellectuals during the 1920s through the 1940s, with many fleeing from the terrors of Nazi Germany. Remarkable homes from that era scatter the hills and canyons overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway, with winding roads like Chautauqua and Sunset boulevards ideal for soaking in the scenery.

Moreover, the Pacific Coast Highway extends further up through Malibu and Oxnard, ultimately connecting to U.S. 101, which leads to the picturesque region of Santa Barbara.

Exploring Coastal L.A., south of Venice Beach to Long Beach

South of Venice lies Marina del Rey, a coastal residential area filled with beach bars, houseboats, and open-air dining, though it lacks the artistic vibe of its northern neighbors. Further south, El Segundo is mostly overlooked, primarily crossing the paths of passengers traveling to and from LAX. Below this point, the neighborhoods of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach constitute middle-class suburbs, with the Dolphin, a notable gay bar located in Redondo Beach.

Before reaching Long Beach, the upscale and picturesque clifftop residences of Palos Verde Estates and the beautiful Rancho Palos Verdes present a stunning sight. Within Rancho Palos Verdes, amid lush greenery, the glass structure of Wayfarers Chapel, designed by architect Lloyd Wright, offers a serene experience. This area is also home to the luxurious Terranea Resort, one of Southern California’s most upscale resorts.

Moreover, farther east lies the commercial port district of San Pedro, opposite California’s sixth-largest city, Long Beach—a location known for its lively gay nightlife scene.

Long Beach established a deep-water port in 1925, quickly becoming one of the major shipping centers on the West Coast. With one of the largest gay communities in California, the town has a rich navy history dating back to World War II, contributing to its celebrated Pride event, held annually in late May.

If you recall the old ’80s dating game show Love Connection, you might remember someone saying, “We took the ferry to Catalina Island,” a resort island located about 20 miles from Long Beach. This beautiful getaway has long attracted visitors, including many from the gay community. A day trip to Catalina Island is a delightful experience. The village of Avalon, first recognized by gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., has a storied history as a gaming resort. Wrigley moved his Chicago Cubs spring training here, introducing a young sports reporter named Ronald Reagan to the joys of California. While not predominantly gay-centric, the island welcomes many GLBT visitors. Catalina Express operates approximately 30 ferries daily from Long Beach, with a one-hour travel time. Visitors can find information kiosks at Pleasure Pier in Avalon, and the island does offer several accommodations, including the gay-friendly Avalon Hotel.

Santa Monica and Venice Restaurant Guide

Border Grill, helmed by renowned lesbian chef Susan Feniger and her partner, Mary Sue Milliken, is a must-visit spot for those looking for creatively prepared contemporary Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes like adobo-roasted lamb tacos and chorizo-crusted mahi-mahi.

In addition to that, downtown Santa Monica boasts numerous culinary hotspots, including the stylish BOA, known for its decadent steaks, and the chic yet casual Blue Plate Oysterette, which specializes in fresh raw-bar offerings. For a taste of authentic Spanish tapas, you can’t miss Bar Pintxo. Meanwhile, Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen delights patrons with its curated wine list and farm-to-table dishes.

You’ll find additional casual dining spots along the 3rd Street Promenade pedestrian area, and if you visit on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, savor the fresh offerings of the renowned Santa Monica Farmers Market. For something relaxed, head over to Father’s Office, which is popular for its exceptional burgers and gastro-pub dishes.

Santa Monica is also home to several acclaimed French restaurants, including the Michelin two-star Melisse with its exquisite 10-course tasting menu. Keep an eye out for celebrities frequenting the venue. Alternatively, the classic Jiraffe is known for its superb dishes, while the historic Warszawa offers favored Polish cuisine, including renowned pierogis. For a unique experience, venture a few miles inland to the Santa Monica Airport, where Typhoon serves stellar Pan-Asian dishes with an airport view of small planes taking off and landing.

In Ocean Park, Main Street hosts numerous cafes and restaurants. The eclectic World Cafe is a popular brunch spot, while the easy-to-spot Wildflour is perfect for delicious pizzas. Cross into Venice to discover Rose Cafe & Market, where patrons can enjoy delicious sandwiches and baked goods in a welcoming atmosphere.

On trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard, 3 Square Cafe offers a modern twist, while Lilly’s serves up graciously prepared French dishes. Near the Venice boardwalk, 26 Beach Restaurant delivers an excellent dining experience.

After a day at the gay-friendly Will Rogers State Beach, dine at Gladstones Malibu for delightful seafood in an oceanfront setting or visit Patrick’s Roadhouse for classic diner fare.

Santa Monica and Venice Hotel Guide

Santa Monica offers a range of hotels, making it a superb spot for vacationing. Its proximity to the beach and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal base for your Los Angeles adventures, allowing you to escape the urban sprawl while enjoying the ocean.

For luxury and excellent service, the Loews Santa Monica Beach stands out with its spacious rooms featuring stunning ocean views. Its facilities include a large pool with ocean vistas and top-notch dining options. The hotel offers a full-service spa for relaxation.

A few blocks from both the beach and downtown, Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica rises above a peaceful residential neighborhood, boasting a chic aesthetic with modern amenities. Consider rooms with balconies that offer ocean views, while amenities include excellent on-site dining and a fitness center.

Other upscale properties to keep in mind are the elegant Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, offering both tower and garden accommodations, the trendy Viceroy Santa Monica, and the classic Georgian Hotel, a charming art deco hotel dating back to 1933.

For more budget-friendly options, check out the Wyndham Santa Monica at the Pier, conveniently located near the pier, and the affordable yet well-kept Travelodge Santa Monica Pico Boulevard.

While Venice has limited accommodations, the stylish Hotel Erwin is a beachfront boutique providing stunning views and a rooftop lounge. A more budget-friendly stay can be found at Inn at Venice Beach, located a short walk from the Boardwalk in a charming stucco building.

Additionally, in Marina del Rey, just south of Venice, the Jamaica Bay Inn offers a picturesque setting next to the bay with contemporary Caribbean-inspired decor, making it a hidden gem.

Lastly, for guests seeking luxury and serenity with easy access to Long Beach, the exquisite Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes is worth mentioning. Set on a scenic 102-acre bluff, it features luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, and an exceptional spa, providing a truly peaceful escape from city life.

Santa Monica and Venice Gay Nightlife Guide

The gay bars in greater L.A. are primarily clustered far from Santa Monica and Venice, located in West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, the San Fernando Valley, and Long Beach. However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a lively gay scene in Santa Monica and Venice.

Many of the local bars are found in trendy restaurants and hotels, such as the popular and stylish Otheroom in Venice—a brand recognized from its locations in Miami and NYC. Another sought-after spot is the charming High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin, a top location for enjoying breathtaking sunset views.

In terms of arts and cultural venues, Santa Monica’s Highways Performance Space and Gallery regularly features queer-themed performances, adding to its exhilarating art scene.

If you’re exploring the southern coastal regions, don’t miss Artesia Bar, a relaxed neighborhood hangout—the only notable GLBT establishment near Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. Many visitors often continue south to Long Beach, where several vibrant gay nightspots await, including Club Ripples, Silver Fox, and Hamburger Mary’s.