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LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY - California is considered one of the most liberal states when it comes to LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) rights. The state is dotted with diverse cities, and within these areas, there are also dozens of hotels, cafes, and entertainment venues that welcome all demographics and sexual orientations.
The Golden State is home to more than 2.7 million LGBTQ+ residents, has played a crucial role in supporting gay rights in the country and is also the most queer-friendly holiday destination in the US.
One surprising establishment that welcomes all players is the California Grand Casino, located in the “Gay Capital of the US”, San Francisco. This casino is open 24/7, making it a prime destination whether you’re in the city for a night or a week. It offers a variety of casino games, including poker, blackjack, and slots—and you’ll find better odds here than in Vegas.
Of course, going to the casino is not the only way to enjoy gambling in California; there are online options available if you can’t get to an LGBTQ-friendly casino. If you’re wondering is online casino legal in California?, you can head to any of the reputable sites available within the state that are licenced elsewhere. Although these sites cannot be licenced in California itself, they are based offshore and hold licences in their respective jurisdictions instead. Here you can enjoy live poker games without fear of being judged for your life choices.
In June, California really comes alive. Thousands of people head to Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Long Beach for pride marches and celebrations. Supportive businesses drape colorful flags on their shop fronts, and the cities come alive. During this time, many hotels show their gay-friendly statuses.
In San Francisco, the Parker Guest House and the Joie de Vivre Hotels (The Laurell Inn and Hotel Kabuki) are known to be gay-friendly establishments. While in the city, you can head over to the GLBT History Museum to learn more about the gay movement in the city, or go on the Cruisin the Castro walking tour. And at night, the Twin Peaks Tavern is a popular destination for those new to the gay scene.
San Diego is another popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, with the Balboa Park neighborhood the hub of it all. You can get watered and fed at the proudly gay Hillcrest Brewing Company or head over to The Rail, the oldest gay bar in the city. There are also plenty of gay-friendly hotels that are open to all kinds of travelers.
Guerneville in Northern California is not as popular as the larger cities for LGBTQ+ travelers, but there are plenty of establishments here that will open their doors to you, no matter who you love. It is the perfect romantic destination, so head over to the Highlands Resort, Boon Hotel, or The Stavrand for a honeymoon feel and a friendly atmosphere. The Bar at the R3 Hotel has also been a favorite haunt for the LGBTQ+ crowd for many years.
It will come as no surprise to many that Southern California is incredibly liberal. In West Hollywood (Los Angeles), just shy of 40% of the population identifies as queer, which is why there are so many bars, hotels, and stores that cater to everyone. The Abbey is one of the most iconic gay bars in the area, and L.A. Pride is the perfect night out for drag queens and LGBTQ+ allies.
Palm Springs, an hour from Los Angeles, also boasts a large gay population (around 50% of the residents). The area is represented by a LGBTQ+ city council, which shows the queer-friendliness of this city. Unsurprisingly, there are also several gay-friendly resorts in the desert. The CCBC Men’s Resort is a clothing-optional gay resort for men that attracts thousands each year. The Hacienda at Warm Sands is also a gay male resort that is popular in the region.
There is also no shortage of cafes in California that don't discriminate. In LA there is Oakberry Acai, Coffee Connection and Stories Books and Cafe, while San Diego offers Gossip Girl, Baja Betty’s and Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill if you get a bit hungry. Long Beach is not to be left out, with Wide Eyes Open Palms, Scary Good Coffee, and Wood Coffee Co. all welcoming the LGBTQ+ community.
Wherever you go in California, you are almost guaranteed to find a queer-friendly hotel, restaurant, resort, or resident to make you feel at home.
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