If we could choose to live anywhere in California, it would be San Diego. The winters are just that bit warmer than LA – you can still hang out poolside or on the beach on most winter days, yet the summer escapes the fierce heat. It’s a good gay and lesbian destination with the Hillcrest neighbourhood being the centre of the gay coffee shops, bars and clubs.
There’s plenty to do in San Diego with Sea World and a historic city centre. A trip over the border into the Mexican town of Tijuana makes a good day out but take a bus as rental cars must not be taken into Mexico. If you fancy the beach, Black’s Beach is the centre of gay and lesbian life.
Besides being a great place for a short break, we also feature San Diego because it makes an excellent third destination in a Southern California triangle of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. With 4 nights in West Hollywood, 7 nights in Palm Springs and 3 nights in San Diego, you can have a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation with a wide range of bars and clubs and no more than three hours driving between each centre.