Gay Santa Cruz is actually fun under the sun, counterculture middle. a seaside city washed by salty Pacific environment and sandwiched within towering redwoods and fantastic sand coastlines.



Using its gorgeous wood boardwalk and long wharf of eateries and shops that stretches into Monterey Bay, it’s easy to see the charm for almost any customer of the leftie-liberal utopia.

Gay travelers to Santa Cruz are but going to have a hassle-free check out, simply don’t count on insane
Las Vegas lifestyle
because the excessively easygoing mindset and hippie vibes of Santa Cruz have actually in fact remaining the town significantly ‘post-gay’ and without any genuine requirement for a dedicated gay bar.

Fortunately this void inside the queer area happens to be filled by an exciting and well-organized Santa Cruz gay community that organizes lots of activities all through the year.

With rugged hills to hike, increasing redwoods and crashing surf coastlines, you are going to end up being too tired to really spend all evening dance – however if you want, Santa Cruz houses the University of Ca Santa Cruz (UCSC), you never will be lacking a party!

You’re as expected to scrub shoulders with Silicon Valley millionaires as students and hippy stoners, but telling the real difference gets more and more difficult continuously.

The greatest gay events all are positioned around Santa Cruz Gay Pride, used annually in June –  a genuine highlight if you can occasion your vacation properly.  In any event, definitely impede, embrace the calm coastline life style and enjoy the bohemian vibes of Gay Santa Cruz.



Are you relocating? This guide will help people find the queerer region of the city. But if you find yourself fortunate enough getting deciding on a move right here, I encourage checking out our article about
relocating to Santa Cruz
or


phoning a local gay agent


. Capable happily present no-obligation guidance as well as the info you’ll previously need to know regarding your brand new area.


Assuming you then desire their own assist to get a hold of your perfect home, you might be assured reasonable, equal, and sincere representation. No surprises or embarrassing discussions are essential!

In this specific article we shall include…



Gay-Friendly Destinations in Santa Cruz


The Santa Cruz tourism world is actually booming on multiple fronts due to the attractive beaches, diverse nature, laid-back vibes and distance on the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland place. Our favorite thoughts in Santa Cruz were
examining the durable coastal range with a rental vehicle,
wandering the boardwalk at sunset and dancing the evening away with brand new friends.

Oh, and don’t forget those large redwoods! However… it can help to own some kind of idea of what is happening, therefore here are the most useful activities to do in Santa Cruz according to us!  Though there are lots
much more activities right here
if you don’t like our very own tastes…


Gay Beach In Santa Cruz CA

There are no formal homosexual coastlines in Santa Cruz, but Bonny Doon Beach, Trestle seashore and Laguna Creek seashore are popular with meet older gay men, particularly the nude part. Each is quite peaceful and somewhat stunning.


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Wander the renowned amusement playground on a coastline, with many video games, trips and a sandy coastline. Don’t skip the 1911 Looff Carousel plus the monster Dipper roller coaster.


Downtown Santa Cruz

Wander around Pacific Avenue to find weird cafes, art galleries, and fun vintage purchasing – and possibly stop-off for a beverage or two!


All-natural Bridges Condition Seashore

A beautiful natural development the place to find a good amount of sea lions and shorebirds with an enjoyable beach. Monterey Bay – desire to log in to a boat and explore this huge bay with year-round sundown cruises & excursions to observe aquatic existence, such as migrating humpback sharks.


Santa Cruz Wharf

A pier that seems to increase permanently out in to the ocean has become filled up with stores, fish restaurants and adorable water lions.


Steamer Lane

a famous surfing place that’s been pumping for almost a century. View benefits deal with the surf or look at the browsing art gallery in a historic lighthouse regarding the cliffs across the street.


Henry Cowell Redwoods Condition Park

Walk amongst leaders within spectacular natural park supplying hiking, picnicking or hiking. Never to be skipped!


Big Sur Journey

Perhaps one of the most breathtaking drives in the world; it’s a complete day, but
employ an auto
and head south to take the simply wonderful shoreline between San Simeon and Carmel. Appear away from basic instinct of Santa Cruz, and you will get a hold of things concealed in plain picture: durable hills, majestic redwoods, vibrant communities, and much more.


Surf Instructions

No day at Santa Cruz would be comprehensive without at the very least providing the swells a test. Find out the tips of tips paddle around, pop-up, balance, and catch a wave, combined with searching decorum and knowing the water. At the least, you are sure to spot loads of lovely guys (and girls).



Gay-Friendly and Gay Resorts in Santa Cruz


LGBT tourist is actually booming in Santa Cruz, and almost every resort and hostel in Santa Cruz can be viewed gay-friendly. All things considered, getting gay-friendly just isn’t exactly about upscale luxury, but about friendly and available solution and inviting every person with open arms.

With that said, it really is completely normal to need as in the middle of like-minded men and women, and therefore, various places in Santa Cruz have actually a great reputation as places for homosexual tourists to stay – it seems everyone else wants to follow developments! Though there are many
various other accommodations in Santa Cruz you might give consideration to
, these options are the nearest to a homosexual resort in Santa Cruz.

Remaining central within walking distance regarding the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk together with Santa Cruz downtown is perfect – though we found many nearby mountain retreats we actually liked the look of. Regardless of where you determine to remain, its smart to reserve since far ahead as you can because occupancy rates in Santa Cruz are really with demand regularly exceeding source.

Competition helps to keep costs from differing extreme – but top quality varies. As one leading resort in Santa Cruz told all of us four weeks earlier, ‘Oh, that is sweet you imagine we still have availableness’… Whether you desire a fun and social hostel, a cheap but personal location to freeze after every night of partying or a smart luxury option with a pool to expend a single day lying by, Gay Santa Cruz is an activity for everyone!


Fantasy Inn Santa Cruz â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Sure it’s not an exclusively homosexual hotel in Santa Cruz, but this is certainly our very own number 1 choice whenever remaining in town. A lavish resort right o Cowell coastline with an all-natural, relaxed atmosphere and amazing ocean views.

Things are moments out since the lodge is literally involving the Santa Monica Boardwalk plus the coastline! Retro-chic design, big swimming pool, therefore the grateful Hour cocktails in the legendary Jack O’Neill Lounge mean we have been only dying in order to get straight back here!!


Chaminade Resort & Spa â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Remaining in Santa Cruz is actually over-rated, only head a little out-of-town and revel in a blissful mountain escape with unparallel views on the forest and out to the price. Large, clean rooms, a number of nature, a short drink to all the the tourist attractions and a spa that is described as the 8th ponder around the world.


Hotel Paradox, Autograph Range â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A boutique lodge in Santa Cruz offers a combination of natural and urban concept aspects. Gay-popular, with daring modern rooms – We appreciated the complimentary hire of cruiser bicycles, outside firepits, poolside cocktails and cozy exclusive cabanas – plus adults-only swim instances!

Delicious on-site eating within Solaire Restaurant + club, all green variations comprehensive the bundle.


Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A beautiful retreat nestled in a redwood woodland with homely vibes. Only some moments drive from the well-known Santa Cruz Boardwalk plus the homosexual nightlife in Santa Cruz. We adored the relaxing interior spaces, forest views, heated outside swimming pool and exclusive whirlpool tubs in rooms!


Seashore Street Inn and Suites â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A boutique hotel throughout the beach that has withstood a thorough remodelling recently. Breathtaking modern rooms with ocean opinions, a big children’s pool and also the sexy Picnic Basket café on-site.


Continental Inn â˜†â˜†

An elementary hotel with an alluring area around and surprisingly breathtaking rooms. Photos tend to be accurate, and you also won’t be disappointed – especially as they likewise have on offer an outside share and hot spa. The very best budget hotel in Santa Cruz with exceptional critiques.


The Islander Motel â˜†â˜†

Close to Santa Cruz seashore and Boardwalk and just several blocks from the nightlife, the Islander Motel is actually a great time through the last. With unfussy, standard furnishings, a current renovation and also the lowest prices in town. Throw in a seasonal backyard pool and free of charge breakfast/parking, while are unable to really whine.



Gay Nightlife in Santa Cruz


Although Santa Cruz is actually an university area – it appears most of the queers are too active studying or experiencing the beautiful character nearby, since there are not any much longer any gay taverns in Santa Cruz…Not a single one!

Thank goodness, however, we make the hard gardens to determine the the majority of gay-friendly or mixed bar, but we must state Santa Cruz is fairly ‘post-gay’, and now we thought pleasant every where.

With 75% per cent regarding the population getting liberally-minded, we can’t envision you have more issues in just about any club than might in other liberal villages in America like Austin – in case you really would like to discover your gay household, you might approach around these
LGBTQ occasions in Santa Cruz.


Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Santa Cruz


The Blue Lounge

The nearest thing to a homosexual bar in Santa Cruz. Really diverse audience with gays, some metalheads and college guys. It all exercise! Great karaoke, inexpensive alcohol, dark colored divey-ambiance plus some really cool occasions, like the periodic burlesque and pull evenings.


Blue Lagoon Cocktail Lounge

Another very varied area with a cool, contemporary group. LGBT is actually well-liked by low priced beverages, a large club and a pool dining table area giving it the true traditional bar sense. Nothing extravagant – but do not care about considering that the rates match.


Motiv

Probably the finest nightclub in Santa Cruz, which, many years ago, used to be a gay club also known as Dakota. It’s really not anymore, but it’s often the the majority of buzzing place in city, with a busy dancing floor and enjoyable cocktails.


515 Kitchen & Cocktails

In case you are sick of the college student world, this enjoyable beverage bar is perfect for a grown-up particular date of the conversation. Cool balcony and patio upstairs (and tasty food if you are hungry).


Front & Cooper

An awesome place in downtown Abbott Square definitely types of undetectable away. Here is the bar for a hipster vibe with an excellent G&T (we liked the number 4) and also sectioned off into a beer/wine club and a cocktail club. We love the post-industrial modern-day vibes and skilled cocktail makers.


The Red Area

A comfortable ambiance which takes the purple motif a little far – but the UCSC pupils seem to like it. Wonderful mixture of interior and traditional stone, powerful beverages and a fireplace. The most perfect destination to organize to fulfill in a casual setting.


Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

Certainly, micro-brewing is gradually taking over society, however if you are a beer enthusiast, you have to click here. Rave evaluations, outstanding choice of all-organic beer and a fantastic sampling area. It’s also a very good complex together with other businesses around being well worth discovering.



Gay Activities in Santa Cruz


While the homosexual bars of Santa Cruz may be non-existent, there is certainly nonetheless a strong and prideful area here very often organizes activities for any LGBT community. We cannot probably maintain them all, but there are a few associated with longest-running and ongoing gay events in Santa Cruz – either once a week, month-to-month or annually.

People in Santa Cruz are casual but extremely inviting, so when you decide to choose check out, you may be virtually certain to discover anything somewhere (or check out the
Santa Cruz LGBT events Twitter web page)


Queer Grads Pupil Nights Out

Happening on the 3rd Thursday of every thirty days in case your learning right here or a going to student willing to link, they satisfy at 8: 30-10: 30 pm @ Seabright Brewery. Seasonal, therefore
get in contact to confirm.


Fab Tuesday’s

a monthly homosexual meet-up for men is actually hosted in almost any sites around Santa Cruz. Usually a good some time perfect for induction inside gay scene of Santa Cruz.


HOMOtiv

A Santa Cruz Weekly LGBTQIA grateful hr is actually used during the Motiv dancing Club every Saturday at 3.30 pm. This really is one way to get cheap drinks, begin every night out very early and have a great time along with your new queer family members.


Sin Sisters Burlesque

Famous during these parts, this fabulous burlesque tv show happen throughout the 2nd Saturday of every thirty days at 9 pm. Extremely popular with residents during the LGBT community, but we might get simply to see these ladies actually in operation.


LezCruz

a personal neighborhood for lesbians who live and work with Santa Cruz and Monterey County areas and variety different events all through the year. Feel free to seek advice and help here from your neighborhood siblings.


Santa Cruz Variety Center

A really active society center working numerous occasions and programs targeted at helping the neighborhood LGBTQ+ area. Perhaps one of the most well-organized we come across. A majority of their activities focus on helping local youthfulness through support groups but inspect their internet site as several others appear once in a while.


Surf City Helps Ride

A longtime community custom to increase funds to guide males, females and kids who are HIV-positive staying in Santa Cruz. Every person from professional sports athletes to casual cyclists is actually welcome. An excellent enjoyable option to explore the beautiful streets of this Central Coast (from redwoods to shores!).


Dyke Trans March

For twenty five years, this rally has brought place on the Saturday before Santa Cruz as is a poignant reminder that queer room isn’t optional. Additionally there is a Pink Party presented after at Bocci’s Cellar!


Santa Cruz Pride Parade & Festival

A wonderful parade through Santa Cruz whenever the gay community reaches their the majority of noticeable. Now within the 44th year, this is certainly one event in Gay Santa Cruz to plan your trip around – held from the third Sunday of June – and we also really hope to attend twelve months quickly! After the procession, you have the Pride Festival which includes LGBTQ artists, talked word music artists, as well as other performers.



Gay Bath Home &


Gay Saunas In Santa Cruz


Sadly for people seeking to spice up your homosexual seaside trip – Discover at this time no homosexual spa in Santa Cruz. We think everyone is right here only to unwind or perhaps is pleased with conference gay Santa Cruz guys via hookup apps or even in homosexual taverns.

Any time you consider your self a little bit of a homosexual sauna connoisseur, you will give consideration to putting some 45-minute drive to San Jose, that has the nearest gay sauna, The Watergarden. Should you decide only want to satisfy other dudes in calm environment, you could test the
Santa Cruz Queer Hikers Club,
the
Wednesday Night Gay Volleyball
meet-ups or perhaps the
monthly Fab Friday social class
of Santa Cruz Gay Men.



Gay Map Of Santa Cruz


Locating it tough to imagine where all things are in Santa Cruz? Ideally, this queer-centric chart assists where we have marked most of the bars, clubs, events, hotels, hot rooms, massage treatments and much more will help you to stay-in the location ideal to you!