Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in Long Beach, CA — 55 LGBTQ+ Spots

Open from 4pm to 2am on weekdays and noon to 2am on weekends, this dive bar in downtown Long Beach pours strong drinks and plays music videos on the TVs. It also features go-go boys and strippers, with karaoke happening occasionally. The crowd is mixed, with some reviews noting a significant straight female presence on certain nights. Happy hour and outdoor seating are available, and the bartenders are known for friendly service.

A mellow, down-to-earth crowd fills The Brit, a no-attitude pub in Downtown Long Beach. This English-style spot has pool tables, arcade games, and reasonably priced drinks. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, with outdoor seating and patrons who are more about good conversation than posing. It's a real neighborhood hangout.

Mineshaft is open daily from 11am to 2am, making it a reliable stop any time of day or night. This Levis and leather bar has been family owned since 1974, offering a no-attitude dive with a pool table, jukebox, and outdoor seating. The crowd is local and casual. It's known as a cruising spot, keeping things low-key. Drinks are reasonably priced. Best nights are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. If you want more energy, nearby Hamburger Mary's Long Beach nightclub has drag shows.

A three-level video dance club that's the largest gay bar in Long Beach. Each floor has its own vibe, so you can move between dancing, karaoke, and hanging out. Formerly a steakhouse, it's been a gay club for 35 years. Happy hour runs daily, and there's a full bar plus free wifi. Best nights are Thursday through Saturday. Check out the tacos out front during Latin night. New owners Robert and Lenny keep the spot welcoming for all.

This cyber-cafe draws a crowd that's more men than women, described as mixed and 'gorgeous.' The free wifi and comfy sofas make it a go-to for remote work or meeting friends. Coffee and chai lattes are the standouts; the hot chocolate gets high marks too. Outdoor seating is popular but smokers dominate the sunny side.

If you want a lively mix of food, drinks, and drag, Hamburger Mary's Long Beach fits. This restaurant by day turns into a hopping nightclub with two full bars, a big dance floor, and nightly drag shows. Weekend drag brunch brings bottomless mimosas with a breakfast buffet. Owner Dale Warner is deeply involved in local charity, a Pride Grand Marshall. Reviews mention service inconsistencies and high drink prices, so keep an eye on your tab. It's open late Thu through Sat, with T-girl Tuesday drawing a solid crowd.

The scent of salt air mixes with the buzz of shoppers along Second Street, Belmont Shore's main drag. This super strip of shopping packs more boutiques, bookstores, and galleries than many larger city sections. You'll find 2nd Street Beauty, Rainbows Fine Jewelry, Fingerprints, Color Me Mine, and Buffalo Exchange among its offerings. It's a mixed gay-straight scene, dog friendly, and great for finding clothing, books, music, gifts, and gay paraphernalia. Hours vary, so check before you go. If you're after second-hand finds, Buffalo Exchange is a local go-to. Weekday mornings are quieter if you prefer a relaxed browse. Regulars know to park on side streets or near Ocean Avenue. For more queer shopping, nearby Out of the Closet in Long Beach is worth a stop.

Falcon reopened with outdoor seating and food from Thai Silk next door. This cash-only dive bar is small — around 35 by 20 feet — so it gets tight fast. The jukebox and karaoke keep things lively, and the casual crowd leans local. It's best on weekends, especially during Pride when the whole Broadway strip fills up. If you're bar-hopping, Falcon sits near other spots like Sweetwater Saloon. Bring cash and expect a packed, friendly room.

You might expect a burger chain to feel generic, but Hamburger Mary's leans hard into campy drag-show energy. The Long Beach location on Pine Ave packs two full bars, a dance floor, and nightly drag performances into a space that doubles as a daytime restaurant. Owner Dale Warner, who was named the Community Male Grand Marshal for the 2014 Long Beach Pride Parade, runs the place with a focus on local charity work and an inclusive vibe. It's dog-friendly outside and serves vegan Impossible Burgers alongside Kobe and buffalo options. Friday and Saturday draw the biggest crowds for the drag brunch with bottomless mimosas. The kitchen stays open late, with hours stretching past midnight Wednesdays through Saturdays. Yelp rates it 3.6 stars from over 1500 reviews, so expect a busy, loud party atmosphere more than a quiet dinner spot. The earlier you arrive on weekends, the easier it is to grab a table.

A leather-and-levi bar that's been serving North Long Beach since 1995. The Crest bills itself as a bar for manly men, drawing a crowd that doesn't fit the typical gay bar scene. Inside you'll find pool tables, darts, and a full bar with daily happy hour specials. The front room is for drinking and socializing; out back, a patio offers a more earthy, relaxed atmosphere. Tuesday is bingo night, and the bar provides free food during events. Weekend nights draw the biggest crowds, especially Friday through Sunday. It's a divey, casual spot with outdoor seating and free wifi.

If you're after cheap drinks and no attitude, Sweetwater Saloon is your spot. This historic dive bar opened in 1978 and still pulls in a mixed crowd of locals, pool players, and gay guys cruising the scene. Bartenders pour stiff wells and keep the jukebox rocking. Happy hour runs seven days from 10am to 8pm, with $2.25 draft domestics. Wednesdays are a standout: free pool plus $2.25 wells and drafts all night. It's on the Broadway strip, within walking distance of places like STRUT Bar & Club if you want to bar-hop.

This unpretentious dive bar in Downtown Long Beach shares an owner with SweetWater down the street, but keeps its own identity as a karaoke-loving neighborhood spot. The crowd skews older and the vibe is friendly, with cheap drinks and a parking lot out back. Halloween parties are a highlight here.

Owner-operated since 2014 by a former bartender who started working there in 2006. Flux is a casual neighborhood gay bar with a cozy outdoor patio, pool table, and cheap drinks that stay strong. The bar opens at 2pm daily and stays open until 2am, with best nights on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. It's small but friendly, and the full bar and free wifi make it easy to hang out.

Reviewers agree the pancakes are the standout dish at this old-school diner across from Bixby Park. The Original Park Pantry serves American comfort food in a casual, unpretentious setting. It's a neighborhood spot where you'll find a mix of regulars, including older locals and a noticeable gay crowd. The waitresses might put on a 'girlfriend' act, but the place is genuinely gay-friendly, not a dedicated gay bar. You can grab a sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner and walk two minutes to the ocean. The food is consistent and affordable, earning it a loyal following. Locals call it an upscale coffee shop, better than a Denny's. Don't leave without trying a baked good from the counter. If you want a livelier queer scene, Hamburger Mary's is nearby.

Walking in, you'll find a relaxed, bookish atmosphere with cozy seating perfect for curling up with a coffee and a book. This Belmont Heights spot is a warm, inviting hangout for locals and especially the gay community. They serve coffee and pastries, with hours from 6 AM to midnight most days.

The Queen Mary is a historic ocean liner from a different era, built for trans-Atlantic crossings rather than modern cruise vacations. You can explore it on a guided tour, see modern restorations, dine, or even spend the night aboard. It sits in Downtown Long Beach, where it serves as a museum and event space. Admission is around $35, which some find steep given the limited historical exhibits. The ship looks great from the outside, and the guided tour is recommended by many. It's open 24 hours, making it flexible for visits. If you're in the area, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a nearby stop.

Expect a family-friendly crowd at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach's massive ocean-focused aquarium. It's the fourth largest in the nation, with over 11,000 animals spread across more than 50 exhibits. You'll see everything from Southern California coastal life to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Shark Lagoon lets you get up close to predators, and you can hand-feed lorikeet birds. It opened in 1998 and operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. The aquarium is huge, so prepare to walk. Weekday mornings are quieter before school groups arrive. If you want more than the general admission, book a Behind-the-Scenes tour or hop on a Harbor Cruise. Free wifi is available throughout. Nearby, the Queen Mary offers a different kind of waterfront experience.

Family-owned Open Sesame has been serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine in Belmont Shore since 1999. The scratch kitchen uses no seed oils, and the menu features classics like charbroiled kabobs, chicken tawook, shawarma, falafel, and handmade mezze. The restaurant is so popular it opened a second location on the same block. The vibe is casual but refined, with outdoor seating that's dog friendly. They only serve beer and wine, but the food is the star. Expect a wait at peak times — locals know to come early or late. Happy hour is a good bet for a quieter visit. They cater to vegan and vegetarian diners with a variety of options. If you're in the area, Hamburger Mary's is another local favorite just down the street.

A mix of locals and visitors cruise through this open-air complex on weekends, and one reviewer notes you'll see many gay people around. The Pike is a sprawling outdoor mall that connects the Long Beach convention center to the marina, offering a Ferris wheel, a carousel, shopping for clothing and gifts including gay paraphernalia, plus a Laugh Factory comedy club and bowling. It's dog friendly, so you might spot pups enjoying the walkways. The best time to go is Friday or Saturday night when the restaurants and bars are lively. You can easily spend a full day here, but if you're a local, you'll know parking can fill up. The complex also puts on seasonal events, though details change yearly.

This museum is best for queer travelers and art lovers who want to explore a unique cultural perspective. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the western United States dedicated exclusively to contemporary Latin American art. It's located in downtown Long Beach, between 6th and 7th Street, and offers free wifi. MOLAA is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm, making it an easy afternoon stop. You'll find rotating exhibitions of painting and sculpture from across Latin America. After your visit, you might head over to the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific for more exploring.

You'll find a steady stream of regulars and bargain hunters at this thrift store in Park Estates. Out of the Closet is part of the non-profit chain that funds the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, so every purchase supports HIV/AIDS services. The shelves are stocked with second-hand clothing and accessories, and prices stay budget-friendly. The store runs consistent hours: 10am to 7pm Monday through Saturday, with a slightly earlier close at 6pm on Sunday. It's a straightforward shopping stop without frills, but the cause gives it a purpose beyond the racks. If you're browsing other LGBTQ-friendly shops in the area, Dean Anthony is another option nearby.

This coffee shop is for anyone craving a low-pressure, community-oriented hangout. Owner Eleno treats customers like family, often sitting down for a chat if you have time. The space is deaf-friendly and even offers sign language lessons. Drinks are cheap and basic, including Lavazza coffee and Mexican hot chocolate. Cash only, no cards. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and free wifi makes it easy to linger. Regulars are local and friendly, and you won't feel pressured to keep buying drinks. Hours are Tue-Sun 7am-4pm. If you're near Uva Bar & Cafe, this spot is a more low-key alternative for a caffeine fix.

Coffee Cup Cafe has been serving breakfast and lunch to Long Beach since 1995, making it a local staple in Belmont Heights. This casual spot is known for hearty American fare, including signature dishes like the Chicken Chile Verde Omelette and the Mashed Potato Omelette. There are also vegetarian options, such as veggie chorizo, and plenty of sweet choices like pancakes and French toast. The cafe opens daily at 7am, with weekend hours extending to 3pm. It's a no-frills spot where the focus is on generous portions and reliable coffee. If you're in the area, you might also check out Hamburger Mary's for a different vibe.

This 24 Hour Fitness in Long Beach's Los Altos neighborhood draws a mixed crowd, including some gay patrons who've noted the open showers and cruising potential. The gym is sizable with plenty of cardio, weights, group classes like yoga and spinning, plus a pool and kids club. Reviews are mixed; the Yelp rating sits at 2.8 from 620 reviews, with some complaints about crowding and dated equipment. The open showers get attention, and one reviewer mentioned getting looks around 4pm. It's open 24 hours Tuesday through Thursday, making it a flexible option for late-night workouts. Nearby, The Belmont Athletic Club offers another choice if you prefer a more traditional gym environment.

Authentic Spanish cuisine like jamon ibérico and paella valenciana anchor the menu at this casually elegant tapas bar and night club. On weekends, you can stay for music and dancing after dinner. Cafe Sevilla is on Broadway in Long Beach and keeps late hours Friday and Saturday.

Downtown Long Beach puts you steps from the Convention Center, the Terrace Theater, and the Aquarium of the Pacific when you stay at The Westin. This hotel is just two blocks from the beach and offers an outdoor pool, a 24/7 fitness center, and an on-site restaurant called The Grill. Rooms have harbor views, and the property is dog friendly. You'll find 37,000 square feet of meeting space and a beautiful outdoor garden terrace, making it a popular spot for weddings. The hotel is also close to Shoreline Village and the Queen Mary. For a more intimate stay nearby, consider the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

Walking into Utopia Restaurant feels like discovering a hidden gem in downtown Long Beach, just blocks from the nightlife on Pine Avenue. The California cuisine focuses on upscale seafood and wine, served in a casual setting. You'll find reasonable prices and a nice wine menu, with an awesome piano player on weekends. The intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or dinner with close friends.

A first-time visitor walks into a riot of color and kitsch. Hot Stuff packs every shelf with cards, candles, collectibles, and sundries, all with a playful, campy edge. It's the kind of place where you can find a gag gift, a tasteful candle, or a cheeky card for any occasion. The shop is gay-owned and feels like a neighborhood staple, not a tourist trap. Located on E. Broadway, it sits between Star of Siam Thai Cuisine and two spots up from Hot Java. The vibe is casual and unpretentious. If you're looking for high-end luxury goods, this isn't your spot. But for affordable, fun finds, it delivers. Visit on a weekend afternoon when the neighborhood is buzzing.

Temporarily closed, Musical Theatre West was the premiere performing arts group in Long Beach, known for staging first-run shows and queer-fave productions like Rent and Little Shop of Horrors. Some runs were held at larger venues. Check their website for future updates.

Founded in 1929, Long Beach Playhouse is one of the oldest community theatres in Southern California, staging 16 shows a year on its mainstage and studio theatre stages. It has earned numerous ovations for its productions, though it is temporarily closed. This historic venue has been a staple of Long Beach's performing arts scene for nearly a century.