Eclectic is the word best used to describe the California gay bar scene. The notion of limiting the gay club scene to conventional bar standards has long been thrown out the window. Today’s gay clubs and bars in California range from the most casual settings to true rainbow crowds. You will see gay bars in coffee houses, health clubs, and restaurants, as well as elite and trendy joints along Santa Monica Boulevard.

Los Angeles is known for its breeder bars, so visitors can choose from a wide range of settings. Whether you are looking for a grungy dive or a glamorous lounge, Los Angeles has all you need in gay clubs and bars. The gay crowd in L.A. ranges just as much as their ambience. You will find everything from edgy, leather boys, to sweet and sexy chiseled men.

The West Hollywood scene is one that can not be missed in California, and is understood around the world as one of the best gay meccas on the planet. As many as 40,000 locals in West Hollywood fill the gay population, and as such, their bar scene is hot and alive every night of the week.

A discussion on California Gay Clubs would be remiss without mention of the famous Castro Strip in San Francisco. San Francisco has long been reputed for its extensive gay population, and the residents take pride in this, particularly along the Castro strip. Along the Castro strip hangs the Rainbow Flag, an icon of symbolism to the gay community that was installed in November 1997 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Harvey Milk being elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Harvey was an openly gay man, and the gay and lesbian movement in San Francisco was catapulted by this move of having a gay man in public office. The flag marked the birthplace of the Castro Strip, which has become the largest gay community in San Francisco. As such, it also is home to the hottest clubs and bars for the gay residents of San Francisco.