Santa barbara gay bars

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In the early 1900s, Santa Barbara was a top vacation spot for Hollywood stars. Katy Perry has even been spotted there while touring the area. Although there are many LGBT people in the county, there isn't a big gay "scene" like in other places such as West Hollywood or Palm Springs. The Pacific Pride Foundation also organizes the annual Pacific Pride Festival, demonstrating the visible gay community in this elegant coastal town.

There's a secret gay beach nearby called Padaro Beach.

It has a cool artsy feel, diverse customers (including many GLBT individuals), and retro decorations typical of this type of establishment.

Besides the cozy main bar with a pool table and living-room-like vibe, there's a nice patio at the back. Weekends are the busiest times.

#2. Since it's very popular, it can be hard to get a table on weekends.

Elsie's is a quick stroll away from Santa Barbara's well-loved hangout spot, the Wildcat Lounge.

#3. Some people criticize the restaurant for its popularity, long lines, and connection to Julia Child.

Get your food at the counter - most items are under $10, with many even cheaper. The image shows the No. 16: Genoa salami with Kalamata olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, greens, and chevre.

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Some places have LGBT events occasionally, especially during Santa Barbara's Pacific Pride Festival in August. The city's touristy feel also means it's more accepting of diverse people and cultures—they might just think you're European!

Gay scene in Santa Barbara

There isn't a specific gay area in Santa Barbara, but there are places that welcome everyone.

Walk west along the train tracks until you see the path leading down the bluff.

Santa Barbara is a popular spot for couples.

santa barbara gay bars

However, the area is socially liberal, and staff at bars and restaurants are accustomed to seeing same-sex couples, like famous residents Ellen Degeneres, Portia De Rossi, and others.

Best Bars and Clubs in Santa Barbara for LGBTQ+ Community

The downtown area is the liveliest spot for nightlife in the region. The Crudo Bar offers Italian seafood and charcuterie dishes, including ceviche, yellowfin tuna tartare, grass-fed buffalo tartare, pan-seared foie gras, prosciutto di Parma, and more.

#7.

Wildcat Lounge

The newest gay bar in Santa Barbara shut down a couple of years ago. La Super-Rica Taqueria

Let's talk about it: the late Julia Child, a famous cook, used to praise La Super-Rica Taqueria, a simple Mexican restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. Don't forget to explore the wide variety of draft beers available. If you're seeking exciting gay nightlife, you might enjoy heading about 90 minutes south to Los Angeles, where the gay scene is thriving.

Although options for gay nightlife are limited, Santa Barbara is a popular gay destination due to its tourist-friendly vibe.

Whether you want a romantic date night, a trendy lounge with great food and wine, or amazing thin-crust pizzas with exciting toppings, this place has something for everyone. For a musical night, see the schedule of the Fratelli Men's Chorus, a gay men's singing group.

Some of the best places to enjoy drinks are the cozy lounges at fancy Santa Barbara hotels (like Four Seasons Biltmore, Canary Hotel, Post Ranch, and more), as well as the many hip restaurants and wine bars in the area.

The well-known Mission Santa Barbara, its gardens, and the nearby natural history museum and botanical gardens are important places to visit in the area.

Although not very traditional, the local vibe here leans towards being proper. Nearby Montecito is known for its celebrity residences, housing notable figures such as Prince Harry and Megan, Oprah, Rob Lowe, Drew Barrymore, and Christopher Lloyd.

Due to its focus on tourism from the beginning, Santa Barbara has numerous options for visitors to enjoy.

It is one of the scenic locations of this regional chain, which has six branches in Santa Barbara County. The dance floor is big, and the lights and music are modern. There are plenty of wines priced under $30.