Make no mistake: While Long Beach may be primarily known for its tourist attractions, art scene, bustling downtown, and its port - the largest in the nation - the city has a vibrant queer scene, built by local residents, is as open-minded and inclusive as anywhere in the state.įor starters, Long Beach has its own LGBTQ Center offering a library and health services tailored to the LGBTQ community. But just 25 miles south there’s another thriving queer community in the waterside city of Long Beach, and some feel that the smaller sister city’s scene is not only more approachable and affordable, it offer much of the same history and depth as West Hollywood. The thriving and historic Santa Monica Boulevard stretch known as Boys Town has long been a gathering hub for California queer culture and is filled with bars, restaurants, shopping, and other options for the LGBTQ community. West Hollywood is generally considered to be the de facto queer capital of Southern California.
