West Street Beach Pride
Laguna Beach 2023

West Street Beach Pride Laguna Beach 2023

West Street Beach Pride takes place in late August each year at  West Street Beach – AKA Camel Point, in Laguna Beach.

​In the 1960s, Main Beach in Laguna Beach was not only a major tourist destination, but also known as the epicenter of the city’s gay culture.

The City eventually made Main Beach a public park, also known as the ‘Window to the Sea.’ The gay culture eventually migrated to the 1400 block of South Coast Highway. This became the hub and heart of gay culture for the next several decades.

It was in 1982, that Laguna Beach made national news by electing the first openly gay mayor in Orange County, Bob Gentry. The city continued to be a haven and friendly place for the local LGBTQ community. Today, During the day crowds flock to WEST STREET, the unofficial gay beach and the entire beach celebrates gay pride each August with the annual West Street Beach Pride.

West Street Beach

West Street Beach is secluded, rustic, and serene. It’s a fantastic place to relax, mingle, skimboard, view the tide pools and play volleyball. West Street Beach is a wide cove just south of Aliso Beach Park and is known as one of Orange County’s most popular gay beaches. There aren’t any shops or cafes around, so bring all the food, water, sunscreen and beverages you need for your visit.

The Pride festival takes place at Camel Point in Laguna Beach and features music, beach games and other festivities throughout the day and night. The party kicks off at noon and continues late into the evening. Come as you are or check Facebook for themes, costumes ideas and detailed schedules.

Gay Laguna Beach

• Start your day at the Coffee Kltach, a popular meeting point with great coffee and scones!
• Looking for something unique to remember your trip, visit Vertigo for some high end items.
• Enjoy a cocktail or two on the rooftop bar at La Cas del Camino or dine in style at the K’Ya Bistro.
• Go Shopping at The Vault for some great menswear or hop into Hobie Surf for some beach essentials.

Where to Stay?

Stay at the Hotel Joaquin, with stunning rooms, great breakfast and fabulous outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is close to all the gay beach and all the best attractions in Laguna Beach.

A car is by far the easiest way to get around Laguna Beach. While the center of town is pretty walkable and there is a trolley that serves that general area, if you want to explore anywhere north of the Pacific Coast Highway, including Crystal Cove State Park or Laguna Wilderness Park, you’ll need a car.

Distance between West Hollywood and Laguna Beach is approx. 61.38 miles (98.78 km) with 90 min travel time. Uber costs between USD 90 and 150.

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action

Sunset Marquis Hotel,    Petit Ermitage,    Le Parc Suite Hotel,    Best Western

If fancy treating yourself and you don’t mind taxis or intend to hire a car then take a look at,

The Beverly Hills Hotel,    L’Ermitage Beverly Hills    The Peninsula Beverly Hills