10 Gay Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Los Angeles
I took a trip to L.A. recently. Before jetting off, I was overwhelmed trying to figure out the best ways to spend my three days in one of our biggest gay meccas. With the help of some local tour guides I cobbled together this list of 10 must-dos so you’ll know exactly what to do on your next long weekend to the city of movie stars and beach bods. From gay beaches to daddy-hunting to yummy bites, this list should have you covered.
Scooter in Silver Lake.
1. Hiking and Free Yoga at Runyon Canyon
It’s L.A., so you want to get into the zen of La La Land. There is no better place than Runyon Canyon. A hop away from the hot spots of West Hollywood, trails provide breathtaking views and fresh air. Check its schedule for free daily yoga classes. Namaste, bitches.
2. Do Some Cruising at Will Rogers Beach
The unofficial gay beach of Los Angeles, this is where the boys come to play. Just be careful; water quality isn’t the best being so close to the city, so maybe only dip in your toesies. You’ll be there for the babe watching, anyway. 17000 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades.
3. Play Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
Come here for the Mary, not the burgers. Legendary Bingo takes place every Wednesday and Sunday, and usually queens from Drag Race, like Willam and Raja, take turns pulling balls. 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard, 323-654-3800.
Soak up some gay history over dinner (and drinks) at The Black Cat.
4. Go Daddy-Hunting at The Eagle
Get away from the glitz and glam at L.A.’s quintessential grit-and-grime leather bar The Eagle. Harnesses welcomed (if not a little encouraged). 4219 Santa Monica Boulevard, 323-669-9472.
5. Dance at Rage
If your taste veers more twink than daddy, Rage is your destination. The dancefloor is, ahem, raging on Thursday and Saturday nights. Quick tip: Drinks are half-off before 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 8911 Santa Monica Boulevard, 310-652-7055.
6. Get Your Late Night Munchies On at Los Tacos
After you dance till dawn, stumble over to Los Tacos, which is open 24 hours a day for all your sloppy burritos wants and desires. 7954 Santa Monica Boulevard, 323-848-9141.
Get your shop on at MKRT. Your closet will thank you.
7. Go Shopping at MRKT
Well-known brands abound in Los Angeles, but for the carefully and uniquely curated, visit MRKT in Silver Lake. This boutique highlights the best in menswear from around the globe, featuring high-end emerging labels that will bring your closet up to date. 3814 West Sunset Blvd, 323-953-5134.
8. Grab Dinner at The Black Cat
After you drop a dime or two down the street at MRKT, dine at Black Cat, which has a gay-centric history that predates Stonewall. Police raided the Black Cat Tavern in 1967, arresting gay revelers during a New Year’s Eve celebration. Protestors peacefully fought back by staging demonstrations outside the Black Cat against police brutality. Today, the tavern is an upscale spot serving delicious, modern American cuisine and a boozy brunch. Order the porkchop. For you veggies, the curried eggplant and lentils are a divine substitution. 3909 West Sunset Boulevard, 323-661-6369.
DJ at Rage: Where the party (and the boys) is at.
9. Craft Night at AKBAR
On Wednesdays, imbibe with others at this neighborhood bar over craft activities. If craft couture isn’t your thing, come back Thursday to Saturday when the dancefloor is open for all the bumping and grinding your little gay heart desires. 4356 West Sunset Boulevard, 323-665-6810.
10. See a Drag Race Star at Micky’s
After the success of Drag Race, many of the show’s best queens call Los Angeles home. Hosted by Raven, a bevy of other beauties like Morgan McMichaels, Tammie Brown, Pandora Boxx, and Vicky Vox make frequent appearances at Monday’s Showgirls at Micky’s in West Hollywood. Get there early for a seat, show begins at 10:30 p.m. 8857 Santa Monica Boulevard, 310-657-1176.
