History– 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, which was home to two beach-front gay bars, Dante’s and Barefoot. Scroll down the page to find a list of local gay events in Laguna Beach.

The City eventually made Main Beach a public park, also known as the ‘window to the sea.’ The gay culture naturally moved to the 1400 block of South Coast Highway, which was home to The Coast Inn, Boom Boom Room and a gay dinner house, which has changed hands several times over the years. Bob Gentry was the first openly gay elected official in Orange County when he became mayor of Laguna Beach in 1982, further welcoming the gay community to town. He served during the height of the AIDS crisis.

Then on May 9th 2018, the City of Laguna Beach presented the LGBT Heritage and Culture Committee with a proclamation recognizing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Heritage and Culture Month in Laguna Beach.

2023 LAGUNA BEACH PRIDE FESTIVAL: August 12

Laguna Beach Pride Festival is happening at Lang Park located across from the Montage on Pacific Coast Highway at Wesley. The venue has a large green open space and is the perfect location for an outdoor festival with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.  As with any location in Laguna Beach in the summer season, parking is a consideration and we recommend that guests car pool, use Uber/Lyft or the free Laguna Beach Trolly with stops both north and south on PCH at Wesley Drive.  

Hours: 3:00PM-10:00PM

For more information: Laguna Beach Pride