July 14, 2015
Traveling with Pride: San Diego
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Celebrate Pride in San Diego or plan your own West Coast getaway with EDGE's top picks.
The merry month of June may be over, but Pride festivities continue across the U.S., where celebrations are especially dynamic given the recent SCOTUS ruling. San Diego Pride celebrates its 41st year and will host not only a parade, but a weekend's worth of activities that also include a music festival, rally, and block party. Funds raised support the nonprofit's mission to foster pride in and respect for all LGBT people locally, nationally, and globally. To date, the organization has distributed more than $2 million.
Whether you're flying in for a whirlwind rainbow adventure, or want to take on San Diego at a more casual pace, EDGE offers our top picks for the perfect coastal getaway.
Pride Guide
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Pride isn't all rainbow flags and hot pants. San Diego keeps it real with a Spirit of Stonewall Rally that recognizes and honors leaders in the LGBT community. This year features Speaker of the California Assembly Toni Atkins, San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria, RISE San Diego CEO Dwayne Crenshaw, Immigration Equality Executive Director Caroline Dessert, and San Diego County HIV STD and hepatitis Branch Chief Patrick Loose. San Diego Pride Executive Director Stephen Whitburn will emcee.
Another Pride celebration kick-off option is to head over to the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party with headliner JES, the reigning "Queen of Rocktronica." Early arrivals receive a complimentary craft cocktail, but everyone can appreciate the laser show and towering Ferris wheel. Of course, no block party is complete without requisite go-go dancers and the option to purchase bottle service and private cabanas. Rich's Night Club hosts the official after party.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
This year's theme is "Liberty and Justice For All," with a kick-off time scheduled for 11 a.m. A dedicated group of 400 participants attended the 1974 Balboa Park event, and this year the city expects tens of thousands to champion for LGBT rights.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JULY 18 & 19
The complete line-up has been revealed for the two-day festival, which includes five electronic and live stages. The list features current dance, pop, hip-hop, Latin and other acts including Emma Hewitt, Late Night Alumni, Mary Lambert, Ruby Rose, Pierce Fulton, Taryn Manning, Big Freedia, Rocio Banquells and dozens more. Carmen Electra will host the Main Stage on Day One.
The event is the San Diego region's biggest music festival celebrating diversity and equality, bringing together 40,000 people over two days from across the nation and the globe. In addition to the performance stages, Pride Music Festival features an open-air art gallery, food trucks, craft beers, spirits, and more than 200 exhibitor booths.
"It's a memorable experience to unite with thousands of people, taking pride in who you are and celebrating each other," said executive director Stephen Whitburn. "Pride Music Festival is for everyone."
Weekend passes cost just $20 in advance. Weekend VIP passes are only $120 in advance and include VIP entrance, VIP section, VIP restrooms, catered food and four hosted drinks each day. Tickets are available at SanDiegoPride.org and PrideMusicFestival.org.
Any Time of Year
There is plenty to experience in San Diego any time of year. If Pride isn't on your calendar, be sure to check out some of our favorite highlights and create your own celebration:
For five-star opulence, settle into the US Grant, a historic property dating back to 1910. Construction took more than five years and its detailed Art Deco finishes are still some of the city's architectural highlights. After falling into disarray, developer Christopher Sickels purchased the building and oversaw an $80 million restoration that now celebrates its 30-year anniversary.
East meets west at the recently opened "Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland" exhibit. The curated collection of more than 100 objects celebrates the evolution and transformation of one of our country's most unique entertainment destinations with works by John Henry Twachtman, William Merritt Chase, Reginald Marsh, and more.
It may be located in San Diego's Little Italy, but Brocerco, the newest endeavor from chef Javier Plascencia, is a celebration of modern Mexican cuisine. The bi-level, 4,800-square-foot eatery offers an enticing range of small plates such as surf and turf oyster with beef tartare, and shrimp and bone marrow sopes; modern riffs on tacos such as cauliflower tortita and beef tongue confit; and hearty nose-to-tail entrees such as the Cook Pigs Ranch New York pork chop with corn and smoked jowl-filled zucchini.
The Pendry
San Diego's newest hotel, The Pendry, is scheduled to open in summer 2016. The 317-room hotel is located in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter and will feature a rooftop pool, two restaurants, beer hall and spa.
Getting There
Regardless of what direction you're flying from (including direct flights from Seattle, Portland, Boston, Orlando, and more), Alaska Airlines will get you to San Diego in style. Celebrating Pride and LGBT events throughout the year, Alaska Airline is also offering travel discounts to upcoming events including Southern Decadence in New Orleans, Pride celebrations in Palm Springs, Atlanta, Orlando, and more.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
