Top Gay Friendly Saunas in Long Beach
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Long Beach has quietly built itself into one of Southern California's most welcoming spots for lgbtq+Q+ travelers. Sure, it sits in the shadow of LA, but that's part of its charm—less pretense, more authenticity. The gay scene here feels lived-in rather than manufactured, and that extends to its wellness spaces too.
When it comes to saunas specifically, the scene is anchored by 1350 Club, which has been serving the community for decades. This isn't some corporate spa trying to be everything to everyone. It's a proper bathhouse with lockers, private rooms, a maze, and both wet and dry saunas. What makes it stand out is the outdoor patio and rooftop deck—you can actually catch some California sun between steam sessions. The place runs 24/7, which means whether you're a night owl or an early riser, you've got options. Pricing is reasonable with lockers starting around $5-20 and private rooms at $30.
The vibe at 1350 is decidedly unpretentious. It caters to a mixed crowd, though you'll find more bears and mature guys here than twinks fresh off Instagram. There's a water fountain, secured parking across the street, and enough space that it never feels claustrophobic even on busy weekends.
Beyond the sauna scene, Long Beach deserves attention for what it offers the broader lgbtq+Q+ community. The Broadway Corridor—affectionately called the Gay Corridor—runs for about three blocks and packs in more queer nightlife than you'd expect from such a compact area. The Silver Fox has been slinging drinks and music videos for over 40 years. Executive Suite sprawls across three floors with drag shows, karaoke, and dancing. Mineshaft keeps things low-key with pool tables and a jukebox. Sweetwater Saloon pours stiff drinks. You get the idea.
What really puts Long Beach on the map though is Long Beach Pride, happening May 17-18 in 2025. This isn't some scrappy upstart event—it's the 42nd year running and draws close to 100,000 people. The festival takes over Marina Green Park with three stages featuring everything from hip-hop to drag extravaganzas. There's a ballroom competition, over 150 vendors, and enough food trucks to keep you fed for days. The Pride Parade on Sunday morning winds through downtown, and locals take it seriously—expect elected officials, motorcycles, floats, and plenty of rainbow flags.
The city itself has earned recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the best in the nation for lgbtq+Q+ inclusion, and that's not just talk. Robert Garcia, the city's first openly gay mayor (now a Congressman), helped set that tone. Long Beach feels genuinely inclusive rather than performatively woke.
If you're planning a trip around Pride or just looking for a mellower alternative to West Hollywood, Long Beach delivers. The 1350 Club gives you a proper sauna experience without the attitude you might find in bigger cities. Pair that with the bar scene on Broadway, beach access, and a community that actually welcomes visitors, and you've got a solid weekend destination.
One practical note: most hotels cluster in the downtown area rather than directly on the beach. That actually works in your favor since the Gay Corridor is only about a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from most accommodations. The weather's reliably good, parking is easier than LA, and everything feels just a bit more laid-back.
Long Beach might not have the sauna selection of San Francisco or the nightclub spectacle of WeHo, but what it does have is genuine. Sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for.
| Club Ripples | The Brit | Melrose Spa | Flex Baths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Belmont Shore | Broadway Corridor | East Village | Downtown |
| Facilities | Bar, Dance floor, Outdoor patio | Bar, Dance floor | Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar | Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Dark rooms |
| Google Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Facebook Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Gayout Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Price Range (per visit) | $5 - $15 | $10 - $20 | $20 - $35 | $18 - $30 |
| Special Features | Beachfront location, themed nights | Themed events, karaoke | Private rooms, adult video lounge | Themed events, dark rooms, glory holes |
| Hours of Operation | Mon-Sun: 12pm-2am | Mon-Sun: 12pm-2am | Mon-Sun: 12pm-12am | Mon-Sun: 24 hours |
| Address | 5101 E Ocean Blvd, Belmont Shore, Long Beach | 1744 E Broadway, Broadway Corridor, Long Beach | 726 E 4th St, East Village, Long Beach | 2390 Pacific Ave, Downtown, Long Beach |
| Contact Number | +1 562-433-0357 | +1 562-987-1180 | +1 562-437-7700 | +1 562-436-3003 |
| Reviews Summary | "Great atmosphere, friendly staff." | "Fun ambiance, lively crowd." | "Relaxing environment, professional staff." | "Good place to unwind, diverse clientele." |