July marks one of San Diego’s most powerful and joyful celebrations — Pride Week — and Porto Vista Hotel is honored to welcome guests from all walks of life to join in the festivities.
A Look Back: The History of Pride
Pride Week traces its roots to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. What began as a protest against discrimination has blossomed into a global celebration of love, identity, and equality.
San Diego’s Pride has grown into one of the largest in the country, drawing thousands to events like the Stonewall Rally (July 18), Pride 5K Run & Walk (July 19), and the iconic Pride Parade through Hillcrest (July 19). It’s a week filled with energy, unity, and color.
The Pride Flag: More Than Just Rainbow
The original rainbow flag was created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Each color holds a meaning:
Red: Life
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Orange: Healing
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Yellow: Sunlight
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Green: Nature
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Blue: Harmony
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Violet: Spirit
Today’s flags have evolved to include black, brown, and trans-inclusive stripes — symbolizing a more complete and inclusive movement that honors diversity in race, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Stay, Celebrate, and Save
In honor of Pride Week, Porto Vista is offering a special Pride Promotion:
Stay 2 nights and receive a complimentary welcome cocktail at The Glass Door.
Offer valid for stays between July 17–21, 2025.
With sweeping bay views, a walkable location near Little Italy, and a rooftop ideal for pre- or post-parade drinks, Porto Vista is your hub for a fabulous Pride experience.
Celebrate love. Celebrate progress. Celebrate YOU.
🏳️🌈 Happy Pride from all of us at Porto Vista Hotel.
[Book Now →]
🌈 San Diego Pride Weekend: Your Stay at the Porto Vista Hotel
San Diego Pride Weekend is one of the most vibrant and joyful celebrations of the year—and there’s no better place to experience it than from the heart of Little Italy at the Porto Vista Hotel. Whether you’re here to dance, march, celebrate, or just soak in the inclusive energy, our boutique hotel puts you minutes from the action and surrounded by some of the city’s best dining, art, and nightlife.
Here’s your guide to making the most of Pride Weekend in San Diego, July 19–21, 2025.
🏳️🌈 Pride Weekend Highlights
San Diego Pride Parade – Saturday, July 20
The iconic Pride Parade kicks off at 10:00 AM in Hillcrest and draws over 300,000 spectators. Expect stunning floats, dancers, live music, and plenty of glitter. Pro tip: take a ride-share early and wear sunscreen!
Pride Festival – July 20–21 at Balboa Park
Enjoy a two-day celebration featuring multiple stages, local food vendors, LGBTQ+ artists, speakers, and community organizations. General admission and VIP tickets are available through sdpride.org.
She Fest – July 13, 2025
Leading into Pride week, She Fest at Hillcrest Pride Flag plaza celebrates LGBTQ+ women and non-binary communities with music, art, and empowerment.
Youth Pride, Pride Run, Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and more events take place all week—be sure to check out the Full Pride calendar.
🛎️ Why Stay at Porto Vista?
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Central Location: Just a short drive or ride-share from Hillcrest and Balboa Park, but nestled in the walkable, chic Little Italy neighborhood.
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Rooftop Vibes: Start or end your day with a cocktail and sunset views at our rooftop bar, GlassDoor Restaurant.
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LGBTQ+ Friendly: We proudly support and welcome the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year.
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Boutique Comfort: Enjoy sleek, modern rooms, a vibrant art scene throughout the hotel, and thoughtful service.
🌆 What To Do Near the Hotel During Pride Weekend
🎨 Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – Just blocks away for a creative break from the festivities.
☕ Grab Brunch at The GlassDoor – Our in-house restaurant offers a daily breakfast and weekend brunch with harbor views.
🛍️ Explore Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market (Saturday) – A perfect morning stroll through fresh produce, flowers, and local vendors.
🍸 Happy Hour & Nightlife – Check out local LGBTQ+-friendly spots like Rich’s, Flicks, and Urban MO’s after hours—or start your night with happy hour at The GlassDoor.
🚲 Rent a scooter or bike and cruise along the Embarcadero, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
💖 Celebrate With Us
At the Porto Vista Hotel, we’re all about community, creativity, and connection. We welcome you to celebrate Pride with us—whether you’re here for the parade, the parties, or peaceful moments by the bay. Book early—Pride Weekend fills up fast!
🎉 Book your stay now and get ready to celebrate love, equality, and everything San Diego has to offer.
Summer may be coming to an end but the hot weather in California is reaching new heights. Record breaking temperatures across America have led many of us to pool-hopping and beach-going. San Diego is known for perfect weather but even we are seeing some of the affects of globally increasing temperatures.
According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, July was the hottest recorded month in California since 1895, with a statewide average temperature of 79.7 degrees. In the month of August, San Diego temperatures are expected to reach the high 80’s. It’s not just the outdoor temperature that is rising, the ocean is heating up too. On Friday, August 8th, at 79.2 degrees, the ocean temperature in San Diego was the warmest it has been in 102 years! Although these temperatures seem high for locals, travelers from near and far are visiting San Diego to enjoy the summer sun. Here are some tips for the San Diego traveler, trying to stay cool:
- Catch Some Waves at San Diego’s Best Beaches. Porto Vista Hotel may be located in city but we are only 12 short minutes away from the nearest beaches. A guaranteed way to stay cool is hopping in the ocean and going for a swim.
- Wear Lightweight, Loose Fitting Clothing. San Diego is paradise, so slip on a Hawaiian shirt and stay cool. If you didn’t pack any, San Diego has great places for shopping. You may or may not leave San Diego with a whole new summer wardrobe.
- Stay Hydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water during hot weather. It is recommended that you consume between two to four glasses of water in excessive heat. So keep chugging that H20 and while you’re at it, take a trip up to the fourth floor at PVH and grab a signature cocktail from GlassDoor!
- Participate in Indoor Activities. San Diego is home to some of the best museums and attractions in the country. If you’re having trouble staying cool outdoors, check out some of the museums near by. Balboa Park has 17 museums with a diversity of collections from all over the world. Museum-hopping is a guaranteed way to stay cool and learn something new while you’re at it.
Brewery Tours. For the 21 and up crowd, San Diego is the epicenter of the craft beer industry. Check out Brewery Tours during your stay, to sample beers, go behind the scenes, and meet brewers.