The most famous gay cruising areas in the world: past and present

Gay outdoor cruising, the practice of seeking casual sexual encounters in public spaces, has deep historical roots, often emerging out of necessity due to societal repression. Before the gay rights movement gained momentum, legal and social sanctions against same-sex relationships forced gay men to seek discreet locations for intimacy.

As early as the 18th and 19th centuries, in cities such as London, Paris, and New York, public parks, secluded alleys, and specific neighborhoods became known gathering spots for gay men seeking anonymous encounters. These places provided anonymity and were generally free of the stigma and legal consequences that accompanied gay bars and other indoor venues. Outdoor cruising comes with its own risks, but dedicated cruisers would argue that risk is part of the appeal. These are the cruising areas where history was made and people got laid.

Notable Historical Sites

1. Hampstead Heath, London – Perhaps the most famous cruising spots in the world, Hampstead Heath has long been a magnet for gay men. Its expansive wooded areas and secluded pathways made it ideal for discreet meetings. The park has also been a site of cultural significance as pop stars and politicians have come unstuck, in flagrante, in these parts.
   
   Current Cruising Area: Cruising happens mostly around the woods and pathways near the Men’s Pond and the area close to Parliament Hill, especially during the late evening and at night.

2. Bois de Boulogne, Paris – The sprawling park on the western edge of Paris has a reputation for both gay cruising and prostitution. Known since the 19th century for its underworld of illicit nighttime activities, Bois de Boulogne also became a place for gay men to meet away from the prying eyes of mainstream society. Its labyrinthine layout and dense woods provided the cover necessary for discreet interactions. Rupert Everett wrote an unforgettable account of his Bois de Boulogne adventures in his first memoir.
   
   Current Cruising Area: Today, the western part of the park, especially near the Porte Dauphine entrance, is active for gay cruising, mostly after dark.

3. Central Park, New York – Central Park’s history as a gay cruising ground goes back to the early 20th century, particularly around the secluded areas like the Ramble. This wooded area attracted men looking for anonymity, and it remained a central meeting point through the decades, despite police surveillance and frequent raids. The Ramble has been referred to as a “sacred” spot in gay history but it isn’t as happening as it used to be. As a cruising area, it exists today as a memory of cruisers past.
   
   Current Cruising Area: Today, the western part of the park, especially near the Porte Dauphine entrance, is active for gay cruising, mostly after dark. Action can still be found if you look for it.

4. Tiergarten, Berlin – The Tiergarten is not only a central green space in Berlin but has also been an important historical site for gay cruising. Before World War II, Berlin was known for its relatively open and thriving gay culture, and Tiergarten played a key role in that. Even during the Nazi era, despite harsh repression, clandestine meetings continued.
   
   Current Cruising Area: The wooded areas near the Victory Column are where cruising occurs today, with activity picking up in the evening. Also, check out the toilet near Siegessäule.

5. Griffith Park, Los Angeles – Known for its iconic Hollywood sign, Griffith Park has also long been a cruising spot, especially during the mid-20th century. Los Angeles, with its reputation as a city of glitz, also had a shadow world of hidden, underground gay life, and this park, with its secluded trails, became a natural cruising area.
   
   Current Cruising Area: The areas near the Observatory and some of the lesser-traveled trails continue to be active for cruising, especially at night.