Before one of my friends visited me recently, he researched some guys he wanted to meet online and enlisted me to help with introductions. But I knew his strategy wouldn’t be foolproof, so I made a backup plan. In addition to our regular San Diego sightseeing itinerary, I also took him to some of the best gay cruising spots we have to offer (below). Ironically, my friend had more luck hooking up on our day trip to L.A., but he still had a blast while he was in San Diego, and so will you. Happy cruising!

Black’s Beach: The best spot to shed your clothing and your inhibitions. Bring lots of sunscreen and aloe vera gel so a hottie can rub it all over you.

Balboa Park: Because Balboa Park is near Hillcrest, it’s impossible to walk, run or drive through it without noticing the scenery – and I don’t mean the trees! Bring a big blanket to share while watching the gay volleyball teams or while lying at “the gay beach” by Quince Street. Bring your dog for an excuse to (s)troll the park’s shadier paths. And if Balboa Drive’s “Fruit Loop” is your thing, don’t forget to wash your car first! If none of those spots work out, there are always the bushes and the park bathrooms. STDs anyone?

San Diego Zoo: This is the one place where you can actually follow a hottie around for an hour and look at the, um, animals without seeming like a stalker. Not advised: cruising hot daddies pushing strollers and “accidental” groping in the Reptile House.

Ralph’s, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in Hillcrest: While shopping for lunch or dinner, why not pick out “dessert”? You can learn a lot about people by observing their grocery habits: Watch how gently she squeezes melons or see if he selects the biggest cucumbers. If their cart is full of frozen dinners, you know they’re single. But if you spy tofu, broccoli and lentils, you’d better hope they’re also buying Gas-X.

Hillcrest Farmer’s Market: Sunday mornings until 1 p.m., the DMV lot is the place to be. Harmonicas optional.

Brians’, Baja Betty’s, Lucky Buck’s, Urban Mo’s or just about any other restaurant around Hillcrest: If you can’t afford to eat out often, just walk your dog back and forth outside the dining patio – one of my friends swears by it. Don’t have a dog? Borrow your friend’s.

Starbucks, Urban Grind, David’s or any other coffee shop around Hillcrest: If you’re the shy type, this is the place for you. You can pretend to look at your laptop screen while eyeing the hotties across the room, and if you know their screen names, you can even IM them instead of approaching them in person.

Fashion Valley Mall: You’ve cruised the mall since you were a teen, so why stop now? Don your shades, order a smoothie or shake (for the least mess and distraction) and enjoy the views at the food court outside the movie theater.

DSW, West Elm and Target in Mission Valley: Because we gays love our shoes and home décor, ya know? They don’t call Target “Tar-gay” for nothing!

Home Depot, a.k.a. “Homo Depot”: The stores on Mission Gorge Road and Sports Arena Boulevard draw more gay couples, lesbians and hot handymen than a Pride parade. Is that a drill in your pocket?

24-Hour Fitness, Powerhouse, Bally’s or Urban Body: For many of us, the gym is still the equivalent of a bar without drinks (this I covered in my “Test Your Gym Etiquette” column, http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=9484). If the object of your desire still looks hot while gasping and sweating under fluorescent lighting, think how much hotter he’ll be in the dark!

The bars: Right… you say you go there to meet friends, but why else would you wear your best underwear – or none at all? Everyone has a favorite bar, and there are too many to name, so check the back of this paper and pick your poison.