Time to pack your bags, grab your partners and friends and head to a place where the Rainbow flags fly free. Beaches, restaurants, and cute coffee shops to boot. Let’s dive into some of the best LGBTQ+ vacation spots.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Breathe in that fresh Cape Cod air.
When to Go? April through October
What to Do? Take a stroll down Provincetown’s charming commercial street. All privately owned businesses line Provincetown’s Downtown. Kitschy Vintage shops like Marine Specialties offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Staples like The Lobster Pot provide authentic New England dishes. Only a few of the many Gems in Provincetown.
Provincetown offers many different themed weeks during the summer. Ranging from Singles Women’s Week to Pride to Family Week. The Theme Week Calendar provides a guide to making P-Town a super welcoming place for all. Whether it’s dressing up for a themed Tea Dance at The Boat Slip or Whale Watching with your family and friends.
Where to stay? The Harbor Hotel The Harbor Hotel is a great option. A pool in the center with a tiki bar. Fire pits out front. A festive shuttle that takes you to and from town. You are sure to make friends here.
Miami, Florida
Time for a bit of Neon and a whole lot of sun.
Best Time to Go? Between December and March
What to Do? Miami Beach offers a great place to people-watch and work on your tan. The best way to get around is on a bike. Bike and Roll offer Rentals on Bikes and Roller Blades for as low as $25 a day.
Did we mention Drag Brunch? The Palace is an Iconic place to sip on a mimosa and take in a Drag Show all for $55. This price includes an entrée and Bottomless Mimosas. Located right on the beach, so if you need to cool off the Ocean is just across the street.
Miami is splashed with Art and you would not want to miss the Wynwood Walls. An outdoor Art exhibit featuring breathtaking street murals and photo-worthy Graffiti Art. Admission prices range from $10 to $12.
Where to Stay? The Goodtime Hotel is steps from the beach. Offering a Pastel paradise complete with a day-to-night swim club and trendy Mediterranean Restaurant. A toast to old Miami with a nod to Art Deco.
Fire Island, NY
Hop on the Ferry and head to paradise.
Best Time to Go? Summer
What to Do? Fire Island is a mere Ferry ride away. Take the Fire Island Ferry from New York City for a ticket price of $13 One-Way or $25 Round Trip. The Ferry will take you to a place where you are bound to make memories.
Fire Island has a couple of Beach options. It truly depends on what you’re in the mood for. Wanting to sip on a cocktail or head to a tea dance I suggest Pines Beach.
Cherry Grove one of the very first gay beach towns offers a more tranquil experience. Looking to go au natural head towards the lighthouse to Kismet Beach.
Looking to take in the whole Island I suggest the Fire Island Beach Walk. A trail spanning over 21.2 miles, provides a peaceful way to appreciate the Island.
Where to Stay? Palms Hotel Fire Island provides private beach access and a cozy courtyard. Close to fabulous Restaurants and Bars with breathtaking sunsets.
Saugatuck, Michigan
A change of pace with some Midwestern charm
Best Time to Go?
Summer
What to Do? Saugatuck has a beautiful and unique art scene. Hands-on Galleries like the Express Yourself Art Barn where you can paint, mold ceramics and create mosaics. Not to mention a slew of other Galleries to fit anyone’s taste.
Michigan has also been ranked the #1 State for Microbreweries and we highly suggest you indulge. The Guardian Brewing Company is LGBTQ+ and Women Owned. This Craft Brewery offers tours and fun with events like Beer on the Boat and Live Music.
Take in Lake Michigan at Oval Beach. A Beautiful LGBTQ+ friendly Fresh Water Beach with a Majestic backdrop of winding Sand dunes.
Where to stay: The Dunes Resort is a well-known LGBTQ-friendly hotel and entertainment complex located in Douglas, just a short distance from Saugatuck. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cottages, and has been a popular destination for the LGBTQ community for many years. The resort features a lively nightclub, outdoor pool, hot tub, and hosts various events throughout the year.
Mykonos, Greece
Our international choice for our jetsetting friends
Mykonos is a Greek island famous for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and lively nightlife. It has been a popular LGBT destination for decades, with numerous gay-friendly bars, clubs, and resorts.
Best time to go: summer months, from June to September.
What to Do? Explore Mykonos Town (Chora): Mykonos Town is a picturesque and charming place with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful bougainvillea. It’s known for its vibrant gay scene, with numerous LGBT-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants. Little Venice, with its waterfront bars and stunning sunset views, is a must-visit spot. Party at Super Paradise Beach, thi is one of the most popular gay beaches in Mykonos. During the day, you can relax on the sandy beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy refreshing cocktails at the beach bars. As the day transitions into night, the beach transforms into a lively party destination with vibrant music and energetic atmosphere. In the evening head to the LGBT-friendly bars and clubs in Mykonos Town, such as Babylon, Porta Bar, and Jackie O’ Bar, where you can dance the night away and enjoy performances by talented DJs and drag queens.
Where to stay: The Elysium Hotel is a well-known and highly regarded LGBTQ-friendly hotel in Mykonos. It offers stylish accommodations, a beautiful pool area, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel often hosts LGBTQ events and pool parties.
Happy Travels
There are numerous incredible vacation destinations around the world that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. From lively cities with vibrant nightlife to serene beach getaways and cultural hubs, these destinations offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for travelers. Whether you’re seeking a place to celebrate Pride, relax on beautiful beaches, explore historical sites, or immerse yourself in diverse cultures, there is a perfect vacation spot for everyone. With some inspiration from our list, you can create unforgettable experiences and make lifelong memories in the best vacation spots.