Queer inclusiveness is steeped deep into the fabric of Key West, the notorious gay island mecca in South Florida. As a place with a 30% LGBTQ population, Key West has always attracted gay travelers. So, we found ourselves drawn to this coastal mecca, the heart of whose gay scene is Duval Street. Not only does…
A thick mangrove forest on one end and the blue waters of the Atlantic on the other, Key Largo is the first of the Florida Keys. The northernmost spot of the ‘Keys’ is the self-proclaimed ‘Dive Capital of the World.’ It also has the country’s first underwater park and is a mecca for kayakers, snorkelers,…
Jazz blaring out of pubs, numerous gushing fountains that’ll have Rome thinking, and fiery barbeques make up kaleidoscopic Kansas City. One of the most thriving cities in America’s Great Plains region, Kansas City is home to art-filled neighborhoods, museums, and more and is a top-rated vacation destination. It might come as a surprise to many,…
Indianapolis, Indiana’s capital, is a boisterous and bustling city with lots of Midwest flavor and incredible history. The city was originally intended as a river port city, but it has become a nucleus for industry, culture, and arts in the region. What’s more, Indianapolis has had a sizeable LGBTQ population since the 1980s and has…
The capital of the Lone Star State Houston effusively blends Southern and Western styles, sensibilities, and heritage. The lively Texan metropolis has been one of the greatest boomtowns of the decade in the country and is truly a melting pot of cultures. An innate part of Houston’s rich culture is the LGBTQ culture, which Houston…
Say ‘Aloha!’ to the boisterous Polynesian capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, a collage of postcard-perfect views. Located at the southern tip of the island of Oahu, the city has some of the most gorgeous white-sand beaches in the world. The vibrant city embraces the kindness, harmony, and caring spirit that ‘Aloha’ embodies. This is why Honolulu…
Hawaii is synonymous with paradise, and it’s easy to see why. With craggy volcanoes, lush jungles, coral reefs, and turquoise waves hitting the white-sand beaches, it’s no wonder this place is a haven for beach-loving travelers. What’s more, Hawaii even has a history of being super gay-friendly, having legalized homosexuality way back in 1973. In…
Guadalajara, the second biggest city in Mexico is renowned for being one of the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America. As such it has earned the sobriquet of being the ‘San Francisco of Mexico.’ Although not as forward as San Francisco or New York, the gay scene in Guadalajara thrives. Gay Guadalajara is evident in…
Fort Lauderdale ranks right up there as a gay holiday destination because of its great party vibe and numerous gay establishments. In fact, the city has the distinction of having the highest number of gay couples in the United States. Quite naturally, the city is big on gay accommodation and you can be sure that…
The land on which the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, sits, is the land of the Osage people. Despite protecting it from neighboring tribes, they allowed people across tribes — hostile neighbors or otherwise— to bring their ill folks onto their land. Why? The natural springs that the land sits on are believed to have…
Tucked on the banks of the Detroit River, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair is the ‘Motor City’ of Detroit. The free-wheeling city is undergoing a new wave of creativity, extraordinary architecture, and edgy street art. Did you know that Detroit is one of the friendliest gay cities in the American Midwest? In fact, the…
Dallas is perhaps the most mythologized city in Texas. Surrounded, literally by five picturesque lakes, the city has outgrown from its “cheerleaders and cowboys” fame to a modern, bustling metropolis. Its distinctiveness and accepting nature are also what make the city so gay-friendly, and there are numerous hotels to prove the same. Gay hotels in…
Ohio’s largest city and capital is a bastion of progressive-mindedness in the Midwest. The diverse city is a bright rainbow spot on the gay map and is one of the most welcoming LGBTQ destinations in the American Midwest. Locally known as the “San Francisco” of the region, Columbus’ gay cultural landscape is a vibrant one…
The towns of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast are some of the most charming beach destinations in the state. They’re part of the Tampa Bay area, which includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater itself. In fact, this area is one of the gay-friendliest regions in the United…
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer; no matter how you identify, you’re sure to feel right at home in Boystown, a.k.a. Northalsted, Chicago’s vibrant gay neighborhood. Not only is it the United States first officially recognized gay village, but it’s also the country’s oldest gay neighborhood. Furthermore, it’s home to Chicago’s active LGBTQ+ community. So, it’s only…
America’s ‘Windy City’ may not be high on the travel itinerary of many from the LGBT+ community given its ‘low key’ gay image, but you’ll be surprised with all that Chicago has to offer. While there are no exclusive options as such, there is no dearth of gay hotels in Chicago. Most people zero in…
North Carolina’s capital might be Raleigh, but its largest city is scintillating Charlotte. Historic sites, a host of museums, and vibrant neighborhoods make this city a real jewel of the South. Since it’s conservative in politics and style, Charlotte has a vibrant albeit comparatively limited gay scene. That said, we had absolutely no problems finding…
Charleston might be a Southern city steeped in Christian values, but it has long been welcoming of the LGBTQ community. The South Carolina city, which lies at the confluence of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, has one of the most charming historic hearts in the American South. We loved every bit of it, right from…
Crystal-clear turquoise waters, a white-sand shoreline, a timeless Maya culture, and a lip-smackingly diverse culinary scene put Cancun on the travel map. Cancun is also more gay-friendly than you might first think, with its small but wild and smoldering LGBTQ nightlife. The seaside city’s appeal lies in the fact that it is a comfortably luxurious…
Calgary lies just east of the Canadian Rockies and is the ultimate basecamp for outdoor adventures in the country. At the same time, the city is full of excellent restaurants and boutiques that radiate small-town urban charm. No matter what you’re here for, Calgary cherishes its diversity in the usual warm-hearted Canadian fashion. What’s more,…
For many years now, New York City has seemed like a vortex, the very center of the world. And while Manhattan may walk away with all the glory, it’s the beguiling borough of Brooklyn that’s quietly but steadily coming into its own. NYC is considered one of the world’s greatest gay-friendly cities, but few know…
Boasting more than four centuries of rich cultural heritage, Boston could very well be America’s oldest city. A walkable downtown and museums, buildings, and parks with time-honored stories to tell are what makes Boston so special. Boston might take pride in its roots, but it hasn’t lost sight of its trailblazing and revolutionary ways, especially…
The lush city of Bend in rural Oregon is something of a mecca for outdoor recreation. No matter the time of the year, the region around the town is perfect for kayaking, cycling, hiking, and especially for skiing at the nearby Mt. Bachelor during winters. One might not exactly give a thought to gay life in…
In recent years, Baltimore has developed a personality all its own that’s equal parts eye-popping and enthralling. It’s quickly transformed into one of the east coast’s coolest cities, and it’s easy to see why. Right from world-class sports teams and gorgeous architecture to a buzzing nightlife, there’s nothing that Baltimore doesn’t have. What’s more, the…