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Gay Florida

There’s a reason more than 100 million visitors from all over the world find their way to the Sunshine State every year. First, there are the irresistible year-round temperatures. Then there’s the expansive coastline, comprising a stunning 1,350 miles and bordered by more than 4,510 islands of 10 acres or larger in area.

And who can forget the state’s legendary activities and attractions, from the Florida Reef to Walt Disney World Resort and all the gay fanfare in top coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach?

The wonderful thing about Florida is that you can return year after year and have a completely unique experience each time. From the bone-white beaches of the Gulf Coast to the Latin flavor of South Florida, no two places in Florida are the same.

Gay travelers can opt for romantic escapes in the far-flung Florida Keys or art-focused trips to bohemian Sarasota brimming with galleries and museums. They can jet off to Palm Beach for high-end shopping or enjoy the pristine coastal habitats in Pensacola Beach. But keep in mind that not all of Florida’s treasures are coastal — cities like Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee beckon with their red-hot culinary scenes and nightlife treasure troves.

Gay Scene in Florida

Many of Florida’s major tourist destinations have long welcomed gay travelers. An especially inclusive atmosphere prevails in South Florida — LGBT nightlife scenes flourish in Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Singer Island, Destin, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Key West.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Florida since 2013 before it was recognized by the federal government, and there are anti-discrimination ordinances in cities and counties making up more than half of the state’s population.

With so many gay-friendly destinations, it’s no surprise that Florida hosts a number of LGBT festivals and events, each with its own flavor. Among them are Gay Days in Orlando, Fantasy Fest in Key West, Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Miami, Pridefest in Key West, and White Party Week in South Beach, to name just a few.

When to Visit

Destinations in Florida have varying high, low, and shoulder seasons. In South Florida, hotels and attractions are packed in winter, but the weather is at its most pleasant. Summer can be unbearably hot and humid, and there’s a risk of hurricanes and strong storms. The upside is that hotel rates tend to be cheaper during this period.

Central Florida heats up in the summer months, not just in terms of weather but it in terms of tourism as well, thanks in part to the popularity of theme parks in Orlando. The Florida Panhandle’s beach cities experience a busier period in the late spring and summer months, due to Spring Break and the start of summer vacation season.

Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions

It’s cliché to say a destination has something for everyone, but in the case of Florida, it’s absolutely true. There are tons of opportunities for active types: stand-up paddleboarding in the Keys, surfing in New Smyrna Beach, and golfing in the Tampa area. Those who love to hit the water will find plenty of charters for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving—especially in south Florida.

Prefer to stay on land and soak in the state’s cultural gems? There are Art Deco architecture tours in South Beach, history museums and landmarks in St. Augustine (the oldest city in the United States), and all the charms of Old Florida in places like Hollywood Beach, Delray Beach, and Fort Myers Beach.

And then, of course, there are the thrills associated with Orlando and central Florida, where theme parks and family-friendly fun reigns supreme.

For first-timers not sure which region to choose for their very first gay Florida escape, we have a few suggestions:

South Florida: Head to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Vero Beach, Singer Island, or Boca Raton for red-hot nightlife, sophisticated dining, upscale shopping, and high-energy beaches — not to mention some of the swankiest gay resorts in Florida.

Florida Keys: Make your gay Florida escape to Key West or Key Largo for fishing, boating, snorkeling, water sports, old-school vibes, Cuban cuisine, incomparable sunsets, and memorable road trips.

Orlando area: Most who head to Orlando are making a beeline to Walt Disney World Resort, but remember that coastal gems like Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are easily within reach. 

Jacksonville area: You can find world-class dining in Jacksonville, throwback beach vibes on Amelia Island, and well-preserved colonial gems in St. Augustine.

Gulf Coast: It’s hard to beat the beauty of the beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast, where the water is stunning emerald green and the quartz sand is diamond white. Unplug and savor the splendor of the coast in Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. 

Tampa Bay: Known for golf resorts, museums, cultural attractions, and access to beautiful coastal communities, Tampa and its neighbors like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Bradenton make excellent bases for a Gulf Coast trip.

Florida Panhandle: Choose Gulf Coast destinations like Panama City Beach, Destin, Cape Coral, and Pensacola Beach for laid-back gay beach vacations that put you close to nature preserves and untouched coastal habitats. 

Gay-Friendly Dining in Florida

Sampling new flavors and culinary creations is a major part of visiting gay cities in Florida. You’ll find Latin cuisine, Floribbean cuisine (a mesh of Floridian and Caribbean flavors), Southern food, and plenty of dishes with global influences, thanks to the state’s diverse population. Many chefs take advantage of Florida’s bounty of tropical fruit and access to freshly caught seafood as they create their menus.

You haven’t been to Florida until you’ve tried Key Lime pie, shrimp grits, ceviche, stone crabs, guava-and-cheese pastelitos, Cuban sandwiches, and of course, a Mojito (or three).

Each of Florida’s major cities offers a tempting array of cuisines to choose from. You’ll find chef-driven restaurants in Miami, mom-and-pop eateries in the Florida Keys, Latin food galore in Tampa Bay cities, and classic American fare along the boardwalks in places like Hollywood Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Fort Myers Beach.

Gay Nightlife

Florida offers everything from the frenzy of all-night dance clubs to the kitschy charm of seaside tiki bars. Head to South Beach in Miami for high-octane fun at its collection of gay bars. In Fort Lauderdale and the suburb of Wilton Manors, a handful of gay bars shine the spotlight on the growing LGBT community there. In Tampa, a coalition of gay and gay-friendly businesses along the main stretch in the historic neighborhood of Ybor City provides a place for gay travelers to be themselves and support members of the community. 

And who could forget the legendary gay clubs in Orlando, boasting a range of experiences, from dimly lit intimate dives to megaclubs with dancing and entertainment?

Safety

On the whole, Florida is a fairly safe state for LGBT travelers. You can expect the highest level of tolerance in cities in South Florida with booming gay nightlife scenes and businesses that welcome gay travelers wholeheartedly. No matter where you're traveling within the Sunshine State, you should always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. Use caution when walking alone at night. Since the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando in 2016, many gay bars and clubs offer extra security.

Florida has an overall crime rate that’s lower than the national average. However, be sure to keep your valuables close, and don’t leave anything unattended in your car or at the beach. 

As Florida is subject to extreme weather, you may find yourself dealing with potential storms, hurricanes, lightning, and flooding. Remember that rip currents are a threat, so you should always heed warning flags when at the beach.

Florida’s sun is no joke. Be sure to bring sunscreen and apply it regularly and liberally, even if your skin doesn’t normally burn. Drink plenty of water, especially in summer, when high temperatures can easily lead to heat exhaustion.

Destinations within Florida

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