Gay Fort Myers

Many places within Florida make it among the most gay-friendly and welcoming states of all.  Whether it’s the gay cities, gay beaches, or Florida Prides, LGBT travelers will find the Sunshine State -- that spans from sea to shining sea -- to be a premier destination.

Fort Myers, which is located on the West Coast on the Gulf side, is one of our favorite beach towns.  It’s considered the “gateway to Southwest Florida,” and travelers will enjoy beautiful weather year-round with average temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees. While Fort Myers is not as big a gay town as Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or St. Petersburg, its swiftly gaining popularity among the gay community.  You’ll find plenty of gay-friendly hotels and resorts too in Fort Myers as well as in nearby Cape Coral, known for its gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches, nature preserves, 400 miles of canals, boating, fishing, golf, tennis, and much more all at your fingertips.

What do you want to discover?  What's the gay scene like?  Best time to visit?  Top things to see and do?  We've got you covered!

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Fort Myers

The gay scene is thriving and alive and you’ll always feel at home and at ease among plenty of like-minded people.  

You won’t want to miss Pride SWFL (Southwest Florida) is the biggest event in the area and takes place in Fort Myers sister city, Cape Coral, and is host to over 6,000 people a year.  There are a fun Pride brunch and tea dance on the Sunday following SWFL so be sure to stay long enough to partake in all of the festivities.

Best Time to Visit Fort Myers

The weather is beautiful year-round.  Onshore breezes will keep you cool in the summer when it’s hot and the warm sun will keep you warm in the winter months.

Top Things to See and Do in Fort Myers

Hop on a bike cruiser and ride along the beach, do some shopping, and dine al fresco at the gay-friendly restaurants while you’re there.  You can even charter a yacht!

Fort Myers Attractions & Activities

Lakes Regional Park is a great place to see regional wildlife and for biking and walking.  If you have kids in tow, they’ll love it too and will want to ride the train cool off at splash park.

Kids (and you) will love watching the manatees swim at Manatee Park or at Manatee World

Did you know that inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had winter residences in Fort Myers?

 Travelers will want to see their estates and check out the Botanic Research Lab and Inventions Museum

Bask in the sun on Bunche Beach and you may even find a real seahorse!

Take a ride to nearby Sanibel Island & Captiva!

Sanibel Island has one of the world’s best shelling beaches where you’ll find treasures from the Caribbean and Southern seas.

Fort Myers Gay-Friendly Dining

There’s no shortage of delicious restaurants to choose from with everything from fresh seafood to savory steaks.  There’s casual dining, waterfront restaurants, and romantic little bistros.  There’s more of a laid-back vibe which makes dining experiences relaxing and casual.

Fort Myers Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

LGBT nightlife and bars are not the Miami scene but way more laid back and casual.  The vibe is gay-friendly and fun, and you’ll be surrounded by a welcoming and diverse crowd.  Here are a few places to raise your glass:

Rascals.  It's more than your neighborhood bar.  It's an LGBTQ gathering place with libations, light fare menu items, and entertainment galore!  With regular gay events like lip sync battles, trivia nights, and drag bingo, you're sure to be drawn in and amused.

Cruisers Lounge.   Cruisers Lounge is in nearby Cape Coral.  A full complement of bar items to wet your whistle.  If you can think of it, they can make it for you!  Lots of singing goes on at Cruisers with lively karaoke nights and other events and entertainment.

Hideaway Bar.  For those looking for a more relaxed scene, the HIDEAWAY Bar has live music and sidewalk seating.

Travel Safety Tips

Fort Myers is safe.  Avoid East and Southeast of downtown at night.  A lovely and safe area 45 miles of Fort Myers is Naples where the gay nightlife scene is robust.