Gay Orlando
Celebrated for its larger-than-life theme parks and its family-oriented fun, Orlando has a lot more up its sleeve than just games, rides, and costumed characters. However, If theme parks don't call your name, Orlando has more to offer than just theme parks and themed shopping.
Gay travelers will discover that this city of almost 300,000 has its own unique rhythm. Boasting more than 100 parks and 100 lakes, including pretty Lake Eola, it can actually be a subdued retreat for LGBTQ+ travelers. By being one of the most traveled destinations, Orlando has a vibrant and tropical environment waiting for you. Relaxing waters, festive music, enticing gay nightlife, and culturally diverse food can be found all over Orlando. There is plenty to do for everyone. If you want to spend your Orlando vacation in a low-key way, away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, this is the place! However, no one would blame you if you gave in and decided to visit Walt Disney World—especially during the annual Gay Days. Looking for a gay-friendly place to stay? We have two GayTravel Award Winners to choose from: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown.
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Orlando
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Orlando Gay Scene
There are no gay neighborhoods in Orlando, and most of the gay-friendly establishments are scattered throughout the city. Though there is no central gay scene, take the time to hop from one to the next and make a night of it.
Since 1991, gay men and lesbians worldwide have converged in and around Walt Disney World in June for Gay Days Orlando, an entire weekend of exciting events centered around area theme parks and attractions. The event’s attendance has grown considerably, attracting more than 100,000 gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, family, and friends since 1998.
One of the best things about this get-together is that it appeals to a huge range of ages, tastes, and styles. "Gay Days" is the perfect venue for friends from different backgrounds to vacation together - whether male, female, transgender, bi, gay, lesbian, or keen on hanging out with a bunch of queer buddies. So grab your Mickey Mouse cap and start planning.
Best Time to Visit Orlando
Orlando has beautiful weather year-round. Most people visit Orlando during the summer months to enjoy the beach and tropical environment. However, one of the best times to visit is during the spring. Whether you decide to visit during the spring or summer, the weather will always be nice and warm while you are visiting.
June-September is considered the rainy season in Orlando. These rains can offer some relief from the tropical heat but can put a damper on some plans. So remember to plan accordingly while visiting!
Top Things to See and Do in Orlando
Orlando has a diverse menu of things to see and do. From screaming on roller coasters to soaking up the sun, Orlando has many activities to offer. While planning your visit, decide if you want to spend the day at the theme parks, the beach, or explore the many trails and wetlands Orlando has to offer.
Stroll through a nature park- Orlando has miles of nature trails and nature parks to explore. Spend a day bird watching, nature watching, or maybe just stop and smell the flowers.
Go Kayaking- Why not get a kayak adventure and lose yourself in one of the many rivers and wetlands. It may not be as intense as going river rafting, but you can still take in all the nature, and wildlife Orlando has to offer.
Airboating- What trip to the south is complete without going on an airboat trip! Orlando has a lot of wetlands to explore. Why not explore them on an airboat?
Orlando is known for its theme parks and attractions that come with it. While they are fun and spectacular, Orlando has more to offer than theme parks and thrill rides. In case you want to go out and explore the city, below are some of the fun things you can do while visiting Orlando.
MUST DO Orlando Attractions & Activities
- Visit Theme Parks - Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World! Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Gatorland and Wet n’ Wild are just a few to choose from!
- Visit a Museum - Orlando has many different types of museums that celebrate arts, culture, and history. The best part, some of them are free to visit! Why not spend a day taking in American artists, learning about American history and its culture.
- Lake Eola Park - Take a stroll in Lake Eola Park. Located near Down Town Disney, this lake offers 9 miles of scenic views of museums, arts, culture, and an amphitheater. For those of you that lake to stop and smell the flowers, this place is for you.
- Shopping- Whether you choose to go into a theme park or not, Disney Springs and Universal City Walk offer great shopping for anyone looking for a fun, themed shopping experience. You can shop, people watch or entertain yourself with
Gay-Friendly Dining
Orlando is home to some famous food that people travel far lengths to try. Even though Orlando is close to the beach, that doesn't mean that all of the food is seafood. Florida is also known for its delicious and vibrant Cuban food, as well as its fresh seafood. Below you will find some of the food that Orlando has to offer.
Cuban Sandwich- A famous Florida Sandwich popular with the Cuban communities. This sandwich is made with Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. Thus hugely popular sandwich is made all over Florida, and establishments always brag about making the best Cuban sandwich. Why not try one of a few for your self and you decide if the hype is there.
Florida Stone Crab- This famous crab can be found up and down the Florida coast. It's famous for being able to regrow the claw that has been harvested. Making this crab a sustainable way to enjoy seafood without having to worry about overfishing.
Shrimp & Grits- A famous southern staple. Fresh seafood and hearty grits make this food a great brunch option while visiting Florida. Have this dish while having brunch on the patio while overlooking the sea.
Key Lime Pie- After eating a lot of delicious food, why not wash it down with a refreshing slice of Key Lime pie. This sweet yet tart dessert is a great way to cool off in the summer and take in all of that sweet life Florida has to offer.
If you can decide where to eat, how about some of these restaurants.
Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille
When none of the clubs in town are hopping, something to do on a Tuesday is to go to Hamburger Mary’s for drag bingo.
Creative, satisfying meatless fare is the norm at this all-vegan restaurant. A cozy outdoor courtyard offers bucolic views of the oaks fringing Lake Ivanhoe and hosts Sunday brunch and monthly vegan barbecues.
Gay-Friendly Nightlife
Looking for a fun night out? Whether you're looking for a mild or wild night out, Orlando has some great gay local hot spots that are worth checking out. You'll find a little bit for everyone here.
Take a night out on the town and check out the gay scene at some local gay bars and clubs in the area. You will find a little bit of everything here.
If you want to mingle or need some space, this bar is for you. There's a patio, lounge, sidebar, and the main bar to help you to do just that. Drink specials and gogo dancers galore, need we say more?
If you like the older crowd or want to go to a bar to get the night started, Stonewall is the place for you!
Tips & Tricks
Orlando International Airport is the city's main airport and the state's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. This airport is a pretty major hub and accesses lots of larger travel destinations directly. Once you are in Orlando, the best way to get around is by car. Rental cars are easy to find for reasonable prices, although be sure to expect some road congestion due to the high density of drivers.
And don't forget Gay Days Orlando, the first weekend in June each year, attracts 160,000+ from around the world to the central Florida area. The event generates over $600 million in economic benefits!
In 2016 to honor the memory of the 49 Pulse Nightclub victims, we celebrated “Orlando United Day - A Day of Love and Kindness.” Patty Sheehan, Orlando's first openly gay elected official, said it best "We will not be silenced. We will not be made to go away.”
Please click here to read our statement of support for Orlando and the city's LGBTQ+ community.
Travel Safety Tips
As always, it’s a smart idea to be mindful and vigilant about personal belongings while vacationing. So while visiting, especially in the larger city areas, make sure to use the hotel's safe to store belongings. While out and about, keep everything close to you, and try not to carry too many personal items with you.
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