Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Seattle

Gay Seattle

Of the stereotypical things that pop into mind when thinking of Seattle, a robust gay population isn’t necessarily one of them. The city is known as the birthplace of grunge music and Starbucks Coffee, and its rainy and cloudy weather is the stuff of legends. But it also has a reputation as a very gay-friendly destination with a significant gay population. In fact, the only American city to claim more LGBT residents is San Francisco. That makes Seattle the second-gayest city in America! Dan Savage would be so proud.

Seattle is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States.

Gay Scene in Seattle

Seattle has a bustling arts scene unsurprisingly centered on its gayest neighborhood: Capitol Hill. Seattle’s de facto gayborhood has one of the highest concentrations of LGBT residents per capita in the United States. Here you’ll find thriving nightclubs featuring a diverse mix of musical tastes—in fact, hip hop artist and ally Macklemore happens to be from the Emerald City. There are also a number of venues and fringe theaters showcasing performances of a more vaudevillian nature. It’s no wonder, given Seattle’s reputation as a bastion for liberalism and counterculture, that the people here are so accepting of their fellow gay citizens.

Madison Park Beach, located on the shores of Lake Washington, is Seattle’s unofficial gay beach. Most gays congregate around the northern section of the beach, away from the more family-oriented southern side.

When to Visit

While the summer months are always popular thanks to an increased chance of warm temperatures and sunshine, fall is a gorgeous time to make your way to Washington as well.  If you come in spring or winter, be prepared for chilly temperatures and frequent drizzle (no need to bring an umbrella — just endure the rain like the locals do).

Activities and Attractions

Mount Rainier offers gay travelers plenty of chances to connect with nature.

“The Emerald City” receives its sobriquet from the lush, green foliage surrounding the area. Logging was Seattle’s primary industry in the 19th century, but today one can hike and explore the mossy woods without hearing chainsaws in Olympic National Park or on Mount Rainier. Seattle is an unparalleled base for nature lovers, and it boasts a relaxed vibe that caters to a lifestyle facilitated by the natural environs. Outdoor activities including camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, and climbing are popular seasonally. The fish market at Pike Place Market is another favorite spot to explore in the city, and the view from the Space Needle shouldn’t be missed.

Seattle's famed waterfront

Pike Place Market is famed for its fishmongers

Gay-Friendly Dining

Seattle’s cuisine boasts global influences and a wide range of flavors, thanks to the city’s eclectic mix of cultures. Seafood takes top billing here, but you’ll find unique creations like a Seattle dog (topped with cream cheese and grilled onions) and piroshkies, Russian pastries filled with things like beef and cheese or smoked salmon pate. Of course, you can always count on classics like clam chowder, sushi, and fried chicken.

Café Munir

Settle in at this inviting café serving upscale Lebanese dishes and a large choice of whiskeys. Don’t miss the muhammara, made from roasted peppers, walnuts, chili, and pomegranate.

Julia’s on Broadway

Have brunch or dinner with a side of drag at Julia’s on Broadway, a performing arts venue offering an extensive food and drinks menu. This is Seattle's longest running celebrity impersonation drag show

Wataru

You won’t soon forget the unique sushi experience at Wataru, where a masterful Chef Kotaro Kumita serves up sushi Edomae-style, a special way of curing and marinating.

Gay-Friendly Nightlife

There are several venues in town specifically catering to a gay clientele. Nightlife is centered on the Pike/Pine corridor.

Neighbors

Opened in 1983, Neighbors has been an icon of gay nightlife in Seattle for more than 30 years. This two-level club spills over with patrons on weekend nights.

The Cuff Complex

Billing itself as Seattle's premier leather and fetish bar and nightclub, The Cuff Complex draws a rowdy crowd seven days a week.

Wildrose

Though it’s primarily a place for women, this longstanding lesbian bar welcomes all for fun nights of beer pong and booty shaking.

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