Unplug and savor the splendor of the coast in Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. 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. Jacksonville area: You can find world-class dining in Jacksonville, throwback beach vibes on Amelia Island, and well-preserved colonial gems in St. 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. 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.įlorida 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. 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.Īnd then, of course, there are the thrills associated with Orlando and central Florida, where theme parks and family-friendly fun reigns supreme.įor first-timers not sure which region to choose for their very first gay Florida escape, we have a few suggestions:
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. Those who love to hit the water will find plenty of charters for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving-especially in south Florida. 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. It’s cliché to say a destination has something for everyone, but in the case of Florida, it’s absolutely true. 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.
The upside is that hotel rates tend to be cheaper during this period.Ĭentral 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. Summer can be unbearably hot and humid, and there’s a risk of hurricanes and strong storms.
In South Florida, hotels and attractions are packed in winter, but the weather is at its most pleasant. When to Visitĭestinations in Florida have varying high, low, and shoulder seasons. 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. 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. 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. 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. Many of Florida’s major tourist destinations have long welcomed gay travelers. 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. They can jet off to Palm Beach for high-end shopping or enjoy the pristine coastal habitats in Pensacola Beach.
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. From the bone-white beaches of the Gulf Coast to the Latin flavor of South Florida, no two places in Florida are the same. The wonderful thing about Florida is that you can return year after year and have a completely unique experience each time. 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.Īnd 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? First, there are the irresistible year-round temperatures. There’s a reason more than 100 million visitors from all over the world find their way to the Sunshine State every year.