17 Top Cities To Be Gay (USA Version)

Choosing the perfect destination for a getaway can be daunting, especially if you're seeking a city that celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and offers a welcoming atmosphere. Fortunately, the United States boasts numerous cities that are renowned for their inclusivity and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities. Here are 17 of the best cities to be gay in the United States:

1. Portland, Oregon

Portland has long been considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. With its progressive values, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, Portland offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Roseland Theater: This iconic venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, comedy shows, and drag shows.
• Scandals: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Portland Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

2. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city's iconic landmarks, beautiful scenery, and progressive values make it a top destination. The Castro District is a historic gay neighborhood with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Castro: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Twin Peaks Tavern: This popular gay bar offers stunning views of the city and a lively atmosphere.
• San Francisco Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

3. New York City, New York

The Big Apple is a melting pot of cultures and offers something for everyone. With its diverse nightlife, world-class entertainment, and iconic landmarks, NYC is a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Stonewall Inn: This historic gay bar is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
• The Ritz: This popular gay bar is known for its drag shows and dance parties.
• NYC Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

4. Los Angeles, California

From Hollywood glamour to stunning beaches, Los Angeles has it all. The city's West Hollywood neighborhood is a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ life with a thriving nightlife scene.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Abbey: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• The Boystown: This popular gay neighborhood is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.
• LA Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

5. Key West, Florida

This tropical paradise is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Key West has a variety of gay bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Bourbon Street Pub: This popular gay bar is known for its live music and friendly atmosphere.
• Aqua: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and delicious food.
• Key West Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

6. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a desert oasis with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. The city offers a variety of activities, including hiking, golfing, and exploring the desert landscape.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Dinah Shore Weekend: This annual event is one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in the world.
• The Parker Palm Springs: This luxurious hotel is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
• Palm Springs Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

7. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a progressive city with a strong LGBTQ+ community. The city's Capitol Hill neighborhood is home to numerous gay bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Neighbours: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Pony: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Seattle Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is a popular beach destination with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. The city's Wilton Manors neighborhood is known for its gay bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Manor: This popular gay bar is known for its drag shows and dance parties.
• The Pier: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and delicious food.
• Fort Lauderdale Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

9. Provincetown, Massachusetts

This charming coastal town is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Provincetown offers a variety of activities, including whale watching, shopping, and exploring the town's historic district.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Crown & Anchor: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• The Boatslip: This popular gay bar is known for its waterfront location and live entertainment.
• Provincetown Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

10. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a growing city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The city's Midtown neighborhood is home to numerous gay bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Edgewood Tavern: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• My Sister's Room: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Atlanta Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

11. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is a progressive city with a strong LGBTQ+ community. The city's Uptown neighborhood is known for its gay bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Gay 90's: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Loring Bar: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Minneapolis Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

12. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a vibrant city with a diverse LGBTQ+ community. The city's Boystown neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Halsted Boys: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Elixir: This popular gay bar is known for its stylish atmosphere and delicious cocktails.
• Chicago Pride Parade: This annual parade is one of the largest in the country.

13. Denver, Colorado

Denver is a growing city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The city's LoDo neighborhood is home to numerous gay bars, restaurants, and shops.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Cherry Creek Tavern: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Matador: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Denver Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is a historic city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The city's Gayborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Must-visit gay locations:

• Bob & Barbara's: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Tavern on Camac: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Philadelphia Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

15. Austin, Texas

Austin is a quirky city with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. The city's Sixth Street district is known for its live music, bars, and restaurants.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Iron Door: This popular gay bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Rain: This iconic gay bar is a must-visit for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
• Austin Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

16. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a charming city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Must-visit gay locations:

• The Battery Park Hotel: This historic hotel is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
• The Haywood Park Hotel: This boutique hotel offers stylish accommodations and a rooftop bar.
• Asheville Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.

17. New Orleans, Louisiana