· De Darby Foxx
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
New Orleans is a vibrant city with a unique culture and history. The city's French Quarter is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Must-visit gay locations:
- Bourbon Street: This iconic street is home to numerous gay bars, restaurants, and shops.
- The Maison Bourbon: This historic hotel is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- New Orleans Pride: This annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and features a parade, street fair, and other events.
The Bottom Line
With its diverse offerings, welcoming atmosphere, and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, these cities offer something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a bustling metropolis, a laid-back beach town, or a charming mountain retreat, you're sure to find the perfect destination to celebrate your identity and experience the beauty of diversity. So pack your bags and get ready to explore these incredible cities!