Saturday and Sunday afternoons are the busiest and best times to admire the South Florida sun-worshippers.
St. Breezy cabanas with palapa roofs, decks and hammocks impart an easygoing vibe, and the open-air, toes-in-the-sand restaurant is one of the best in town.
Durban, South Africa
Cape Town may receive more international attention, but South Africa's third-largest city is arguably more appealing for a beach vacation.
Higgs Beach, Key West, USA
Despite Miami being a firm contender for the state’s gay crown, Key West is not without its options, hogging many of the best gay beaches in Florida on its sandy shores. You can snorkel in the sheltered, bathtub-warm waters of Tumon Bay and hike in the forest-covered mountains of the island's interior, and you'll discover tasty Thai, Japanese and local Chamorro food at every turn.
The island's ties to the LGBTQIA+ community are deep.
Stay longer in paradise with a busy schedule covering the top things to do in Key West.
Key West | Photo: Meric Dagli
Photo: Stefan Schranz
Where to stay in the Florida Keys
When visiting Higgs Beach in Key West, your stay should reflect the laid-back yet luxurious spirit of the Florida Keys.
Take the Santa Monica Blue Bus 9 to Santa Monica State Beach, following the vast stretch of palm-edged shorefront towards Lifeguard Tower 18 where the gay crowd congregates. Beach 19 – Lisbon, Portugal 16. The gay beach here is located at kiosk number 7,, which can be found between the Faro de Maspalomas (the lighthouse) and Playa del Ingles. There, you’ll find a path leading up along the train tracks, which will eventually take you to the beach (treating you to some nice viewpoints along the way).
Ironically, the water is warmer in winter than in summer, so it’s more of a hangout and sunbathing spot than a swimming beach. However, this charming, historic, seaside village on the coast of southern Maine has its draws, too.
Pines Beach in particular is a strong base for action, with sand once blessed by Liza Minelli, Alan Cumming and Calvin Klein. It’s close to many of the gay hotels and resorts that are perfect for happy hour drinks and light bites after a long day of soaking up the sun and meeting cuties in the sand. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who seek refinement in every moment—whether discovering hidden gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels.
The most popular place to relax or party during the day on Playa de los Muertos is definitely Mantamar Beach Club. The trip is worth it for the gorgeous Portuguese men alone.
Baker Beach – San Francisco (California), USA
The north end of Baker Beach is the gay, clothing-optional beach in San Francisco.
Take the 380 or 333 bus from Circular Quay toward North Bondi, Dover Heights, Watsons Bay, or Bondi Beach.
Black’s Beach – San Diego, USA
Though this beach requires a bit of effort to reach, its beauty—and the beautiful guys—are worth it. Here, you’ll be surrounded by good-looking sunbathers, house party flyers, and lots of beach volleyball.
So before the tide goes too far out, we bring you a rundown of the 10 best gay beaches in North America from the Pacific coast of Vancouver to the year-round tropical retreat of the Florida Keys.
Tailor Made Journey
Luxury Beyond Convention
At Mr Hudson, we understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world exactly as you envision it.
Serving cocktails and Mexican fare from dawn until late, the resort is also known for its go-go boys, drag shows and scandalous antics on the rooftop bar. The resort's eco-friendly villas have one to four bedrooms, and the property features four pools, two restaurants and a festive beach bar. Don’t miss the nearby Key West AIDS Memorial and the African Cemetery, a historic site where an African slave ship was captured off the coast in 1860.
Ginger Rogers Beach – Los Angeles (California), USA
Santa Monica State Beach is an inspired, albeit safe, choice for a day out by the ocean.
With an infinity pool and DJs throughout the day, it’s the go-to day drinking spot. All three hotels provide excellent proximity to Ginger Rogers Beach and the Santa Monica gay scene.