Gay Travel in Greater Fort Lauderdale
The LGBTQ community is under attack on a global level, particularly in the state of Florida. It's imperative to shed preconceived notions and witness firsthand why Greater Fort Lauderdale stands as a beacon of safety acceptance and inclusion for the Queer community.
So I decided to ditch my winter coat, put on a tank top, grab my clack fan, and visit the city for ‘Everyone Under The Sun!'
WHERE TO STAY
For those craving glamor and glitz, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel awaits.
Seeking a stunning rooftop pool and an authentically queer atmosphere just minutes from Wilton Manors' vibrant gayborhood? Look no further than the Courtyard Marriott Downtown.
For those ready to embrace their birthday suit, the newly revamped clothing-optional Grand Resort and Spa is a mere two blocks from the beach.
Satisfy your culinary desires with an exquisite array of gastronomic delights all throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale.
WHERE TO EAT
MAASS
Sobe Vegan
Tulio’s Tacos
The Alchemist is the perfect getaway where you are transported into greenery and a rustic chic ambiance with impeccable food.
MAASS at the Four Seasons dishes out haute cuisine with more intricate detail than your last drama-filled brunch.
Start your day with vegan delights at Stephanie’s or munch on beachside bliss at Wild Thyme.
Feeling plant-powered? Planta Queen reigns supreme in Asian cuisine, while SoBe Vegan's mural-covered walls make every bite Instagram-worthy.
Craving pizza? Patio Bar and Pizza is serving up ambiance AND delicious pizza while Dune by Laurent Tourondel's upscale vibes will have you feeling fabulous by the ocean.
Highly recommend taking a trip out to Seminole Hard Rock and eating at Kuro the finest Japanese in Florida.
Who is craving desert? Cake Daddy’s to the rescue.
For pregame perfection in Wilton Manors, Tulio’s Tacos is the best spot to people watch with mouth watering Mexican HEAVEN, while Rosie's offers famous burgers & cocktails that'll have you strutting like you own the city
Tigertail Recreation Center
WHAT TO SEE
Get your culture fix at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown's Queer women-curated art exhibit or venture out to Claudia Castillo Art Gallery in Wilton Manors for original works.
Dive into LGBTQ+ history at Stonewall National Museum and Archives where they preserve and share millions of stories of LGBTQ folks throughout history. Stop by Pride Center and see their EPIC programming that focuses on providing a safe welcoming space that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers the LGBTQ community and its allies in Southern Florida.
Make a splash at Florida Aquatic Center and watch the fabulous diving team leap from the highest diving board in the western hemisphere and then venture out Tigertail Lake Recreational Center, where you can unleash your inner athlete.
Cruise the "Venice of America" via water taxi and look at homes you imagine yourself living in.
Strike a pose at the Bonnet House and Museum, which celebrates the story of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. This museum preserves the art, history and nature of Bonnet House and the landscape is EVERYTHING!
Do not miss the gay theaters! Fort Lauderdale is the only city in the world with 3 of them! I happened to catch Ronnie Larsen Presents Ten Naked Men at The Foundry!
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunters
Dive into the Wilton Manors Gayborhood that quite literally has something for everyone. I couldn’t possibly visit every single Queer bar. So below are RAVI’S RAVES
Drynk is a classy joint with a cute patio and offers a very classy ambiance.
Club Xtra is a trans club and a safe haven for trans folks.
Hunters is a fantastic nightclub with a wild light show, sick beats, and a very mixed crowd to people watch.
Eagle Wilton Manors is the premier venue for bears, otters, wolves, jocks, pigs, and anyone in the leather bear community. It is welcoming to all and has a fantastic dance floor and back room.
Make sure to take a trip out to Club Lauderdale, one of the cleanest bathhouses I have ever been to which offers a multitude of rooms, a fabulous steam room, and a gorgeous outdoor pool.
This is a city where the minority becomes the majority, where the people shape the essence of the community. I found solace and authenticity in every corner, whether it was the liberating atmosphere of clothing-optional resorts or the body positivity radiating throughout Wilton Manors.
For those seeking a sun-soaked getaway, Fort Lauderdale beckons year-round, dispelling any fears of alligators casually roaming the streets. A heartfelt thank you to Visit Lauderdale for orchestrating an unforgettable experience. If you still aren’t sold on visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale check out my video below! See y’all on my next adventure!
*All images and videos by Kane Andrade