What's it really like?
Gay Fort Lauderdale is the unofficial gay capital of Florida, and despite being a city in such an ultra-conservative state, over one million gay travelers visit every year.
Spring Break in gay Fort Lauderdale is next-level. Time your trip just right, and you’ll double the fun with beach parties, buzzing bars, and all-day poolside vibes.
What makes gay Fort Lauderdale stand out? Its unique setting on the Atlantic Ocean paired with an intricate canal system gives it the nickname “The Venice of America.” But let’s be honest, most travelers are here for the beach—Sebastian Street Beach, to be exact, the go-to gay hotspot.
February turns up the heat with Fort Lauderdale Pride, the city’s biggest gay event of the year. Think pool parties, an epic 8-hour street festival, and a larger-than-life parade. And don’t miss FlockFest—a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ+ beach bash that started with inflatable flamingos and now boasts over 800 floats.
Gay Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a destination—it’s a vibe.
Gay Fort Lauderdale is a premier destination for same-sex weddings, offering couples the chance to combine their nuptials with an unforgettable honeymoon.
The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is during the high season months of December to April. Be aware of the hurricane season that hits the region between June and November. While accommodation prices are down, It may not be the safest time of year to be there.
By day, Central Beach is where it’s at, but for full-on gay beach vibes, head to Sebastian Street Beach.
Wilton Manors is basically Fort Lauderdale’s gay bar capital—drag shows, sports bars, you name it—all crammed into a few blocks. Hit up Hunter’s Nightclub, George’s Alibi Monkey Bar, and even snag some looks at Pride Factory, all on the same street.
Need a history lesson? Smarty Pants Bar holds the crown as Fort Lauderdale’s longest-running gay bar, right off East Oakland Park Boulevard.
Ready to turn up the heat in gay Fort Lauderdale? Craving for a “relaxed” vibe (sure), The Club Fort Lauderdale is your 24/7 spot to unwind, mingle, and just make friends. Pool, gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi… sleep is overrated anyway. The Clubhouse II has something for everyone.
And for those who like their squats extra steamy, Wilton Social Club in Oakland Park is the private gym and sauna where fitness and flirting go hand in hand.
Fort Lauderdale has a handful of gay-owned and operated properties, including one that’s clothing optional. Most of them are located near the beach, where all the party action happens.
While almost all the best hotels are in or around Central Beach, a few are scattered around the city, especially in Wilton Manors, the predominantly gay area. Here are some top gay-friendly hotels to consider for your stay:
The Grand Resort and Spa, Pineapple Point Guesthouse & Resort, and The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa are premier gay men’s resorts with full-service spas. The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa features waterfront views and a clothing-optional policy, ensuring a private and enjoyable stay.
Tours.
Elevate your South Florida experience with a private helicopter tour from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach. Soar over Port Everglades, pristine beaches, and Miami's iconic spots. Spot dolphins, sharks, and manatees from above. Perfect for a luxe, unforgettable adventure.
Embark on a thrilling 90-minute Seabob and snorkel tour in Fort Lauderdale. This small-group adventure combines jet skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, allowing you to explore three vibrant reefs up to eight feet deep. All equipment and a guide are included for an unforgettable experience.
Dive into a chic culinary journey through Fort Lauderdale's hotspots with this intimate, guided tasting tour. Indulge in eight delectable dishes and two spirited drinks, all while sidestepping tourist traps. Highlights include the historic Stranahan House and the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard. Perfect for the discerning gay traveler seeking authentic flavors and experiences.
Roll through Fort Lauderdale like a pro on this Segway tour that’s part sightseeing, part celeb-gossip sesh. Cruise past luxe mansions, megayachts, and the Riverwalk while your guide spills the tea on the city’s A-list scene. Small groups, a custom Segway lesson, and top-tier people-watching
Set sail into sunset perfection with this luxe catamaran cruise. Glide past Millionaires’ Row, sip champagne, and watch the Atlantic light up in fiery hues. Whether you’re romancing, mingling, or just living your best yacht-life fantasy, this is peak Fort Lauderdale. Sunset, sea breeze, and bubbly—yes, it's serving.
Get deep into the wild heart of the Everglades with this full-day, biologist-led adventure. Glide through the River of Grass on an airboat, cruise the Ten Thousand Islands to spot dolphins and manatees, and trek Big Cypress with a naturalist. Bonus: a Native tree island village, historic trading post, and lunch.
Gays and the Law
In the past, Florida has had a reputation for being one of the most anti-liberal and socially conservative states in the USA. However, with three major cities that cater to gay travelers, Key West, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, there’s nothing to be concerned about.
Gay Fort Lauderdale activities were legalized in 2003, and same-sex marriage has been allowed since 2015. The Supreme Court of Florida protects LGBTQI+ people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Getting Tested
Every country in Florida offers some form of STI testing, free or for a reasonable fee, regardless of a person’s citizenship. For gay Fort Lauderdale, syphilis is on the rise; it’s ranked in the top ten in the country for infections.
Thrift shop Out of the Closet, located on East Sunrise Boulevard in the Lake Ridge suburb, offers free HIV tests in a section of the store.
Travelers looking to renew their PrEP prescription can visit the South Florida Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. Any hospital emergency room can provide PEP for those who feel they need to take it.
Any travelers looking for a hospital can go to Broward Health Imperial Point; it’s considered the hospital of choice for the gay community in Fort Lauderdale.
Local Neighhorhoods
Gay Fort Lauderdale Areas
While gay hotels, bars, and restaurants are spread right across Fort Lauderdale.
Wilton Manors is home to the broadest range of gay bars, from drag venues to sports bars, all within blocks of each other. Hunter’s Nightclub, George’s Alibi Monkey Bar, and Pride Factory clothing store are all in the same block.
East Oakland Park Boulevard is a major artery connecting Fort Lauderdale Beach to Route 75. Smarty Pants Bar, the longest-established gay bar in Fort Lauderdale, and Clubhouse II — the most popular sauna — can be found on this road. For the best dinner and show in Fort Lauderdale, head to Lips, also on East Oakland Park Boulevard.
East Sunrise Boulevard is parallel to East Oakland Park Boulevard and is home to the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library, an institution dedicated to LGBTQI+ history. Also on this road is Mona’s Bar, which recently celebrated 25 years.
For a late-night coffee hit, go to Stork’s Bakery & Coffee House in Wilton Manors; it’s gay-owned and operated. A gay hot spot for lunch is J. Mark’s Restaurant on North Federal Highway; it’s also gay-owned and operated. The weekend brunch comes with $3 Mimosas!
While most of the daytime action in Fort Lauderdale happens around Central Beach, Sebastian Street Beach is just down the road. It’s the official gay beach and the home of the Ritz Carlton.
While there are no exclusively gay restaurants near the beach, Casablanca’s, just north of Sebastian Street Beach, has a very gay crowd and serves some of the best seafood in the area.
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