There are few places in the States more iconic than Miami. Miami is where— to use a cliché—North meets South. Latin American culture makes sweet love to that of urban Northern America. It’s glamorous yet inclusive, edgy but accessible. By day, Cadillacs blasting reggaeton cruise along the palm-tree-lined Ocean Drive, with Miami Beach full of speedo-wearing hunks on one side and rows of Art Deco-style hotels on the other. By night, the streets hum with the sounds of bars and terraces packed with people from all over the world out to have a good time. Miami is about more than just the beach and nightlife, though: it also has culture and art incorporated into its very bloodstream, evidenced by its superabundance of street art, galleries, and the aforementioned Art Deco buildings.

For decades, Miami has been a hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community, both for locals and visitors alike. But as LGBTQ+ acceptance improves and the next generation becomes a dominant force in the travel sphere, you might wonder if Miami still holds the allure it once had.

The decreased demand for gay-only spaces has created challenges for many LGBTQ+ businesses, including gay bars and gay-only hotels. Like many cities, Miami (and Miami Beach in particular) has felt the impact of this trend and now has only a handful of LGBTQ+ venues. But it’s hard to be too pessimistic in a city where the sun is always shining. Even with the decline over the years, there’s still a strong sense of community, and it’s worth noting that Miami’s gay scene remains vibrant. The community thrives with locals, visitors, and even foreigners mingling together, creating an atmosphere of openness and diversity. Plus, Miami Beach is truly one of a kind—still a top destination renowned for its stunning beaches, iconic architecture, and the energy that pulses into the night.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels & Resorts in Miami
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Miami
5. Restaurants and Cafes
6. Miami Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Miami Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Gay Beaches in Miami
9. Gay Events in Miami
10. Day Trips from Miami

General Tips

Miami is dreadfully hot and humid from June to August, so it’s not surprising that this is the low season. Still, if you plan on spending time at the beach and staying indoors, you’ll benefit from lower rates for flights and accommodations. February through April is high season, and during this time, you’ll find amazing events, including Miami Beach Gay Pride (April) and the Winter Party (March). If gay parties and events are your thing, this is the perfect time to visit. From September through January, the weather is mild, and aside from a couple of cooler months in the winter, it’s almost always beach weather in Miami.

South Beach is the unofficial gay area of Miami and is separated from the rest of the city, on an island. There you'll find gay hotels, bars and restaurants galore.

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Transportation & Airport Transfer

From Miami International Airport, you can take the Metrorail to downtown or surrounding neighborhoods. If you’re staying in Miami beach, you’ll need to take a bus as the train doesn’t go to Miami Beach. However, a rideshare like Uber or Lyft is probably the most convenient and isn’t too expensive, particularly if you are splitting with friends. If you’re traveling alone, both Uber and Lyft offer shared/carpool options in Miami for a reduced price. The public transportation in Miami is quite good, at least in the city center. The metro mover is free, and if you buy an Easy Dade 1 day-pass, you can use the buses, metro and rail as much as you want.

Gay Hotels in Miami

Luxury

Royal Palm South Beach – A gay-friendly hotel located on the shores of Miami Beach, Royal Palm South Beach features an on-site spa and wellness center. The resort is just a 5-minute walk from Lincoln Road Mall. Guests can enjoy the Compass Rose Bar, offering coffee, tea, and evening cocktails, as well as Florida Cookery, which serves breakfast outdoors. The property includes two outdoor pools with accompanying music and provides direct beachfront access. Guests can also opt for cabanas, and the on-site spa offers massages, skincare treatments, and private wellness services.

Mid-Range

Hôtel Gaythering – More than just a hotel, Hôtel Gaythering is a vibrant social hub where guests can meet, socialize, and soak in Miami’s laid-back vibe. The hotel bar is open to the public every night, attracting locals for drinks, trivia, and events throughout the week. Rooms are stylishly modern with a vintage flair and feature a unique, artsy theme. For budget-conscious travelers, “crate-style” rooms start at just $99 per night, providing a small yet private space with shared bathrooms. The hotel also includes a men’s-only spa, open to both guests and locals—and yes, it’s 100% clothing optional.

Axelbeach Miami – One of the newest additions to the popular gay hotel chain, AxelBeach Miami is the first Axel Hotel in the United States. The hotel features a garden, fitness center, and bar, along with a large pool and outdoor jacuzzi. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning, and the property also offers a private beach area with towels and lounge chairs provided.

Budget

Aloft Miami Brickwell – A gay-friendly option near the Port of Miami, Aloft Miami Brickell features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and an on-site shop, Re:Fuel, offering snacks and beverages. Brickell is an excellent choice for travelers interested in nightlife, food, and restaurants.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Miami

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – Explore the grandeur of the Vizcaya Museum in Miami, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance-style architecture. This cultural gem features lush gardens, ornate rooms, and stunning waterfront views. Ideal for history enthusiasts, the estate offers a captivating journey through art and design. Discover the allure of Vizcaya, a must-visit for any Miami traveler.

Little Havana – Experience the sights and sounds of Miami’s vibrant Little Havana neighborhood, and sample local cuisine like guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream, to name just a few. Meet local artists, watch skilled Cuban cigar rollers, and listen to traditional Cuban music. Book tour →

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – South Beach, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, and more. Board at any of the more than 40 stops across three separate routes and discover the city in custom fashion, with live commentary. Book tour →

Miami Beach Food and Art Deco Walking Tour – Experience the vibrant culture and diverse cuisine of Miami’s bustling South Beach neighborhood. Learn about the history and architecture of this trendy, quirky district, and find out why it’s one of the world’s most popular hot spots. Book tour →

Wynwood Walls – Discover a collection of the world’s greatest graffiti and street art in Miami’s revitalized Wynwood neighborhood. This unique outdoor destination features massive, colorful street murals created by artists from across the globe.

Art Deco District – This iconic area of South Beach boasts fancy bars where you can spot celebrities and enjoy some of the best drag shows in town. Don’t miss the infamous Versace Mansion, and snap photos in front of Art Deco buildings featured in countless movies and TV shows.

Restaurants and Cafes

Bolivar Restaurant – This restaurant is a fusion of several South American traditions, primarily Venezuelan and Colombian. Recommended dishes include empanadas and patacones. An empanada is a golden corn-crust pie filled with tender meat, potatoes, and cumin, served with a spicy habanero sauce made with cilantro, chili, and oil. The empanadas are crunchy and flavorful, and the habanero sauce strikes the perfect balance—not too spicy, not too mild. Patacones are crunchy green plantain patties topped with chicken, Parmesan, cilantro, tomato, and onion sofrito. Pair your meal with a traditional drink called clarita, a mix of beer and lemon Fanta.

Blocks Pizza Deli – This small pizza deli is run by an Italian family. With numerous options, you’ll be served a “block”—a slice of sourdough pizza topped with fresh spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, extra virgin olive oil, and rich pesto. The first bite evokes the flavors of Italy with its fresh ingredients. This deli avoids freezers, ensuring all ingredients are fresh and natural. Their secret is the pasta madre or “mother dough,” a sourdough starter passed down for 300 years.

Big Pink – Located in South Beach, this budget-friendly diner is popular for breakfast or late-night munchies. It’s not fancy, but it’s definitely tasty and satisfying.

News Café – A quaint sidewalk café, restaurant, bar, newsstand, and bookstore located at the corner of 8th Street and Ocean Drive in the Art Deco District of Miami Beach. Open 24/7, 365 days a year. Breakfast is also available at any hour.

Front Porch Café – A great breakfast spot offering tasty and affordable lunch options. Dinner and Happy Hour specials are available inside or at the breezeway bar, located in the lobby of the ultra-chic Z Hotel.

R House Wynwood – This gay-owned restaurant doubles as an art gallery and is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It features an international/Latin menu, signature cocktails, and drag performances Friday through Sunday. Don’t miss their popular drag brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mercato Della Pescheria -This restaurant is synonymous with Italian seafood. For an authentic Italian seaside experience, it’s the perfect choice. Their menu includes daily deliveries of fresh seafood, homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and Italian wines.

Cheeseburger Baby – This burger bar is easily found thank to its neon pink signs. Known as “The Queen of South Beach ” by locals, the restaurant is owned by ex-delivery driver and member of the LGBTQ+ community Stephanie Vitori. Cheeseburger Baby has been visited by the likes of Beyonce, Kayne West and Diddy. Not to mention, its namesake burgers are particularly delicious.

Miami Gay Bars & Clubs

Gaythering – The bar is a great option on Wednesdays for trivia night or on Fridays for the weekly “Bears & Hares” night.

Nathan's Bar – The main gay bar in Miami Beach, Nathan’s is a popular spot earlier in the evening before heading to Twist. They offer daily happy hour from 7–9 PM and regular themed nights like Pop Mondays, Karaoke Tuesdays, and Noche Latina on Thursdays with drink specials.

Sky Bar by Axel – This open-air bar on the ground floor of AxelBeach Miami is a great spot for cocktails by the pool while enjoying music. It’s located at the hetero-friendly AxelBeach Miami aand opens to the public on weekends. Entrance is on Washington Ave and Española Way.

Twist – The place to be any night of the week. The huge gay dance club is actually seven gay bars all in one. The bartenders are always energetic, outgoing and know how to nurture a good time – as do the go-go boys. The 2-1 happy hour drinks don’t hurt either. Well, maybe the next day hurts.

Palace Bar – A restaurant and bar on Ocean Drive in the heart of the Art Deco District. Palace Bar is legendary for its daily drag shows every evening and during Sunday brunch. Reservations are highly recommended for the bottomless mimosa brunch to secure a table. Although it’s a gay bar, expect to see many straight women celebrating birthdays and bachelorette parties. Make of that what you will.

Miami Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Gaythering Sauna – In addition to being a hotel and bar, Gaythering also has a sauna – talk about versatile. It’s free for hotel guests, while visitors can purchase a day membership. Open daily after 12 PM, it’s a great place to meet guys. Facilities include a jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, three showers, restroom, locker room, and changing areas.

Gay Beaches in Miami

12th Street Beach – A visit to Miami’s gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive is a must. While all Miami Beach areas are generally gay-friendly, this spot is marked by rainbow flags and attracts a vibrant mix of gay men, straight friends, and a sprinkling of lesbians.

Gay Events in Miami

Gay 8 Festival –A Hispanic-themed LGBTQ+ street festival and entertainment event that includes cultural arts programming, an LGBTQ-focused human rights symposium, entertainment, music, dance, and community engagement. It takes place over President’s Day Weekend.

Winter Party Festival – An annual week-long celebration of music, dance, and community, produced to raise critical funds for the LGBTQ+ community. This popular circuit festival has been a staple for decades and takes place in late February or early March each year.

Miami Beach Pride – Miami’s pride event is held annually in March, a time of year with perfect weather for the festivities. It’s a nine-day celebration featuring a spectacular two-day festival, Pride Parade, VIP gala, special events, and vibrant dance parties.

SweetHeat Miami – An annual event for queer women of all backgrounds. Thousands of women from around the world come to South Beach and Miami to celebrate their lives—laughing, swimming, dancing, and building connections within a community committed to safety and love.

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival – The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, launched in 1998, merged with the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (established in 2008) to create the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. This event underscores Miami’s dynamic, multicultural appeal and takes place in both spring and fall each year.

Day Trips from Miami 

Fort Lauderdale – Just 30 minutes north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s top LGBTQ+ destinations. It offers similar attractions with a more laid-back vibe and lower prices, plus a larger nightlife scene compared to Miami. With 23 miles of beaches, over 50 LGBTQ+ popular establishments, and the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ couples in the U.S., this city offers a unique experience.

Key West – Though it’s a bit far, Key West is still doable as a day trip. Drive across the iconic 7 Mile Bridge, which spans the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, to reach the Keys. Once there, explore the island at your own pace before returning to Miami. Travel from Miami to Key West with ease on this full-day tour. Book tour →

The Everglades – Escape to the wild beauty of Florida’s Everglades. Join a small-group tour that includes an airboat ride through Everglades National Park, a drive through Big Cypress National Preserve, a nature walk in a cypress forest, and a scenic boat ride through the 10,000 Islands of Everglades National Park. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife along the way. Book tour →

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