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.

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

W South Beach – This five-star hotel is pure modern luxury, artfully designed by Yabu Pushelberg, and just steps from the iconic 12th Street gay beach. Its sleek rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and cutting-edge tech. Beyond chic pools and an exclusive beach, enjoy a world-class spa and multiple high-class dining venues on-site.

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.

Viajero Miami – A four-star, adults-only hostel on Collins Avenue offering private king, queen, or dorm rooms—each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and work desk. It has three oasis-like courtyard pools serving  Caribbean-inspired cocktails at the poolside bar. Other amenities include a coworking space, sun terrace, and 24-hour front desk, all steps from South Beach’s hotspots.

Hotel Croydon – This gay-friendly hotel stands out for its classic Art Deco style blended with modern, boutique comforts. Located in Mid Beach, it offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe than the bustle of South Beach—yet still places you just steps from restaurants, nightlife, and the shoreline. It boasts a rather cool, vintage-inspired lobby and a rooftop pool with sweeping ocean views.

Holiday Inn Miami Beach – The full Miami hotel experience at a reasonable price. The spacious, modern rooms sport Atlantic views right from your private balcony, and the heated beachfront pool sits just steps from the white sand, complete with cabanas and colorful loungers. The complimentary continental breakfast spread is generous, and the prime location on Collins Avenue makes it easy to take advantage of both the beach and Miami nightlife.

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.

Daiquiri Dogs -Frosty fruit daiquiris and gourmet hot dogs: the perfect combination you never knew you needed. Daiquiri Dogs, a neon-lit, gay-run spot on Ocean Drive, turns Miami’s heat into a flavor fiesta with sun-kissed mango-lime slush and bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

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

Bar Gaythering – The Hotel Gaythering’s bar has become the staple place to start a good night out in Miami for the LGBTQ+ community. Its intimate industrial-chic interior, adorned with modern art and glowing neon accents, creates the perfect atmosphere to chug down some cocktails, dance and chat with both locals and the international guests from the hotel. Weekly events—from Karaoke Mondays to Boozie Bingo Thursdays to Bears and Hares Fridays—keep things fresh, as do surprise drag performances.

Nathan's Beach Club – 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.

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!

Azucar –  For a lesser known drag hotspot head to this high-energy gay Latin nightclub for drag wars show, cabaret nights, sexy dancers & Latin American music pumping DJs.

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 is probably the main reason you’re visiting Miami in the first place. Technically, Miami Beach is on a separate island from the city, but it’s easily connected via a land bridge from Downtown Miami. South Beach is the main attraction, with Ocean Drive running alongside. 12th Street Beach is found on this stretch—you can’t miss it thanks to the rather conspicuous rainbow-painted lifeguard tower. Here you can expect a vibrant mix of gay men, straight friends, and a sprinkling of lesbians.

Haulover Nude Beach – 12th Street isn’t your only gay beach option if you don’t mind a bit of a trek to the north of the island. Haulover is a half-mile stretch of nudist beach and although not officially gay, the northernmost region is especially popular with gay men who want to “chill” while working on those tan lines.

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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