South beach florida gay

Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Tips

What’s the best time of year to visit Miami?

The best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is warm but not too humid.

It's interesting to take a look at the reasons for this. SoBe is situated right next to a major city, Miami.

Along one of these axes you'll find all gay establishments of the town in walking distance. The notable gay events in Miami to look out for are:

• Miami Beach Pride – Miami Beach Pride is usually celebrated in April.
• Winter Party Festival – if you can’t wait until pride, check out this queer music festival at the end of February/start of March.

  It has even been used as a filming location for many films, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys 2, and Iron Man 3.

  For more information and to book tickets you can visit their website.

  Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129

  A meal at Giannis – the former Versace Mansion

  I have been to Miami multiple times and can’t believe that this is the first time I went to eat at Giannis Restaurant – located at the former Versace Mansion!

  The venue itself is stunning, as you would expect, being located in one of the most historic buildings in South Beach, but equally the service was flawless, and the food was delicious.

  Giannis is open for both lunch and dinner, and it is highly recommended to make a reservation as early as possible.

  I went for a lunch date, and had the 3-course lunch menu which had plenty of choice, and I was shocked to discover was just $38 per person – an absolute steal considering the setting and the quality!

  I already can’t wait to return and sample their dinner menu!

  Book your table here.

  Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  Drag Brunch at Palace Bar and Restaurant, South Beach 

  I’ve been to a few drag brunches in my time, but Palace South Beach has to be the best I have been to!

  Another reason is the clever way that the city government has used the media and dreamlike beach and palm scenery, to promote the city. Lummus Park is more than just Muscle Beach – it’s home to a playground, paved pathways for running, cycling and rollerblading, benches to sit and read and people watch, volleyball courts, but of course, for me, the main attraction was Muscle Beach Fitness Area, found adjacent to 9th Street.

  Whilst the name given to the actual beach here, Muscle Beach is also the name of the outdoor fitness area for exercise, weightlifting, and gymnastics.

  You can see the skyline of Downtown Miami, Port Miami and the cruise ships docked here, as well as the shoreline of South Beach stretching north.

  South Pointe Park itself is relatively small but lovely to walk around – there is a small playground, picnic and barbeque facilities, a jungle gym, and if you have come down here to exercise, there are several winding paths throughout the park for running, cycling or roller skating.

  There is also direct beach access from South Pointe Park, with chairs and umbrellas available for rental.

  Check out Muscle Beach, I mean, Lummus Park

  Okay, I had to include this one.

  The dinner menu is a little more extensive, also introducing more fish and seafood onto the menu.

  The setting of the restaurant is definitely unique and adds to the experience – sitting at a table alongside the stunning gold-lined mosaic pool – and the food is absolutely delicious.

  I definitely can’t wait to return on my next visit to Miami.

  Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  El Turco

  This place was absolutely fantastic, and definitely one to visit!

  I had never ventured beyond South Beach on my previous trips to Miami, but I am so glad that I did as I had the most delicious lunch at El Turco – and I would definitely leave South Beach again just to eat here!

  El Turco brands itself as ‘’the best Turkish food in South Florida’’ – and I can believe it!

  The best time to visit is between October and April, peak season around Christmas to Easter. The queens performing are top of their game, and they certainly know how to work a crowd. These months are ideal for beach days, outdoor dining, and exploring Miami’s neighborhoods.
  
  Do I need a car to get around?
  
  Not necessarily.

  And when it comes to things to do for gay travellers, I could of course focus on ‘the usual’ – gay nightlife, the gay scene and relaxing at the gay beach…

  But during my most recent visit to Miami, I had more time and wanted to delve a little deeper and experience more of what this destination had to offer – and I was kept busy!

  Here are my personal recommendations for what gay travellers should do whilst in Miami.

  Treetop Trekking Miami at Jungle Island

  This is something that was right up my street!

  Treetop Trekking Miami is located at Jungle Island eco-adventure park, on Watson Island (a man-made island connected to both mainland and South Beach by causeway) and is actually South Florida’s only aerial adventure park.

  Strapped into a climbing harness (bit different to the harness I would wear the following week on Atlantis!), I explored the jungle canopy as I climbed, swung, navigated suspension bridges and zip-lined through the treetops.

  There are a number of different treks you can do, to suit either age or experience, but naturally I had to go for the ‘’Thrill-Seeker’’ Trek – the most challenging option!

  But, for gay travellers looking for a good time, there are two gay bathhouses/saunas to choose from whilst in Miami.

  The Sauna at Hotel Gaythering, Miami South Beach

  As mentioned above, being such a gay hotel, it’s hardly a surprise that one of the amenities at Hotel Gaythering is a male only sauna.

  Complimentary for hotel guests, visitors are welcome to visit the sauna with a day-pass fee of $25, or should you wish to visit more than once, a 30-day pass is just $100.

  The sauna offers a dry sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, and a few private cabins.

  The hotel tagline is ‘where gay men stay and play,’ and they even class themselves as ‘the gayest hotel in Miami Beach’ – I can certainly see why!

  The hotel’s primary target market is definitely gay male guests, and with its provocative style and naughty room touches, it delivers!

  I loved the artwork around the hotel, the fact that the floors were labelled as ‘top,’ ‘vers’ and ‘bottom’ in the elevator, and the mini store at reception selling toys, lube, and poppers.

  And for more of the touches that I shouldn’t really mention here, you can check out my Instagram reel where I show you exactly why it really is the gayest hotel in Miami.

  Hotel Gaythering even has an onsite gay male sauna, complete with jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam room and even cabins to get to know your new acquaintance better – unless you decide to head upstairs to your room of course.

  Open 7 nights a week, and with happy hour specials as well as different nightly events, such as drag shows, go-go dancers, Twist is a must visit for gay travellers to Miami.

  Address: 1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  Nathans Beach Club, South Beach

  Nathan’s Beach Club is another of South Beach’s best-known gay bars, with its central location on Washington Avenue, and just a few blocks from Twist.

  Nathan’s is a slightly more ‘chill’ venue, the front bar is almost more of a classy lounge, and on weekends there is a speakeasy style back room.

  During the week, most nights are themed with a DJ and dancing, so it’s the perfect choice for a midweek night out, and on a weekend is a great place to start your night.

  Address: 1216 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  Bar Gaythering at Hotel Gaythering, South Beach

  Located inside the popular hotel, this lobby bar is a well-known meeting point for many of South Beach’s LGBTQ+ residents, and so for visitors to Miami it is the perfect place to meet locals and dip your toes into the local gay scene.

  The bar hosts multiple theme nights during the week, as well as various events – karaoke, trivia nights, and drag bingo to name just a few.

  And with a daily happy hour 5pm to 8pm, with 50% off drinks, why wouldn’t you come and check it out!

  Address: 1409 Lincoln Rd F1, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  Palace Bar and Restaurant, South Beach 

  I have already introduced you to Palace above in relation to their super popular drag brunch, but Palace is more than just a brunch spot.

  This iconic Ocean Drive gay bar is the number one drag bar and restaurant in Miami Beach, so of course you need to swing by whilst checking out the South Beach nightlife offerings.

  Palace queens perform every night, between 7pm and 11pm, with shows roughly every 15 minutes.

  It doesn’t seem like bathhouses are quite as popular in the States as they are in Europe. The other side is the "Lincoln Road Mall", a real pedestrian zone in the US (!). They also offer all day dining options.

  The food here is so good, it is even on the Michelin Guide, winning the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, but I also loved the location – within a shopping enclave, in an oak tree sheltered courtyard, it really was a hidden gem.

  El Turco serves traditional, authentic Turkish food – I loved everything I ate and will definitely be back.

  Address: 5026 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

  Palace South Beach

  YYou know a place is worth a visit when you include it in your blog post three times!