Sunset beach gay

OBX Pridefest is a free, family-friendly festival that includes live entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, and adult beverages.

There are a large number of LGBT-friendly businesses in the outer banks. Pete will be hosting its very first Winter Pride this February 2025 and the locals are excited to have a celebration when the heat is a little less intense.

They have an extensive list of events coming up, find out more here.

Gay Saunas in St.

Pete

The closest thing to a gay sauna is St. Pete would be access to the sauna at Gay St Pete House aka Casa del Merman. This was a cute spot also worth visiting and a short distance from Atlas.

Things to do in St. Pete for Gay Travellers

I really needed some beach time, some pool time, a few activities and a slower pace for this trip – St.

Pete delivered this on all accounts.

During your visit I recommend taking part/visiting:

St. Hilton Head is a resort island that attracts a sophisticated, educated crowd of visitors. The host of a popular Pride event each June, Kauai also has an inclusive vibe. Rodanthe, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills are some of the popular small communities that you will find along this amazing stretch of the North Carolina coastline.

Communities along the Outer Banks offer charming downtown shopping and restaurants, including beach essential dining like seafood and ice cream shops.

Several airlines make the 75-minute flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, each about a 90-minute drive from Zipolite.

Where to stay

El Alquimista (rates start at $192 per night) enjoys a peaceful setting at the west end of Zipolite's long, picturesque beach. It’s the perfect spot to soak up some rays before hitting the town.

Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQ+ scene is huge, with over a million visitors each year, and Sebastian Street Beach is where you and the locals can mix, mingle, and catch some serious sun.

You can also stroll along Marginal Way, a paved pathway along the granite ledges that fringe the ocean, to Perkins Cove, a quaint fishing village that abounds with lobster shacks.

Should you crave more variety, you're in luck: A few more beaches and an acclaimed dining scene can be found just 45 minutes up the coast in Portland, Maine.

Where to stay

One of the most charming bed-and-breakfasts in town, the LGBTQIA+-owned Trident Inn (rates start at $299 per night), formerly known as 2 Village Square Inn, sits on a hilltop overlooking the village center and is a quick stroll from restaurants, bars and the beach.

Several upscale hotels are within walking distance of the beach and the town's Instagram-worthy Whalebone Pier. However the closest full scale bathhouse type place can be found in Tampa (the Tampa Mens Club).

Gay Beach in St. Pete

The gay beach in St. Pete can be found at the southern tip of Treasure Island – Sunset Beach.

Most popular at the weekends, there is a car park near the end of the beach where most locals will park and then walk on to the beach.

And if you’re in town for Miami Beach Pride? Pride week in Charleston consists of a huge number of events hosted at local businesses throughout the city. In Florianopolis, there's dancing until dawn on weekends at Jivago Social Club, Conca Club and other queer nightspots.

Another bonus: This lush island, roughly twice the size of Martha's Vineyard, offers gorgeous hikes through the rugged mountains of Sao Joaquim National Park and the otherworldly sands of the Joaquina dune field.

Where to stay

The posh and LGBTQIA+-welcoming Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras (rates start at $196 per night) sits a block from the shore of freshwater Lagoa de Conceicao, on the edge of Florianopolis.

Grab your sunscreen, your sassiest beachwear, and get ready to experience Florida’s most fabulous stretches of sand. The Outer Banks is a string of islands and sandspits stretching over 100 miles off the coast of North Carolina.

The island is great for enjoying golfing, seafood, ocean views, and general relaxation.

Nearby LGBT-Friendly Beach Cities Across State Lines

Just across the southern border of South Carolina, be sure to check out Tybee Island, Georgia. Of course, all the activity means there are plenty of beachside hotels and restaurants open for business as well.

Another upside is that bigger crowds mean more LGBT people to support local queer-friendly businesses.

A fun experience and a unique and classy souvenir to take home with you.

Get booked here.

Where to eat in St. Pete

There were some great options in St. Pete and whilst I am normally more excited for the main course, at two of my meals I had some of the best desserts I have had in a long time!

Here is a run down of places I ate at and recommend:

• Valkyrie Doughnuts (LGBTQ+ owned) – if you have a sweet tooth and want something decadent then take a look at this bakery.

  Smack at the corner of 12th Street and Ocean Drive, you’ll spot the rainbow flags waving like a neon sign that says, “This is where the party is.” It’s loud, proud, and full of some of Florida’s finest (and mostly shirtless) men. There was a fairly older mixed crowd on my visit. Well, let’s just say you’ve found THE place to be.

  When to visit: March for the Winter Party, the largest gay beach party in North America or April for Miami Beach Pride.

  Hit the Sand in Style: Florida’s Must-Visit Gay Beaches

  Florida’s legendary sunshine, rainbow flags flying high, and epic beach vibes make these best gay beaches a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers.

  It is just up the coast from Myrtle Beach, and is a great option for people hoping to visit Myrtle Beach but avoid the high prices and crowds that sometimes come with that city.

  Hilton Head Island

  Hilton Head Island is just off the coast of South Carolina, just a few miles north of Savannah, Georgia. Try one of these 12 LGBTQIA+-favored seaside getaways as you plan your next coastal adventure.

  Thessaloniki, Greece

  The second-largest city in Greece, this picturesque coastal metropolis on a sheltered gulf in the Aegean Sea promises an enticing blend of vibrant urban diversions — including buzzy restaurants and nightspots — and proximity to gorgeous golden beaches.

  I highly recommend the steak here and this was the second place I found a winner when it came to the dessert – make sure you order the fried plantains in caramel, it was delicious!

Visiting St. Pete in December has given me a taste and I am definitely keen to experience more.