A queer and comprehensive travel guide to Miami

10th August 2023 BWM Staff

Miami—also known as “America’s Gay Riviera”—has long been a favorite destination and hotspot for the queer community.

With its vibrant and flourishing queer community, diverse neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, bars, and party scene, Greater Miami & Miami Beach makes LGBTQ+ visitors of all ages feel comfortable. So start your visit at the LGBT Visitor Center–one of the first in the country–to find information to enrich your vacation.

Outdoors

Miami is home to an array of pristine, tropical beaches, including two semi-official gay beaches: 12th Street Beach and Haulover Park Beach. Head to 12th Street Beach for more of a party vibe, and check out the rainbow flags and iconic lifeguard station. Haulover Park Beach is one of the best naturist beaches in the world and is famously the only beach with a clothing-optional section in South Florida.

LGBTQ+ adventure seekers have much more to explore beyond the shore, with two National Parks and plenty of beautiful local and state parks perfect for hiking, biking, or paddling.

Restaurants

Miami is one of the most buzzed-about culinary capitals in the country featuring several Michelin-rated restaurants. So naturally, there’s plenty to choose from, which is no surprise given the city’s melting pot of cultures. Miami has all your flavor cravings covered and then some! For a fantastic weekend brunch hosted by drag queens, head to Palace Bar and Restaurant or R House Wynwood restaurant.

Nightlife and Bars

Whether it’s a drag show on Ocean Drive, boozy bingo at a lobby bar inside a gay hotel, or a late night on the dance floor of South Beach’s longest-running gay club, Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s gay nightlife is always a good time. Some of the most popular spots include the South Beach nightlife mainstay Twist, Bar Gaythering and Sky Bar at AxelBeach Miami, the lively Latin Azucar Nightclub, and the iconic Palace gay bar famous for nightly drag shows. There’s no shortage of fun in Miami and Miami Beach.

Entertainment

Miami is a hotspot for lively entertainment and live events, including various LGBTQ+-centered events. Enjoy the improv Haus of YAS comedy show at the Villain Theater in Little Haiti or catch a screening at the independent, community-based arthouse O Cinema South Beach. Check out the show-stopping drag queen performances during Double Stubble every Thursday at Gramps in Wynwood.

Family Friendly

Miami is a welcoming, fun, and family-friendly destination ready and waiting to greet all types of families. Whether your family likes to have fun in the sun or have a ball at an attraction, Miami has a rainbow of activities available to satisfy all tastes and ages. From beach days to airboat tours, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure. In addition, there are plenty of world-class museums to explore, including the Miami Children’s Museum on Watson Island, which hosts “Rainbow Families Day” in August for all children to celebrate Pride and diversity. The Miami Beach Pride parade and festival in April have also become increasingly welcoming to families with family-safe play areas and activities.

Hotels

While Miami and Miami Beach are home to a range of luxury hotels perfect for every visitor, Miami Beach is also home to popular queer hotels, including AxelBeach Miami and Hôtel Gaythering, and the queer-welcoming Hotel Croydon.