Hello Sun: Top 5 Gay Beaches in Florida

May 23 2018

by Lachlan

The word is out: Florida is a top LGBTQ destination. As a state renowned for its golden beaches and predominantly open attitude, it is no surprise that Florida offers some of the finest gay beaches in the USA. Luckily, we've done the homework and compiled a list of the five best gay beaches in Florida. From Fort Lauderdale to Key West, here's our round-up of where you should go this summer. So what are you waiting for? Grab your best set of swimmers, and we'll meet you on these dreamy Florida gay beaches.

Sebastian Street Beach, Fort Lauderdale

Looking for one of the best gay beaches in Florida? Head to Fort Lauderdale! In terms of gay areas in Florida, Fort Lauderdale is at the top of the game. Offering plenty of gay bars, clubs, and LGBTQ-themed restaurants, this sunny, coastal town continues to draw a gay crowd throughout the year. It is also home to a welcoming lgbt community. Sebastian Street Beach is the most popular gay beach in Fort Lauderdale and is positioned within proximity to the town center and local gayborhood. Strewn with rainbow flags, umbrella rentals, and lounge chairs, this is a great spot to put your feet up and people-watch the gay sunbathers. If you've worked up an appetite from one too many laps in the sea, head to The Deck, which is scenically located on the foreshore and serves a varied menu. It is a front-runner as far as Florida gay beaches go! For more information on Fort Lauderdale, check out our insider tips from local misterb&b Fabul'hosts Ed and Robb.

Smather's Beach, Key West

© Flickr/Ratul Maiti

Are you heading to Key West? If so, a day at Smather's Beach is a must. This is arguably one of the best gay-friendly beaches in Florida. Unlike many beaches in the area, Smather's offers sparkling white sand instead of pebbles and slopes into the Atlantic Ocean. Key West has long been a popular gay and lesbian destination thanks to its inviting 'come as you are' attitude and its endearing motto from locals: "close to perfect, far from normal." Along with Smather's Beach, the eastern end of nearby Duval Street offers various gay-friendly restaurants and bars, including the famous Bourbon Street Pub - a legendary gay hotspot.

Haulover Beach, Miami

We all know how enjoyable it can be to buy a new set of swimmers and flash your recent purchase on the beach for the first time. That is unless the option of nude is available...In terms of gay nude beaches in Miami, Haulover Beach is your best bet. This is the only legal clothing-optional beach in Miami and regularly welcomes gay beach-goers throughout the year. If you fancy getting lucky on the beach too, you'll be pleased to know that 'Dog Beach Days' also take place Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 am-3 pm #funforeveryone. This is one of the only gay nude beaches in Florida, so pencil a visit in here and enjoy some gay nude sunbathing! 

South Beach's 12th Street Beach, Miami Beach

Located below the meeting point of 12th Street and Ocean Drive, this gay beach is lined with colorful rainbow flags and is Miami's most popular gay beach. This Florida gay beach is unashamedly out and proud and is most commonly populated by gay men. This is THE place to be during Miami Pride, with many dance parties on and around the beach. Just across the street from 12th Street Beach, you'll find the Palace Restaurant and Bar, an iconic gay-friendly establishment serving plenty of food and beverage options to satisfy your tastebuds.

North Lido Beach, Sarasota

If you associate beach days with nature and all-round tranquility, North Lido Beach in Sarasota will most likely tick all the boxes. Considered the best gay beach in Sarasota, towering dunes also flank this long stretch of sand and the North Lido County Park. Whether it is your thing or not, the area is also known for the odd bit of gay cruising on and around the beach - we'll let you decide once you're there. One of the bonuses of North Lido is that it spills into the Gulf of Mexico, meaning crystal clear waters are a given. It's one of the prettiest gay beaches in Florida, so get ready to gram! 

Are you feeling frisky after this round-up of gay beaches in Florida? Check out our article on the best gay nude beaches in the USA. 

Cover Image: © Flickr/Ted Eytan