LGBTQ+ Destinations 2024: Five USA City Alternatives

Mar. 03 2024

by Lachlan

Already danced through the streets of the West Village, NYC, chatted up locals in Boystown, Chicago, and taken a tram ride through the hilly streets of San Francisco? If you're looking to experience a unique shade of the pride rainbow for your next venture in the USA, why not visit one of our five USA city alternatives? While cities like LA or Miami Beach might initially spring to mind when thinking about LGBTQ+ friendliness, there's loads of other destinations in the USA that are brimming with LGBTQ+ life - and they're sure to be less touristic than the more well-known hotspots! So pack a unique outfit for a unique travel experience somewhere new, and join us as we unpack five LGBTQ+ city alternatives in the USA. 

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown, Massachusetts, often referred to as "P-Town," is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and welcoming atmosphere. Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown has been a popular summer vacation destination for many people in the LGBTQ+ community for decades. In 2004, Provincetown made national headlines when it was among the first places in the country to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Home to loads of LGBTQ+ owned businesses, with everything from bars, guest houses, and restaurants, you're in for a good time in P-Town. For a bite to eat, we suggest stopping by the Governor Bradford Restaurant & Bar. This popular local haunt serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a quintessential Provincetown building. Drag karaoke runs seven nights a week during high season, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights in low season.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of LGBTQ+ friendly cities, but it has a surprisingly vibrant and active LGBTQ+ community, and it's a great alternative if you're looking to avoid the tourists! Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Pride Center and hosts the annual Utah Pride Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. The city also has a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and nightclubs.

If you're looking for a night on the town so you can connect with LGBTQ+ locals, be sure to make a beeline for The Sun Trapp, a popular bar located in the heart of Salt Lake City is known for its relaxed atmosphere and its large patio. Alternatively, those seeking some live music & drag will delight in the Metro Music Hall, which hosts a variety of shows, concerts, and events, including LGBTQ+ themed nights and drag shows.

Portland, Oregon

If you find yourself on America's West Coast, why not do things a little differently and skip San Francisco this time around and opt for a weekend in Portland, Oregon? The city is known for being extremely LGBTQ+ thanks to its liberal attitude, great LGBTQ+ venues, and of course its epic annual Portland Pride. Portland has a significant LGBTQ+ population and a variety of resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Q Center is a community center that offers resources and services for LGBTQ+ people in Portland.

Portland has numerous LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and venues. Some notable ones include CC Slaughters, a popular dance club; Crush Bar, a bar with a diverse crowd and a variety of events; and Darcelle XV Showplace, the home of Darcelle XV, the longest-performing drag queen in the US. Leather fans will also rejoice in the Eagle Portland, which is open every day from 2pm to 2am.   

San Diego, California

Already danced your way through WeHo in LA? How about packing up the car and traveling a little further south to San Diego to soak up a new LGBTQ+ scene? We'll meet you there!  San Diego, California is known for being a very LGBTQ+ friendly city. The city has a thriving and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and offers a wide range of resources, events, and establishments that are welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals. Hillcrest is known as the hub of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community, with a lively mix of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you're in Hillcrest (as you should be) we recommend stopping by Urban Mo's, PECS, and Rich's - a good time is guaranteed! 

Every year, San Diego also celebrates its annual San Diego Pride, which naturally colors the city streets with a whole lot of love, pride, and rainbow! San Diego is also renowned for having 266 days of sun each year, officially making it the sunniest city in the USA! So if you're looking to soak up some vitamin D and work on that sun-kissed tan, we'll meet you in this great USA city alternative! 

Austin, Texas

When it comes to LGBTQ+ destinations in the USA, Texas probably doesn't spring to mind. While the typically red state may have a reputation for being less LGBTQ+ friendly than other states such as New York or California, the lively city of Austin is actually extremely LGBTQ+ and makes for a great city break alternative!

Austin is often considered the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in Texas and is known for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere. After all, its annual Pride goes off, welcoming thousands of Pride enthusiasts who come to celebrate in rainbow through the city streets. While Austin Pride is arguably the LGBTQ+ highlight of the year, the city is also brimming with queer life throughout the year. Certain neighborhoods in Austin are particularly known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. This includes areas like South Congress (SoCo), East Austin, and Downtown, where many LGBTQ+ owned businesses can be found. LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs worth hitting up for a good time include Rain on 4th, Oilcan Harry's, and Cheer Up Charlies.

Sights set on Europe? Why not check out our 5 European city alternatives and see the continent in a new light!