Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is often celebrated for its beautiful beaches, thriving arts and culture background, and fabulous food and beverage scene. Did you know that it’s also one of Florida’s most welcoming cities? In fact, it has become one of the top gay destinations in the U.S.! There are countless spots that cultivate and encourage the LGBTQ Fort Lauderdale population. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about gay-friendly travel in Fort Lauderdale. For more local recommendations, be sure to consult our complimentary Travel Guide!
Where to Get the LGBTQ Fort Lauderdale Experience
Restaurants and Bars
Rosie’s Bar and Grill
Among the best gay bars in Fort Lauderdale is Rosie’s Bar & Grill! This spot is less of a bar and more of a restaurant, but it draws in an inclusive late-night crowd all the same. Visitors love the laid-back vibe, friendly staff, humorous meal names, and outdoor patio at this Wilton Manors establishment. Don’t forget to stop by for some delicious Sunday brunch!
The Manor Complex
For more of a high-energy experience off of Wilton Drive, The Manor Complex is a Fort Lauderdale gay bar worth checking out. Every weekend brings a new event to this popular spot, and visitors love the two-level layout complete with dance floor.
Gym Sportsbar
Whether you’re searching for the perfect happy hour special or a casual night out with friends, Gym Sportsbar offers fun for everyone! Friendly bartenders, tasty pub favorites, and plenty of T.V.s are just a few of the reasons why people love coming to this hotspot on Wilton Drive.
Beaches
Vista Park Beach
If you and your sweetheart are looking for a tranquil, more secluded beach, check out Vista Park Beach! The best part about this spot? You’ll find Vista Park Reef about 100 yards from the shoreline. It’s the perfect place to embark on a snorkeling adventure!
Sebastian Street Beach
One of the most popular “gay beaches” in Fort Lauderdale is Sebastian Street Beach. You’ll find this popular weekend spot near the Ritz Carlton and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Visiting is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. There’s even parking, food and beverage vendors, and umbrella rentals.
Terramar Street Beach
Looking for a spot that’s like Sebastian Street Beach without the crowds? Check out Terramar Street Beach! Find it just off the beaten path near the Royal Palm Resort.
Events
Fort Lauderdale Pride
Fort Lauderdale Pride has gotten so big that it has moved to Fort Lauderdale Beach! It’s the only Pride festival in America where you can stand in the ocean and see the entire festival as it unfolds. Now, thousands of attendees arrive each year for advocacy, tradition, and celebration. You can expect more than 200 vendors and exhibitions as well as a variety of parties. That’s all in addition to the main parade and festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach!
Stonewall Festival and Parade
Thousands of people flock to Wilton Drive each year for the Stonewall Festival and Parade! This occasion is both historical and celebratory—it memorializes the 1977 social victory against anti-gay protests. Each year, the Stonewall Festival Marketplace comes alive with vendors and food trucks, providing plenty of family-friendly fun.
Wicked Manors Halloween Street Party
Wicked Manors is one of the largest Halloween street festivals in the state of Florida! Hosted by The Pride Center of Fort Lauderdale, this historic block party-style celebration takes place on Halloween night and brings between 15,000 and 18,000 costumed revelers to the streets of gay-friendly Wilton Manors!
Be Yourself at a Private Vacation Rental in “The Venice of America!”
Looking for the best gay-friendly lodging in Fort Lauderdale? Don’t settle for a cold, impersonal hotel room. Instead, book an accommodation that’s just as unique and beautiful as you are! Fort Lauderdale Stays offers an extensive selection of comfortable, luxurious, and inclusive vacation rentals fit for royalty. Choose your favorite Fort Lauderdale neighborhood (Fort Lauderdale Beach, Wilton Manors, Las Olas, Imperial Point, or Poinsettia Heights) and look forward to premium amenities found nowhere else! Each of our high-end rentals features special touches like heated pools, fully stocked kitchens, and travel-size essentials. We even offer Concierge Services if you’re after a true V.I.P. experience in “The Venice of America”!