London is the capital city of England and the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom. By most measures it is the largest urban zone in the European Union. This is the central hub of activity and one could spend a week here and still not take advantage of everything the city has to offer. World class DJ's, legendary clubs and jam packed pubs will keep you socializing and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
New York City, ever a mecca of gay culture and travel. This is the "City that never sleeps", and we'll show you why. Art Shows to Bars, Parties to Parks there is always something going on. The nightlife is ever changing in New York, so be sure to check back often to see what the hot spot is, as the hot spot in September may be gone by November. Side note: no one in New York really goes out until after 11pm, most bars start taking off around midnight so plan accordingly.
Hillcrest is a neighborhood in San Diego, California northwest of Balboa Park and south of Mission Valley. Hillcrest is known for its tolerance, diversity, and locally-owned businesses, including restaurants, cafés, bars, clubs, trendy thrift-stores, and other independent specialty stores. Hillcrest has a high population density, compared to many other neighborhoods in San Diego, and it has a large and active lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
San Francisco is one of the friendliest hotspots in the USA. Also known for it's eclectic vibe and social scene. Often called the Gay Mecca of the USA, there is something to fit every taste! One of the nations largest Pride parades, to the largest leather fair outside of Amsterdam, the Hunky Jesus contest to 12 Barbary Lane, you're sure to see why so many flock to the Gay Bay.
Hawaii has been slowly becoming more gay friendly over the years. Waikiki has more gay bars than ever, especially now that don't ask don't tell has been lifted. The gay bars get a nice crowd from the military bases throughout Oahu. From the gay beaches to gay bars, world class shopping to day excursions, Hawaii has it all.
Israel, however unstable at times is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. No matter what religion you believe in or if you don't believe in any at all. The locals are mostly on guard and take time to make friends with. Technically, it is illegal to be gay in Israel, so caution should be used when visiting.
Although located right in the middle of the Bible Belt, Dallas, Texas has a vibrant and expansive gay community. Boasting the countries largest LGBT church, and the largest and most active HRC membership in the nation, Dallas, guarantees something for every LGBT traveler. From White Rock Lake to its ever growing 'gayborhood' you're sure to find something to fit your mood.
Toronto is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. This ultra gay friendly city has a plethora of activities to offer as well as a great selection of gay bars in their Gay Ghetto.
Paris... ah, the city of love! A beautiful city with so much to do, it's almost overwhelming. From cafe's to Museums, architecture to people watching you will find your days full...but be careful. You don't want to tire yourself out before exploring the nightlife of Paris. Anything and everything the LGBT traveler would want to do is at your fingertips!
In 2011 Salt Lake City was awarded the distinction of being the Gayest City in the USA. Surprising considering its background and that it was founded by Brigham Young and his Mormon followers. The city is home to a large, business savvy, organized, and politically supported gay community. Leaders of the Episcopal Church's Diocese of Utah, as well as leaders of Utah's largest Jewish congregation, the Salt Lake Kol Ami, along with three elected representatives of the city identify themselves as gay. It doesn't hurt that we've met some of the cutest and friendliest people in Salt Lake either!
Forget what you think you know about Dublin, Ireland. This is one city that knows how to have fun! Completely gay friendly, and tourist friendly, Dublin ranks as one of GTB's favorite cities. It might be the spontaneous breakout of song in a crowded bar to dancing with strangers on a table...we can guarantee you'll find a good time if you just look around.
Known as the 'Insurance Capital of the World',Hartford Connecticut is a small town with a great old east coast charm. Beautiful architecture and very distinct neighborhoods populate this 400 year old town. Beautiful summers, but watch the winters when it can get to -18* F on average of five nights a year. The city has a half a dozen gay bars and most 'straight bars' are gay-friendly.
The second country to give up its military, and consider itself neutral, Costa Rica is a place that is green to its core. Not just for its lush beauty, but for its environmental consciousness as well. Not known to be a relatively 'gay' destination, the country is actually open and accepting. More and more gay people are flocking here to set up businesses and thrive in the culture. 'We accept all people, and protect all people' is the country's mantra.
Las Vegas is the number one tourist destination in the United States for adults, but it has never been too appealing for the LGBT traveler. That has been changing in recent years, with the addition of a weekly gay pool party at a major hotel on the strip, new gay bars, a gay hotel, and a renewed sense of 'What Happens Here Stays Here' with a gay slant. Add to that the new 'Matinee' Circuit party, and this is becoming a gay destination no one should miss.
The home to the University of Arizona, Tucson averages over 100* in the winter and between 66* and 85* in the winter. The LGBT community here is ever changing dependent on the time of year, as the snow birds flock here for the temperate winters. Many gays have a second home located here in Tucson. There are plenty of restaurants that are gay friendly and close to a dozen gay bars.
Scottsdale is considered the spoiled sister to Phoenix, with higher-end shopping, mansions, golf courses and a plethora of resort and spas. Most of the gay life had been centered in Phoenix, but has begun migrating north to Scottsdale with some of the best bars now located here. Scottsdale can be oppressively hot in the summer, but come winter, it is usually a wonderful 80* during the day. Perfect for beating those winter blues!
Probably mostly known from the song 'Route 66', Flagstaff is a small town that has some amazing charm and character. This college town has been the setting for many films and has a number of festivals throughout the year, due in part to it's year round warm weather.
Looking for a destination that is all about nature and relaxation? Sedona should rank high on that list! Known for its numerous luxury spas and resorts, this is the place to go for hiking the red mountains, and colorful valleys. Getting back to nature and 'getting in touch with yourself is what it is all about. Bring your stress and leave it here!
Traveling north from the capital city of Hartford, you'll discover the quiet, scenic and historically rich community of Enfield, Connecticut where you can relive the days of trolley rides through bustling downtown shopping districts at the Connecticut Trolley Museum.
Little Rock may be small, but it is a stand out when it comes to entertainment, bars and restaurants. The best part is that they are all centrally located and easy to maneuver. Many of the locations are 18+, so even if you're not old enough to partake in the drinking, you can still go out and enjoy the scene.
One reason to love Fayetteville is its LGBT friendly Mayor. After coming under fire by the American Family Association demanding he drop support for the annual Pride Parade, he in a sense, said 'Screw You', and actually gave it even more support! The community is rather small, and at last count there were only a few gay bars, although more than half of the 'straight bars' seemed to be gay friendly.
How on earth does a city in Arkansas with a population of less than 2,100 people make it as GTB destination? Would you believe this tiny town in the Ozark Mountains has no less than four LGBT "Diversity' weekends! Including the regions largest Leather gathering, and is incredibly open and accepting.
You might be surprised to see Conway, AR as a destination, but there are many reasons to visit Conway! Besides National awards of being the 7th best value for a city (2011), 14th Best City for Young Professionals (Forbes Magazine) and 14th Cheapest City in the U.S. (Forbes), Conway is rich in culture and has become home to many in the LGBT community.
As an historically conservative city, Wilmington's gay scene is somewhat removed from the fabric of this city. The rather small community here is bound together by the few gay bars that serve the community. Wilmington is known for its beautiful and thriving communities and architecture. Interesting fact, Wilmington was the first city in the U.S. to have its entire downtown under surveillance (so exercise caution when tempted to do anything not on the up and up).
Feeling sleepless in Seattle? The largest city in the Pacific Northwest is commonly known for it's love of live music (the home of the Grunge movement), Pikes Place Market, and although generally exaggerated, its rain. Once termed the "Queen City", it is now commonly called the "Emerald City", but we think Queen City is fitting with 12.9% of citizens polled identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, the city ranks only second of all major US cities, behind San Francisco.
Chicago is the Midwest Gay Hot Spot! 'Boys Town' is the center of most of the trouble, centered around Halstead Street. That may be the gayborhood, but that is not the only place where you can find the LGBT community, as it is as spread out as the city itself is. Chicago has some amazing summertime events, from Lollapalooza, to Halstead Days (aka: Market Days), Pride to the Taste of Chicago Food Festival. This is THE destination for the LGBT community throughout the midwest (and there are often some great 'corn fed' boys here visiting).
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Territory comprising a small archipelago of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited keys, 500 miles southeast of Miami. Not necessarily thought of as a major player in the LGBT tourism market, it should certainly find its way on to your bucket list of places to visit for its unspoiled beauty and endless beaches. Plus, with all the adventures to do, you'll never get board, and the ratio of speedo to board shorts is sure to make you happy.
Atlanta is a great, diverse and fun town. Commonly known as Hotlanta, this city offers a variety of things to do, even in the hot and humid days of summer. From Buckhead to Midtown, you're guaranteed to find something to please your palette.
Denver is a commonly overlooked city, however the gay community is thriving in this town and is very active. Denver is known as the 'Mile High City, with a wide select of bars (from cowboy to upscale stand and model) and a great selection of hotels and shopping. Sure this is a greta place to go in the winter for skiing, but don't discount it in the summer with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful weather.
Austin is one of the most amazing and culturally diverse cities in the United States. With a vibrant music scene, liberal political views, generally open-minded people, Hippie Hollow nude beach on Lake Travis and a number of gay bars - we're happy to say the fun is indeed bigger in Texas. How can you not fall in love with any city who's motto is 'Keep Austin Weird'?
New Orleans is a city that refuses to stay down. After the hardships faced by the city's people, the place holds a special place in many hearts across the world. New Orleans' spirit is as rich and diverse as ever, and its inhabitants ready and waiting to take on the droves of tourists sure to visit year after year. Not only home to one of the most famous and popular Mardi Gras celebrations, the city offers incredible things to do year round.
Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest city, with over 1.5 million people, and is known as the cultural center of western Mexico. It's nickname is the "Pearl of the West." It was the second city in Mexico to see a movement in support of gay rights, and now hosts a well-known and respected gay pride parade every year.
Often hidden in Miami's shadow, Ft. Lauderdale Florida is considered one of the most gay friendly cities in the US. The city has a large selection of bars and restaurants, a great gay beach and so much more.
When one thinks of Florida, one thinks of Miami! The home to numerous circuit parties, Versace, art deco, and fit bodies. Miami also has a vibrant gay culture, which includes some great bars, restaurants, and LGBT friendly hotel options
The half conservative/half liberal atmosphere in DC encourages everyone to fly their freak flag high, even if only to flaunt it in front of those most offended. The fact that all major protests find their way to DC combined with the fact that gay Americans have a lot to protest about means there are plenty of passionate beautiful men to be found in this city. The firmly established and political vibrant gay community in Washington DC is certainly one reason to visit, but when it comes to a selection of hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping, Washington DC is hard to beat.The main gayborhoods in our nation's capital are all close to Dupont Circle which has an easily accessible metro stop. Besides Dupont Circle itself, the area around 17th Street and P Street is bustling with gay bars, gay friendly restaurants and wonderful shops.
Long thought of as the gayest city in Mexico, it isn't surprising that it is also one of the most beautiful and friendliest as well. Puerto Vallarta is home to the famous 'Blue Chairs', and a slew of other great beach areas, bars, restaurants and activities.The beauty of 'PV' as it is referred to, is that you can spend your day laying on the beach bronzing yourself, or you can go zip lining, horseback riding, or go on one of the many gay 'cruises'. Certainly something to entertain every type of traveler.
Canada is often overlooked by US citizens, however in the US we do not have even near the culture you will find in Canada. Especially in the French Canadian city of Montreal.
West Hollywood is the Castro of Los Angeles, over the decades this area has changed quite a bit. Clubs burn down, oddly over and over again. The crowds are quite diverse, however all of the ultra hot body builder twinks are very stuck up.
A St. Louis mayor once said, a central element of the city and community was their "willingness to celebrate our diversity." The phrase has held true, and St. Louis is still known as one of the most welcoming cities in the midwest. Home to one of the region's largest PrideFests, it was selected as one of the 50 friendliest gay-friendly places to live. So go ahead and tour the neighborhoods, indulge in the arts and culture, and eat your way through some hearty midwest fare.
Madrid is known to be a fairly welcome city for LGBT travelers. Bars and clubs throughout the city are available for a mingle, mainly centered around the area called Chueca. Make a stop at the Chueca Centre to pick up a free map of Madrid highlighting the gayer places in the city. Spain in general has plenty to offer any traveler, and should certainly be included as a destination all its own, or a stop on your European tour.
Not only known as one of the greenest, eco-friendly, and livable cities in the United States, Portland is also known as one of the west coast's gay friendliest. With a thriving activity scene, liberal political views, great live music, and plenty of people, this is one stop in Oregon that is not to be missed. So head on over and meet some seriously Green Gays.
The gay scene is Hong Kong isn’t as thriving as those in other metropolis cities like London or San Francisco. But the scene is improving, and there are more and more places to go and things to do as an LGBT traveler. From the clubs to the beach, shopping to unique hotel options, Hong Kong may certainly be worth a look on your next Asian adventure.