Sunset beach gay
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Purchased by new owners and rebranded and fully renovated in 2025, this stylish property has 17 rooms in various sizes and configurations, and perks include a saltwater pool, hot tub and a romantic new restaurant, Coastal Alchemist.
Quepos, Costa Rica
With its alluring mix of jungle-covered mountains, lush cloud forests and spectacular beaches, Costa Rica ranks among Latin America's top destinations for laid-back oceanfront vacations and eco-oriented adventure travel.
A fun experience and a unique and classy souvenir to take home with you.
Get booked here.
Where to eat in St. Pete
There were some great options in St. Pete and whilst I am normally more excited for the main course, at two of my meals I had some of the best desserts I have had in a long time!
Here is a run down of places I ate at and recommend:
- Valkyrie Doughnuts (LGBTQ+ owned) – if you have a sweet tooth and want something decadent then take a look at this bakery.
We can assure you, whichever beach you pick, you’re guaranteed plenty of sun, fun, and memories.
**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. You can find the queerest part of the beach any day of the week, just two miles past the Gulf Islands National Seashore sign on County Road 399.
Best time to visit: Needless to say, it’s in May for Pensacola Gay Memorial Day Weekend.
Haulover Beach, Sunny Isles
Haulover Park Beach, just a short drive from South Beach, is where you can legally ditch your clothes and forget about your tan lines.
Pete Pride is huge and has been celebrated for over 20 years with over 300,000 people attending last year’s parade alone!
The team at St. Pete Pride run events year-round, with things ramping up in June culminating in their main pride weekend normally at the end of June.
Find out what is coming up over at St.
Pete Pride.
Winter Pride St. Pete
Watch this space!
St. The main event, Charleston Pride Festival offers drag performances, as well as food trucks, vendors, and adult beverages. Breezy cabanas with palapa roofs, decks and hammocks impart an easygoing vibe, and the open-air, toes-in-the-sand restaurant is one of the best in town.
Durban, South Africa
Cape Town may receive more international attention, but South Africa's third-largest city is arguably more appealing for a beach vacation.
Visitors to the Outer Banks can stay overnight in hotels, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds.
The Outer Banks is a favorite beach destination for many LGBTQ residents of North Carolina. Several airlines make the 75-minute flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, each about a 90-minute drive from Zipolite.
Where to stay
El Alquimista (rates start at $192 per night) enjoys a peaceful setting at the west end of Zipolite's long, picturesque beach.
You also have the option to get a day pass to visit.
Gay Bars in St. Pete
The gay bar scene in St.Pete is scattered along Central Avenue in the Grand Central District neighbourhood (gaybourhood).
There is a bar for everyone, however I do have a clear favorite.
COCKtail
This is clearly the place to be as it felt the busiest during my visit.
For COCKtail bar you enter via The Wet Spot, which is the pool bar at the Mari Jean Hotel.
However the closest full scale bathhouse type place can be found in Tampa (the Tampa Mens Club).
Gay Beach in St. Pete
The gay beach in St. Pete can be found at the southern tip of Treasure Island – Sunset Beach.
Most popular at the weekends, there is a car park near the end of the beach where most locals will park and then walk on to the beach.
Not quite ready to bare it all? The island is great for enjoying golfing, seafood, ocean views, and general relaxation.
Nearby LGBT-Friendly Beach Cities Across State Lines
Just across the southern border of South Carolina, be sure to check out Tybee Island, Georgia. For fun in the sun, you’ll find several beautiful stretches of sand within a half-hour to one-hour drive along the coast, including some clothing-optional spots popular with queer folks, such as Epanomi to the southeast and Korinos to the southwest.
Where to stay
Just a block from the water and a short walk from the ancient Ottoman White Tower fortress, Teight Hotel (rates start at $173 per night) is one of the top host hotels during Thessaloniki Pride, and it draws a fashionable and inclusive crowd year-round with its chic contemporary design and proximity to hip boutiques, pulsing music clubs and trendy restaurants.
Perfect for longer stays and close to the famed Enola queer dance club, Thess Residences (rates start at $110 per night) occupies a century-old former factory building and offers 25 tastefully appointed apartment-style suites with well-stocked kitchens.
Curacao
One of three sunny isles near the coast of Venezuela that make up what’s often referred to as the ABC Islands (the others are Aruba and Bonaire), Curacao is one of the most LGBTQIA+-welcoming destinations in the Caribbean.
There's also a section enclosed by jetties that's ideal for swimming.
If it's complete serenity you're after, head to Paliku Beach (aka Donkey Beach). The magic begins with a stroll from the parking area through the Tree Tunnel, a gently sloping pathway beneath a canopy of verdant vegetation. Well, let’s just say you’ve found THE place to be.
When to visit: March for the Winter Party, the largest gay beach party in North America or April for Miami Beach Pride.
Hit the Sand in Style: Florida’s Must-Visit Gay Beaches
Florida’s legendary sunshine, rainbow flags flying high, and epic beach vibes make these best gay beaches a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers.
The support for the LGBTQ+ community was clear through and through no matter where you explored in St. Pete.
Let’s get into Gay St Pete…
Where is the Gay Area of St. Pete?
Arguably you could say here, there and everywhere.
However, at its core the main gay area of St. Pete is considered to be the Grand Central District area along Central Avenue.
This is the where you will find the most popular gay bars, and pride flags flown from the majority of businesses, whether they are LGBTQ+ owned businesses or not – a very welcome sight to see.
Gay Hotels in St.
Pete
With the LGBTQ+ community being such a core part of St. Pete I would not hesitate about booking any hotel (as long as they had good reviews!).
However, when there is a gay hotel available, that is absolutely going to be my first choice. Located between Sunrise Blvd and Las Olas Blvd, you are just steps away from all the LGBTQ+ resorts, bars, and restaurants.