Our Favorite Warm Winter Getaways for the Gays

Our 5 Favorite Warm Getaways for the Gays

As winter's icy grip tightens across much of the United States, many of us are seeking warm, welcoming destinations while escaping the cold. Here's our curated guide to five destinations that offer both perfect weather and vibrant queer communities.

#1. Key West, Florida

With the motto "One Human Family," Key West has been a trailblazer in LGBTQ rights since the 1970s. The island's gay scene centers around Duval Street, with iconic venues like 801 Bourbon Bar and La Te Da cabaret. Island House, an exclusively gay men's resort, consistently ranks among the world's best LGBTQ accommodations. The city also hosts multiple LGBTQ events throughout winter.

#2. San Diego, California

Hillcrest, San Diego's LGBTQ hub, boasts rainbow crosswalks and a welcoming atmosphere year-round. Urban MO's, Rich's, and The Rail form the golden triangle of gay nightlife. The city hosts one of the country's largest Pride events and has numerous LGBTQ-owned businesses. The iconic, clothing-optional Black's Beach is reason enough to go, and all body types are welcome.

#3. San Juan, Puerto Rico 

San Juan's vibrant LGBTQ scene centers around the Condado district, where same-sex couples can freely walk hand-in-hand along the beach. Kweens in Santurce is the city’s biggest gay nightclub, while La Placita neighborhood comes alive on weekends with LGBTQ-friendly bars and restaurants. The city’s main gay beach is found in front of The Tryst Beachfront Hotel. The city has made significant strides in LGBTQ rights, with Pride celebrations growing larger each year. Check out our full guide to Gay Puerto Rico.

#4. Maui, Hawaii

While less overtly LGBTQ-focused than other destinations, Maui offers a deeply accepting Hawaiian culture that has historically embraced gender fluidity through its māhū tradition. The island hosts several LGBTQ-friendly resorts, although many areas are currently rebuilding following the tragic 2023 wildfires. However, South Maui areas like Kihei and Wailea remain fully operational and welcoming.

#5. Palm Springs

This desert oasis has long been a haven for the LGBTQ community, with an openly gay former mayor and one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples in the US. The Arenas Road district forms the heart of gay Palm Springs, featuring popular spots like Hunters Nightclub and Quadz Video Bar. There are several clothing-optional resorts that cater specifically to gay men. Also don't miss the monthly Lesbian Night at Chill Bar or the iconic Dinah Shore Weekend, the world's largest lesbian gathering. Check out our full guide to Gay Palm Springs.

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Some *~Interesting~* Reads

News you may have missed on traveling, queers, and traveling queers 🗞️

• Now, it may be a little late to pull this off by Valentine’s Day, but here are the top 5 best romantic small town getaways for LGBTQ+ couples

• Or, better yet, forget the romance and check out these 4 bathhouses (one of our favorites made the list)

• And why not hit up these other countries to experience their most romantic days of the year?

• Tourism experts are predicting a travel boom to this new destination for same-sex weddings

• “My husband kicked me out of our hotel room for a hookup.” Can an open relationship go too far?

• Did you know that there’s a historical marker in Paris, an entire plaque, commemorating some truly tragic gay sex?

• Melbourne’s Midsumma Pride March was a sizzling party down under… see the sexy pictures here

• In ‘Wicked,’ they’re silver. But as a friend of Dorothy, at this new show celebrating color, you can see the original ruby slippers

• All the party gays in NYC look like they’re the same age. This guy’s hilarious video asks — what’s the secret?

• An Asheville LGBTQ+ bar destroyed by Hurricane Helene is reopening 'twice as big'

• Want to lose weight doing almost nothing? Leave America and eat healthier

• Have you been to these “9 European destinations every Queer traveler should experience”?

• LGBTQ+ people in the US are searching for information about how to claim asylum in Canada

• Meanwhile, these Canadian gays (and their allies) are boycotting travel to the United States

• And, just throwing this out there — these are the best places in the world for LGBTQ+ digital nomads

Q&A Time:

Last week we asked are you worried about flying becoming less safe? Here are the results:

• “Can’t live in fear!”

• “It’s still statistically the safest way to travel. You’re more likely to have an issue in the car on the way to the airport.”

• “These people are gutting any oversight and accountability and it’s a mess already.”

This week we want to settle a longstanding beef: which coast is the best coast? Tell us why in the comments!

This Week’s *~Best Deals~*

We’re always on the hunt for top-tier experiences that welcome all and won’t break the bank—here are this week’s faves ✨ 

• Valentine’s Day deal alert: Priceline is offering $300 off packages for 2 using code CUPID300

• We love a TravelZoo deal — and this is a good one. $499 for a long weekend in Iceland including flights, and a northern lights tour

• Another good one — roundtrip flights plus 5 nights in Puerto Vallarta from $588

• Frontier is have a big promo with flights from just $19 — but hurry, this deal ends TODAY!

• Rent a car from as little as $5 per day from cities around the U.S.

• Berlin flights have dropped into the low $300s

• Um… an all-inclusive summer camp for adults? That’s affordable?

• This Boutique SoHo hotel in NYC is 40% off — and looks cute AF

• Same with this New Orleans hotel in the French Quarter — 40% off

• And… psst… gay hotel chain Axel Hotels is still offering 30% off their locations. If you haven’t been to any of their hotels, they’re worth a visit.