The bright and beautiful city of Miami and its gorgeous beaches make for a perfect gay getaway. Miami has long been one of those cities known as a gay city, and it’s easy to see why! There is an abundance of bars and restaurants for cocktail lovers and brunch enthusiasts. Miami beach has plenty of shopping, art galleries, and drag events to keep you busy and happily entertained. It’s a fantastic place to go, whether it’s with your special someone, on a group trip with friends, or even solo travel. There’s something here for every flavor of gay! 

Watch the highlight reel

Soak in the Sun on Loomis Beach in Miami Beach

Loomis Beach is the beach where all the L’s, B’s, G’s, T’s, and Q’s come to enjoy a day in the sun at the beach. Enjoy white sand beaches, and warm water. If you’re feeling athletic enjoy a fun game of beach volleyball with your friends! It’s the perfect place to see and be seen. The best part is that it’s just a quick walk from most accommodation in Miami Beach, making a trip to the beach a breeze. Check out all the gay beaches in Miami.

It’s Not A Gaycation Without Drag Brunch!

It’s no secret that Drag Brunch is an easy staple of gay entertainment and Miami delivers! There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than sipping on cocktails and watching those queens absolutely kill it over a breakfast charcuterie. These two are the must-visit spots in Miami to go to!

Palace South Beach

For over three decades, Palace has been the top drag bar and restaurant in Miami Beach. The three-hour brunch commitment has a fantastic menu with a variety of brunch options. Brunch includes bottomless mimosas, and they are as delicious and the serving crew. There are non-stop drag performances by resident, local, and guest drag queens. This is the highly organized brunch you need in your life. They even have a dedicated staff member who clacks his fan to the beat of the music, encouraging the guests to raise their fans and clack along. Know that you will be getting the fullest, most glamorous drag brunch possible! www.palacesouthbeach.com

R House

It’s a bar, a restaurant, and an art gallery featuring local artists, all wrapped into one fabulous establishment called R House. It is one of Miami’s most unique and sought-after drag brunch dining experiences. Plan your Sunday drag brunch experience at R House, where they are serving up modern-American fare, a variety of bottomless mimosas and cocktails, and sensational drag performances. This drag brunch does attract the stagette crowd, but there will be gays that know how to clack a fan and tip the queens. Even the serving staff get involved by putting on their own dance number. www.rhousewynwood.com

Dance The Night Away in South Beach

It wouldn’t be a getaway to Miami and Miami Beach without a night out in South Beach. The drinks, laughs, and fun will be flowing late into the night. Here are two great gay bars to add to your gay agenda. 

Nathan’s Video Bar 

Filled with pop culture memorabilia, neon and flashing lights, comfortable seating, and a dance floor, Nathan’s Video Bar opened during the COVID-19 global health pandemic and has become an instant hit as one of the most popular gay bars in Miami Beach. From affordable drinks to drag shows, you’re sure to have a fantastic time dancing and meeting new people. http://www.nathansvideobar.com

Twist Nightclub

One of the oldest and the largest gay night club in Miami is Twist Nightclub. With five different sections, each area is unique and distinct, from an Old English bar at the entrance to enjoy a traditional hand-crafted cocktail, beer, or martini to the full dancefloor on the upper level. There is also a video bar and an outdoor area to get fresh air. http://www.twistsobe.com

Take an LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour of South Beach

Tours are the best way to get to know a destination, and George Neary takes great pride in telling the stories of LGBTQ+ history and culture of Miami and Miami Beach. Take a two-hour walking tour of South Beach with George and you’ll learn the most interesting, fascinating, and unusual stories about the buildings, streets, businesses, and community development that has made the area a gay mecca over the decades.

Explore the Everglades Aboard a Thrilling Airboat Tour

The Florida Everglades is a must-do adventure for visitors to Miami and Miami Beach. Tigertail Airboat Tours operates public and private airboat tours on the Miccosukee reservation located in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Take a private tour with Houston Cypress, an out-and-proud member of the Miccosukee First Nation, who will share ancestorial stories, talk about water management, conservation of the land, water, and wildlife, and history of the area. 

There are stops along the tour, including a visit to their own private hammock, originally used as a hunting camp by the Tigertails, where they raise and rehabilitate you alligators and turtles. www.tigertailairboattours.com

Luxury Shopping Experiences

Miami Design District

In addition to high end retail stores, the Miami Design District is a cultural centerpiece of downtown Miami. There are thought-provoking art installations, murals, inter-active public art, outdoor restaurants, and cultural programming year-round—from classic and luxury auto shows to events during Pride month. www.miamidesigndistrict.net

Lincoln Road

Stroll along Lincoln Road and explore over 200 retailers and boutique shops ranging from swimwear to designer sunglasses. All along Lincoln Road there are cafes, al fresco dining experiences, art galleries, and public art installations. It is one of the most popular shopping areas in Miami Beach. www.lincolnrd.com

Taste Unique Beer and Wine at the southernmost winery in the Continental U.S

A quick drive from downtown Miami is the Redland tropical countryside and Schnebly Redland’s Winery. It’s the southernmost winery in the continental United States, and they are producing interesting local wines and beers. They have a full line-up of tropical fruit wines, wine made from avocado, wine varietals that are made with imported grapes blended with local tropical fruit, and beer made with tropical fruit. It’s a unique wine and beer tasting experience. The property has a coral waterfall, giant coy fish, and outdoor seating. Guests can enjoy live, outdoor music, pool tables, and vintage arcade games. www.schneblywinery.com

Explore The Culture of Miami

Museum of Graffiti

The world’s first museum dedicated to graffiti is in the Wynwood district of Miami. The complete history explaining how graffiti started, the different styles of graffiti, and the pioneers of this style of public art movement are all explained in detail. There are paintings, sculptures, installations, drawings, and fine art on display. www.museumofgraffiti.com

SuperBlue Museum

Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory journey through SuperBlue Museum, a brand new, interactive art space in Miami. Color, light, video, and sound are used in the dynamic installations that are both amazing and entertaining. It’s a truly unique and phenomenal experience with art. www.superblue.com

Drool Over Hot Men at A Male-Review of Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live: The Tour 

Magic Mike Live is an unforgettable night of fun and entertainment. This male review show has a line-up of the hottest, most fit guys that will leave little to your imagination. The 90+ minute show engages the audience through perfectly choreographed dance, songs, stories, and sexual energy. 

Magic Mike Live is a limited-time engagement, performing in Miami until April 2023 before the tour moves to its next host city. www.mmltour.com

Recommended Dining

It’s not enough to eat and drink at bars alone, especially with the fabulous selection of restaurants and places to dine. Miami is full of amazing food from different parts of the world, with a special emphasis on Latin and Mexican cuisines. There’s something great for everyone, and here are some of the top picks for outrageously good food!

El Turco [Lunch]

El Turco offers delicious Turkish-style food with a fleshed-out menu for breakfast, an all-day menu, and a bakery menu as well! It’s located in a gorgeous setting surrounded by old, 200-year-old trees, it’s tucked away and makes this feel like a hidden treasure. The interior is comforting and inviting, and the food is delicious. It’s no wonder they were selected as one of the Best Restaurants of 2021 by Bloomberg.com, as well as many more accolades as well. http://elturcoturkishfood.com

Robert Is Here [Lunch]

Located just outside of Miami is Robert Is Here, a family-owned and operated fruit stand. Here you’ll find exotic fruits and vegetables that have been farmed locally. There is also an outdoor petting zoo, tropical birds, live entertainment, and delicious, fresh-made Cuban sandwiches. http://www.robertishere.com

Serena at Moxy Hotel South Beach [Dinner]

If you’re in Miami for a taste of exquisite Mexican culture, then Serena at Moxy Hotel is the place to be.  Located on the rooftop of the Moxy Hotel, this open-air restaurant features gorgeous alfresco motifs and draws its inspiration from Oaxaca and Mexico City. They have a fabulous menu full of food perfect for sharing, whether you’re there for brunch, dinner, or a late night out with live music and delicious snacks. 

There’s lounge and table seating available, allowing you to have a comfortable and inviting experience. http://www.serenamiami.com

Havana 1957 [Dinner]

Havana 1957 is a newer restaurant chain in Miami featuring delicious, traditional Cuban cuisine. They offer an authentic experience of “Un Dia En La Habana”, A Day in Habana during the ’50s, with classic Cuban music, and vintage decor. The Mojito bar has a huge stock of over 120 varieties of rum. http://www.havana1957.com

MaryGold’s at Arlo Wynwood [Dinner]

Located in the center of Miami’s art and culture hub of Wynwood is MaryGold’s, located inside the brand-new Arlo Hotel. They offer a fine dining experience, in an approachable setting. It’s a modern space, with high ceilings, plants, and greenery. Meals can be paired with wine or hand-crafted cocktails. http://arlohotels.com/wynwood/eat-and-drink/marygolds/

1-800-LUCKY [Dinner]

An 10,000 square foot indoor and outdoor Asian market packed with food and entertainment. Seven food vendors offer traditional favorites including sushi, ramen, buns, wok food, and more. There is a karaoke bar, record shop, and convenience store. It’s an exciting ‘neo-Tokyo’ experience. http://www.1800lucky.com

Accommodation

After a long day on the beach, drinking, and eating food eventually it’ll be time to settle in for the night or gear up for the next round of fun for the evening! It can’t just be any hotel, oh no! You want to stay at some of the most interesting, gorgeous, and fabulous hotels that Miami has to offer. The following are two fabulous LGBTQ+ friendly hotels in the area that you must stay at.  

Arlo Wynwood

The Wynwood neighborhood in Miami is a cultural hub, boasting the record for having the biggest concentration of street art in the world! There’s not a lack of places to go either, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, brunch spots, and art galleries all nearby. 

In the center of it all is the Arlo hotel. It’s bright and modern and feels open and inviting. It offers plenty of options for food and drinks and features a gorgeous rooftop pool. A stay here is the perfect destination for the trendy, modern gay who wants to immerse themselves in art, music, and decadent food! Read More Here

Moxy Hotel South Beach

Moxy South Beach is a Gay Travel Approved Hotel 2021 in recognition of its inclusivity within the LGBTQIA Community, and the hotel takes part in the annual Miami Beach Pride celebrations.

Miami’s got Moxy. Grab your friends, a lover, or even your pet. We’re here to show you a good time at our all-new South Beach hotel with style and sass. Before you settle in, snag one of our free bikes and explore South Beach. Walk a few steps to our beach club and kick it near Lincoln Road shopping and dining. Moxy Miami South Beach has you covered before the nightlife revs up. Read more here.

Plan Your Trip to Miami with Miami Convention Center and Visitors Bureau 

From marquee gay annual events to a vibrant family-friendly queer scene, Greater Miami and Miami Beach is a welcoming community for LGBTQ+ travelers. The South Beach district is the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene. Miami is home to diverse neighborhoods that will make LGBTQ+ visitors of all ages feel comfortable. From art to entertainment and attractions, there are many exciting options for LGBTQ+ families visiting Miami. LGBTQ+ adventure seekers have much to explore, from Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park to beautiful local and state parks where you can hike, bike, or paddle in lush wilderness.

Start planning your trip today with the help of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. Access LGBTQ+ itinerary and trip planning ideas from LGBTQ+ Visit Miami.