Top LGBTQ Travel Destinations Beyond Provincetown, Massachusetts

Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Image: Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale

Reaching the Pines on New York’s Fire Island feels like a secret ritual: you take the train, hop on a bus, then catch the ferry from Sayville — and don’t forget to bring $11 in cash for the ride.

This uniqueness is what makes the island truly special. You need to be in the know. For years, the LGBTQ community has been sharing insider knowledge to guide newcomers to our hidden gems.

The Dune Resort in Douglas, Michigan. Image: Courtesy of The Dunes Resort

In the 1940s, news emerged of a new gay sanctuary at the sandy tip of Cape Cod. Within a few years, the quiet village now known as Ptown blossomed into a vibrant, sparkling haven for drag queens, queer filmmakers, and vacationers looking for a place where they could truly be themselves.

Since then, countless other destinations have embraced the LGBTQ community with warmth and enthusiasm.

Russian River Valley, California. Image: Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism

Russian River Valley, California

Known for its collection of seven artistic waterfront towns, this area in western Sonoma County is often referred to as the “Gay Riviera.” Among them, Guerneville stands out as the most renowned.

Recommended Accommodations

The Highlands has its roots in the 1920s but became a popular LGBTQ destination following renovations in 1979. Dawn Ranch is another newly revitalized retreat, recently earning a spot on T+L’s list of this year’s best new hotels.

Upcoming Events

Sonoma County Pride celebrations take place throughout June, while Lazy Bear Week, an annual charity event, kicks off on July 29. Each May, Guerneville hosts Women’s Weekend Russian River, an event organizers describe as “femme-centered.”

Local Highlights

Rainbow Cattle Co. is one of the most beloved bars in Guerneville; Stumptown Brewery offers a charming riverside atmosphere with ample outdoor seating.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This coastal city has been a leader in inclusivity for decades, according to Richard Gray, the tourism board’s SVP of inclusion and accessibility. In the 1990s, the area placed advertisements in LGBTQ publications like the Advocate; a decade ago, Fort Lauderdale initiated a campaign aimed at welcoming transgender visitors.

Accommodations

The Grand Resort & Spa claims to be the largest men-only resort in the area, conveniently located near the popular Sebastian Street Beach. Nearby is the Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, featuring stylish nautical-themed rooms and suites, each with a balcony.

Upcoming Events

On July 6, FlockFest hosts a vibrant beach party that attracts hundreds of attendees, who come with extravagant floats, many designed like swans and flamingos. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts offers a full schedule of events, including live music, theater performances, and comedy shows.

Local Highlights

Wilton Manors is the city’s most iconic LGBTQ neighborhood, bustling with restaurants and nightlife options; the Stonewall National Museum & Archives features exhibits and hosts discussions on LGBTQ history and culture.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Situated along the Delaware River in Bucks County, this town boasts a vibrant nightlife and theater scene, with a rich history of LGBTQ events: New Hope’s inaugural “drag race” took place in 1975, featuring participants dashing up and down Mechanic Street in high heels.

Accommodations

The gay-owned Pineapple Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast is located in a colonial manor from 1790. Another historic choice is the Logan Inn, with origins dating back to 1727, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the U.S. River House at Odette’s is a reader favorite from T+L, featuring a piano lounge.

Upcoming Events

During the summer, Sand Castle Winery hosts lively drag brunches. Fall marks the harvest festival season in the region — along with the exciting drag race season.

Local Highlights

Karla’s is a beloved LGBTQ hangout; John & Peter’s Place has been showcasing live music acts since 1972.

Douglas & Saugatuck, Michigan

These twin towns along Lake Michigan's eastern shore are gaining recognition as a freshwater alternative to Ptown. Saugatuck, in particular, offers a Cape Cod ambiance with its sandy dunes and artistic charm.

Accommodations

Douglas features the Dunes Resort, a purposefully inclusive getaway offering various cottages and suites, alongside a schedule of drag shows, live music, and themed weekends.

Upcoming Events

Pride Month is brimming with events. Additionally, the region's Oktoberfest celebration is coordinated by Community Pride, MI, an LGBTQ advocacy group.

Local Highlights

The climb up Mount Baldhead involves 302 steps, but the panoramic views of Oval Beach and Lake Michigan make it worthwhile; Phil’s Bar & Grille is famed for its delicious potato-crusted walleye.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

It’s iconic for a reason…

Accommodations

Founded in 1810, Pilgrim House is a boutique hotel situated in the town center, featuring events like live piano nights. The gay-owned Gaslamp Bed & Breakfast, adorned with charming maritime décor, is just a street away from the galleries and clubs on Commercial Street. At the Red Inn, the Cape Light Room on the second floor offers stunning views of the harbor and Long Point Lighthouse.

Upcoming Events

Ptown is rightly celebrated as an artistic hub, and the Summer Workshop Program at the Fine Arts Work Center provides 65 courses in various disciplines like writing, painting, drawing, and photography, taught by acclaimed writers such as Carmen Maria Machado (In the Dream House) and Melissa Febos (Body Work), along with visual artists like Ilana Savdie, whose work is exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art. A highlight of the fall season is Trans Week, commencing on October 20.