Day at the (urban gay) beach

Gays & lesbians have not just created entire gayborhoods in the world’s best cities. They have created their own beaches, smack in the middle of those urban enclaves. Which is particularly handy in tough economic times like these–you can simply pack the sunscreen & water bottles, and wander a few blocks to the beach haven in the middle of cement monstrosities. Of course these “beaches” are usually just small stretches of weeds in a park taken over by speedo-clad gay men, but you get the point. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon. So we rounded up a sampling of such urban spaces for your enjoyment as you prepare for the holiday weekend.

The city of London was creative enough to make its version of the gay beach–Hampstead Heath Ponds (which allows nude sunbathing)–a centerpiece of its marketing to gay tourists with a funny video.

                                                   photo by epaul-07

New York’s Central Park has plenty of gay cruising in the brambles. But if you are looking for a beach, check out sheep’s meadow, near the center of the vast urban park. Our friends at Popnography captured this group of frisky, camera-friendly guys there on a summer day:

San Francisco’s Dolores Park, just a short walk down the hill from the Castro, is famous for the gay beach in the southwest quadrant, which of course boasts the best view and is also home to the annual “hunky jesus” contest:

Then there is Chicago’s Hollywood Beach, which is actually on the lake. So there’s a real beach, not to mention plenty of gay boys sunning, socializing and just plain showing off on the southside near Andersonville, which they long ago colonized as their own. Sundays tend to be the best days to hang out there, but any warm summer day will do.

                                                                                  photo by albany_tim

Washington, D.C.’s P Street Beach in at the start of the vast Rock Creek Park is a lush green oasis that abuts the end of the heavily gay block of P Street, lined with gay bars, cafes and eateries. The park has a long tradition of cruising (be wary of the park rangers) but in the daytime it’s a great place to sun, meet guys, and watch the nearby volleyballers before heading back to P Street proper (or 17 Street) for a night out on the town.