11 iconic gay places that have stood the test of time

The Grindr Generation has made hooking up as easy as ordering pizza (and a lot cheaper). And with that, fewer gays seem to be going out to the old school haunts that helped shape previous LGBT generations, which could threaten some of our best businesses, events and places; the kind of places that help us define who we are as people and as a community.

Combined with high real estate prices, this trend is threatening many old school favorites: bathhouses, sex clubs, leather bars, drag clubs, and even clothing optional all-male resorts.

So let’s take a closer look at these remaining old school favorites that never fail to charm, whatever your age and generation. Use them or lose them!

Parliament House

Located on 10 acres in downtown Orlando, this unique resort destination offers multiple bars, the Footlight Theatre famous for drag shows, the Rainbow Cafe eatery, and a luxurious hotel.

Parliament House

New location! 410 S Orange Blossom Trail · Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 425-7571
Website

Vista Grande Resort (Atrium, Avalon & Mirage)

Think bathhouses are a thing of the past? Clothing-optional resorts for men are even more rare. This Palm Springs has lush landscapes, clean pools, and old school charm.

Vista Grande Resort – A Gay Men’s Resort

Tropical resort and adult playground 574 S Warm Sands Dr · Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 322-2404
Website

Powerhouse

This Folsom Street gem can get musty and crowded. While beards and body hair have become trendy, the bears and leather daddies that come here mean business, especially on the dark patio.

Powerhouse

Dark and cruise-y bar 1347 Folsom St · San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 552-8689
Website

The Stud

Campy, glittered, and kitschy, The Stud has been adopted by a co-op collective of locals desperately championing to keep this place in business.

The Stud

Campy, iconic dive bar in SoMa 399 9th St. · San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 252-7883
Website

The Eagle NYC

The leather/Levi ideal flourished in the ’70s gay scene as the work of Tom of Finland became an icon for masculine homoeroticism. This leather bar was the definitive home to the man’s man.

Eagle NYC

Very popular leather bar 554 W 28th St · New York, NY 10001
(646) 473-1866
Website

Island House

More than a bathhouse, this nude resort is worth a trip to Key West for the open bar and outdoor showers. It’s perfect for committed couples, couples that play, and singles who mingle.

Island House

All-male nude resort 1129 Fleming St · Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-6284
Website

The Grand Resort and Spa

This gay-owned day spa and resort is steps from the beach and nearby to the Ft. Lauderdale nightlife. The Grand Resort and Spa is known to exceed expectations.

The Grand Resort and Spa

Upscale men’s resort 539 N Birch Road · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 630-3000
Website

Campus

By day and by night, Campus offers exotic go-go dancers to tickle your… desires. Between 9pm and 3am, the salon hosts personal dances in the private salon.

Campus Danseurs nus

Gay men’s strip club in Le Village 1111 Rue Sainte-Catherine E · Montreal, QC H2L 2G6
(514) 526-3616
Website

Gay 90s

This Minneapolis’ mega-complex is like something from the 70s (or 90s?). With six different bars and three dance floors, you’ll never want to leave.

Gay 90’s Minneapolis

Mega-mall of dance clubs 408 Hennepin Ave · Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 333-7755
Website

Metro NightClub and Restaurant

The name says it all. Here you can get your belly full, then dance off the calories on the dance floor at Metro sports bar in Indianapolis.

Metro NightClub & Restaurant

A gorgeous vintage interior serving up delicious drink specials 707 Massachusetts Ave · Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 639-6022
Website

The Watergarden

More resort than bathhouse, this San Jose sex-stination has a sun-filled garden, private rooms, and a pool to soothe your every desire.

The Watergarden

San Jose’s men’s bathhouse 1010 The Alameda · San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 275-1215
Website
Don't forget to share:

Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated