10 still-thriving gay resort towns to help plan your sizzling summer travel

Poolside in Palm Springs
Poolside in Palm Springs

Some say queer meeting places are a thing of the past in these assimilationist times. But these gay resort towns prove otherwise. Most are beachy, and some are peachy in that “Call Me By Your Name” kind of way.

Visit one of these LGBTQ+-friendly resort towns on our list, and you’ll see what we mean.

Provincetown

Massachusetts’ coastal oasis is centered in Cape Cod and “P-town,” as those in-the-know call it, is a destination for lesbians and gays. Hike a trail or relax in the sand.

Ptown Bear Week photo by Robert Bardelmeier
Ptown Bear Week (photo by Robert Bardelmeier)

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Sitges

Southwest of Barcelona in Spain’s Catalonia region, Sitges is known for Mediterranean beaches that are perfect for curling up with a book or snuggling up to your sexy date during sunset.

Sitges Bear Week (Photo: @tony_cools | Instagram)
Sitges Bear Week (Photo: @tony_cools | Instagram)

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Sitges

Gay Sitges: Europe’s gay gem

Puerto Vallarta

In Mexico’s Jalisco state, gays flock to “PV” for the humidity, beaches, and gay nightlife scene. Near Zona Romantica, stop into Blue Chairs resort or one of the many gay bars.

Two men in Puerto Vallarta

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Fire Island

Rent one of the beautiful Fire Island homes along the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. Pines Beach is perfect for cruising and Cherry Grove, which is less Chelsea and more bohemian.

Gay friends on Fire Island
Fire Island, 2010 (Photo: koitz)

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Fire Island

Gay Fire Island: The Pines and Cherry Grove

Palm Springs

Palm Springs isn’t coastal or beachy — the opposite, in fact. This dessert oasis is a popular California destination for dry summer heat and countless poolside cocktails.

palm springs
Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

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Gay Palm Springs: Desert playground

Fort Lauderdale

Gays from all along the East Coast consider Ft. Lauderdale their second home with many flocking here for long weekends and entire summers.

Fort Lauderdale Pride 2019
Fort Lauderdale Pride 2019

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Mykonos

As one of the top gay-friendly destinations in the world, gays from every corner of the globe come together on this Greek island. Mykonos is a mix of beaches, parties, and flavors.

the Nomadic Boys in Mykonos
photo courtesy of The Nomadic Boys

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Mykonos: Gay Paradise by the Sea

Rehoboth Beach

When we think of gay resort towns, Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach is a pleasant surprise. Stroll along the boardwalk hand-in-hand with your lover or make new friends at the bars.

Rehoboth Beach Pride
Rehoboth Beach Pride

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Cape Town

Known as “Pink City,” the gay capital of Africa is Cape Town. It’s not uncommon to see LGBTQ+ travelers proudly displaying their freedom around the suburb of Green Point.

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Nice

Nice is one of France’s most recent gay hotspots on the Mediterranean with gay venues and a friendly, welcoming environment. Rue de Bonaparte particularly has much of the gay excitement.

Gay beach in Nice, France.

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Discover your perfect summer escape

As the sun climbs higher and the days stretch out before us, there’s no better time to start planning your ultimate summer getaway. Whether you’re looking to bask in the warmth of a sun-drenched beach, dance the night away under the stars, or simply find a peaceful retreat where you can be your most authentic self, the world is full of vibrant LGBTQ+-friendly resort towns waiting to welcome you with open arms.

From the charming, cobbled streets of Sitges to the lush, inviting shores of Mykonos, each destination offers its own unique blend of culture, scenery, and community. Perhaps you’ll find yourself drawn to the historic beauty and bustling nightlife of Provincetown, or maybe the laid-back allure of Palm Springs is more your speed. Wherever you choose to go, you’re sure to encounter unforgettable experiences and make lasting connections with fellow travelers from across the globe.

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