Puerto Rico

This special honor goes to Puerto Rico for its determination and resiliency in the wake Hurricane Maria, which devastated the Caribbean island and unincorporated U.S. territory in September 2017. Despite nearly $100 billion in damage and the loss of thousands of lives, the tropical paradise of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests is once again up and running welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers to its shores.

San Juan, in particular, welcomes a rainbow of visitors, boasting multiple lively gay clubs, a white-sand gay beach, beach-front boutique hotels and some of the best local cuisines in the world. Show your support for the rebuilding efforts while enjoying an unforgettable trip that is just a short plane trip from the east coast.

Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico responded to the news: "We’re extremely honored to be named "Destination of the Year" by GayCities. It’s a true testament to our tourism industry’s efforts towards inclusivity. Our long-term goal is for Puerto Rico to become the LGBTQ+ capital of the Caribbean and we are committed to collaborating with leaders of the community to enhance the experience for LGBTQ+ visitors. With 135 hotels open on the Island, an average of 110 daily flights via 28 airlines, and having the ease of passport-free travel for U.S. citizens, there is no better time to discover the Island’s dynamic culture, rich heritage and local flavors."