The Top 10 Gay Beaches in the World: GayCities Users’ Picks

Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro

As Labor Day weekend is right at our doorstep, we decided to take one last look at some of the world’s best beaches. We have already given you 10 great gay shores and 10 nude beaches, but you weren’t satisfied. So we took your comments and suggestions into consideration and came up with the 10 favorite gay beaches (nude or otherwise), as decided by GayCities members.

UP FIRST: Will Rogers Beach in Santa Monica


Santa Monica, CA: Will Rogers Beach

Legend has it—and Queerty commentator David E confirmed—that A Single Man author Christopher Isherwood met longtime partner Don Bachardy while skipping in Speedos at this SoCal beach. Affectionately known as “Ginger Rogers,” it’s become the unofficial gay sand spot, with most weekends packed with sun seekers.

Aside from the eye candy, there are also a number of volleyball courts, as well as a snack shack and plenty of near by parking.

Image via sadsnaps

NEXT: 12th Street Beach in Miami

Miami, FL: 12th Street Beach
Follow the rainbow flags to this oh-so-popular gay beach populated mostly by gay men, but with some pockets of lesbians and even a few straight women (who enjoy bathing topless away from prying eyes of straight men).

NEXT: Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro


Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Copacabana

Rio’s beach for anyone and everyone, this four-kilometer stretch of white sand in the southern zone of the city is bordered by trendy Avenida Atlantica. Not technically a nude beach, it’s still home to the tiniest bikinis and Speedos in the world.

Image via jaywphotos

NEXT: Playa de las Balmins in Sitges

Sitges, Spain: Playa de las Balmins
To get to Balmins from from the town center, turn left at the beach and walk past the church, staying on the path next to the shore. Pass a long beach strip and then climb a hill past a cemetery, and you’ll find the clothing-optional beach right in front of you. According to user JBLS, Balmins “is set in this lovely bay with clean, warm, shallow water. There’s a great mix of types on the beach. [My] highlight of the week was spotting a couple of horse-hung porn stars from the Michael Lucas stable—just as good in the (ample) flesh!”

NEXT: Queen’s Surf in Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii: Queen’s Surf
Aptly named Queen’s Surf is located in Kapiolani Park at the end of Waikiki towards Diamond Head. It’s very easy to find: just enter the park from Waikiki and walk along the beach. You’ll know when you’ve found it, but the Beach House snack bar is a good landmark. It’s a wide-open public park, so keep those trunks on.

NEXT: Wreck Beach in Vancouver

Vancouver, BC: Wreck Beach
Trail #7 is where to head if you want to meet up with gay mates in British Columbia. Because Wreck Beach is in the brisk North Arm Jetty, the water here isn’t really suitable for swimming. But as it’s officially clothing-optional, there are plenty of other distractions. Small trails lead into the woods for a more private setting, although public sex does violate strict naturists ideals. What we’re trying to say is “Don’t get caught!”

NEXT: Condado Beach in Puerto Rico


San Juan, Puerto Rico: Condado Beach

Lining the Atlantic Beach Hotel, this stretch of oceanfront real estate is the most gay-friendly in San Juan. When the sun goes down there’s still plenty to do with the  Krash Club, Junior’s, Condado Inn and other gay nightclubs and bars nearby.

NEXT: Lady Jane Beach in Sydney

Sydney, Australia: Lady Jane Beach
For beautiful surroundings—not to mention some gorgeous landscape—head out to clothing-optional Lady Jane Beach on a sunny afternoon. Located at the mouth of Sydney Harbour, it’s popular with naturalists and cruisers, who venture into the more secluded rocky shoreline. Lady Jane also draws a number of tour buses, so if you have a problem with prying eyes, try Obelisk Beach.

NEXT: Jones Beach in New York

Wantagh, New York: Jones Beach
The gay section of Jones Beach is about a 30-minute walk from Field Six, near the sign for Tobay Beach. It’s a no-radio area, as well as being technically a no-nudity zone (People do go au naturel, but you’ll get a ticket if stopped by police.)

Image via Mark Jones

NEXT: Bellevue Beach in Copenhagen


Copenhagen, Denmark: Bellevue Beach

A very popular beach about six miles north of the city, Bellevue offers great sand, plenty of grass for relaxing or ball games, and a good view of Sweden. The north area is where the gays and nudist let it all hang out.  It’s the perfect spot for catching a few Great Danes.

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