Sure, the weather is perfect, the beaches sandy, and the water is crystal clear. What we like even more about Greater Fort Lauderdale is the love it shows the LGBT+ community. The beachy oasis on the southeastern Florida coast is a majority-minority mecca where diversity reins and all are welcome.
Beyond the gorgeous beach, the arts venues are top-notch and the streets are teeming with gay-owned hotels, bars, and restaurants that cater to travelers from across the globe.
Greater Fort Lauderdale also just happens to be home to the next major worldwide pride celebration. All of South Florida is gearing up for what promises to be the most diverse pride event ever, the first annual Pride of the Americas, to be held in the destination next April.
Whether you’re in Greater Fort Lauderdale for the inaugural event or just some well-deserved R&R, here’s what not to miss:
Pride of the Americas
All of South Florida is gearing up for the first-ever Pride of the Americas, to be held in Fort Lauderdale April 21-26, 2020.
North, Central and South Americans will gather for the parade, beach party, arts festival, and social events taking part over six days. More than just a party, the festival will also host conferences aimed at emerging LGBT+ rights in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Check out the gayborhood
Wilton Manors is the the area’s “gayborhood,” which means you can eat, drink, and shop without ever having to leave. Tuck into The Alchemist for coffee and breakfast, Sozo Sushi Bar for dinner, and Wilton Creamery for homemade ice cream before dancing the night away at one of dozens of clubs. It’s no coincidence this neighborhood is also one of Florida’s cultural centers. Check out the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, and the World AIDS Museum and Education Center—the world’s first.
Then head to the gay beach
Sebastian Street Beach in Fort Lauderdale is where locals and visitors show off their volleyball skills, swimwear fashions, and the physiques they’ve worked hard to perfect all year. The people-watching is unparalleled and swimming is low-stress, thanks to the gentle waves.
Ride the waterways
Fort Lauderdale is unlike almost any other American destination, thanks mostly to the Intracoastal Waterway, a 300-mile ribbon of canals that flow throughout the city. Rent a paddleboard for an up-close view of lush palm trees and exquisite homes. Hop onto a Water Taxi and pass by private yachts parked outside waterfront mansions. Or splurge for a chartered private boat and spend the better part of the day on the water, sipping rosé while you take in the scenery.
More on Pride of the Americas in Greater Fort Lauderdale (with Spanish & Portugese translations):
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Photos provided by Greater Fort Lauderdale
