5 Reasons Why Key West is One of the Top Gay Travel Destinations for 2025
Key West, located at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, is a vibrant and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and rich history, Key West has something to offer for everyone. This charm explains why so many choose gay friendly hotels in Key West when planning their trips.
Catching a redeye flight from the West Coast, the trip was long but totally worth it as we descended into the aquamarine paradise. The first thing we noticed driving through the historical district was the colorful and quintessentially Caribbean architecture. Itβs no wonder that gay accommodations in Key West are so beloved, even the buildings look like theyβre made with rainbows!. Tropical pastel colors of lime and rose mixed with wooden lacework patios and awnings that sat behind charming white picket fences adorned with palm trees and heaps of bougainvillea. Today, many of these historic homes are restored as gay hotels in Key West, Florida, blending heritage with inclusivity.
1. Key West has Delicious Caribbean Cuisine & Cuban Coffee
One of my favorite things to do when traveling to a new destination, especially one so far from home, is to find a fun local spot to grab a bite to eat. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, we were traveling from about as far as you can get from Key West in the continental 48. Key West, being a total of 90 miles from the coast of Cuba, is home to culinary delights such as Cuban coffee, Cuban sandwiches, and more. One of my favorite things in the world is coffee, and one of my favorite combinations of flavors in the world is a Cuban sandwich⦠so naturally, I was excited to try each of these in a place so close to their origins. Travelers from the surrounding gay hotels near Duval Street line up to enjoy Cuban coffee and Caribbean flavors right at their doorstep. Perhaps a little overly eager, as soon as we dropped our bags off at the hotel pre-check-in, we immediately made our way to a cute little coffee shop right off Duval Street, aptly named Cuban Coffee Queen.
The open-air Caribbean cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of coffees, smoothies, sandwiches, and more, all while amongst friendly roaming chickens. The chickens are all over Key West, and quite frankly, the location is pretty well-known to be a haven for the fowl. Nonetheless, the chickens are on-site at the Cuban Coffee Queen to clean up any messes or make them! Beyond delicious Cuban-inspired cuisine β conch fritters, grilled lobster, and fish sandwiches are a few of the many delicious dishes you can also find on the island. Donβt forget that many Key West LGBT hotels are located close to these cafes, making it easy to blend trying tons of restaurants with historic sights and cultural experiences. But really, donβt forget to save room for Key lime pie, a local specialty that youβll find plenty of around the historic district. Many visitors book nearby gay friendly hotels in Key West, Florida, so they can walk to these foodie spots easily.
2. Duval Street is One of the Most Gay-Friendly Streets in the South!
Next, it was time to head to one of the top attractions in Key West: Duval Street. The island's main thoroughfare, where we explored a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the famous Bourbon Street Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ bar that hosts drag shows and other events. Visitors looking for nightlife usually find the best energy near Key Westβs gay bars, where the drag shows and live music keep the streets alive until morning. Duval is also lined with gay clubs making it one of the most vibrant nightlife hubs in Key West, Florida, let alone the South.
One of the things that attracted us most to Key West was the fact that itβs also home to several LGBTQ+ landmarks and events, such as the Rainbow Flag Monument and the annual PrideFest celebration. The Rainbow Flag Monument, located in the center of the island, is a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and features a rainbow-colored mosaic walkway. PrideFest is one of the highlights for the LGBTQ+ community in Key West, bringing together locals and visitors for unforgettable parades, drag shows, and celebrations. The gay population in Key West feels arguably just as large as the straight population! During this week, the Key West gay beaches and bars overflow with energy, welcoming travelers from all over the world. PrideFest, held every June, is one of the most popular pride celebrations in the United States and consists of a week-long party that includes parades, drag shows, cocktail parties, among many other fancies.
3. Key West is Lined with Popular Gay Beaches
In addition to the vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, Key West is also known for its stunning beaches. Some of the best beaches for sunbathing and swimming include Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach. Both located on the southern edge of the island, each offers a unique personality. Higgs Beach has a smaller footprint but is closer to town and a little easier to park at. We saw more families at this beach, as there are a few play structures for kids. Relaxing under the sun is one of the highlights of any gay beach experience in Key West, with options ranging from quiet stretches of sand to lively family-friendly spots to some very popular clothing-optional beaches. Though not far away, Smatherβs Beach is a longer span of seemingly endless white sand with very few amenities readily available; however, the extra space to spread out means a more relaxing experience if your goal is to just enjoy being out on the sand. And what better way to spend your first day in paradise than lying out on the beach? Many visitors staying in many of the gay resorts in Key West love that both beaches are close to central accommodations. Traveling around Key West, Florida, youβll quickly learn how close everything seems to be.
Though some clouds rolled through the area, it was still dreamily pleasant on the sand. We sat under swaying palms and watched others wade out into the sea. After seeing the sun rise over the horizon, we were ready to set our sights on dinner. Since this was our first time in Key West, we asked around and received many recommendations for a particular place that seemed out of the ordinary for a tiny island situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean: a tapas restaurant. Some of the best restaurants are near gay friendly hotels in Key West, making dining in the city quite convenient and walkable for those staying nearby.
Santiagoβs Bodega is an an eclectic space serving Key Westβs best tapas and sangria, both of which were fully enjoyed. Beef carpaccio, brussels sprouts, shrimp and chorizo, croquettas, and patatas bravas are just some of the amazing dishes on the menu. If you find yourself in Key West, put this on your list, but make sure to call ahead and make a reservation unless youβre looking for a quick bite at their bar. Just a short walk away, youβll also find several gay clubs in Key West, Florida, that keep the evening alive.
4. There are Limitless Activities and Tours to Take in Key West
We typically donβt take a lot of time out of our trips to view historical sights; however, with how walkable historic Key West is, we decided to take a stroll through some of the rich historical buildings and monuments. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters are just a few of the many sites worth visiting. Visitors staying at gay resorts in Key West, Florida, often highlight these historical tours as a perfect balance to the nightlife experiences or the relaxing time on the beach. As we made it to the islandβs edge, we were greeted with a beautiful view of Sunset Key, one of the most sought-after destinations on the island, particularly for a sunset cruise accompanied by a meal at Latitudes Restaurant. Many companies offer sunset cruises, and heading out onto the water grants the chance to perhaps spot some dolphins or whales! Sunset trips are especially popular amongst couples staying in gay accommodations in Key West, and most likely, on any one of these cruises, you may just make a new friend from one of the nearby accommodations!
5. Key West is Full of Outdoor Bars & Eateries
Our visit to Key West was short but sweet, and of course, we couldnβt leave without at least trying classic fish and shrimp tacos. Again, by popular recommendation, we decided to try Garboβs Grill at Hanks. This extremely popular taco truck shares an open-air patio adjacent to Hankβs Hair of the Dog Saloon, which adds to the fun because not only did we enjoy incredibly zesty shrimp tacos, but we got to appreciate a few drinks along with a show as well! Beginning the night with live music and tacos is a fantastic way to start the evening before heading out to the gay clubs in Key West, Florida. The whole lively vibe explains why many travelers choose to stay in nearby gay friendly hotels in Key West, Florida, walkable to Duval Street and near all the action.
Key West welcomed us with an unforgettable atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and rich culture and history. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the island's history, or party the night away, Key West has something for everyone. This combination of beaches, food, and nightlife captures the essence of gay Key West exemplifying why itβs one of the most inclusive and celebrated destinations in the world.
Key West
γ°οΈ
Key West γ°οΈ
If Maui isnβt already on your bucket list, you need to bump it to the top. After (finally) exploring for myself, I can confidently say this island is so much more than pretty beaches and postcard-worthy palm trees. There are all kinds of variety and culture of Maui, Hawaii Island.