Gay Florida Travel Miami Road Trip Guide

If you’ve been thinking of a Miami road trip, but aren’t sure that the timing is right, relax. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Miami.

Miami is a hustling, bustling city on Florida’s East Coast and the sixth most densely populated major city in the United States. It is known as a leader in finance, commerce, culture, arts, and international trade, not only in Florida, but on a global scale.

But people don’t just travel to Miami for business. The city is also a top tourist destination for domestic and international travelers. In fact, Miami ranks second, after New York, as a major tourism hub for international visitors. It is also nicknamed the “Cruise Capital of World” and the “Capital of Latin America” given it’s large Cuban-American population.

Miami is also a popular party town. For the gay community, this is no exception. There are plenty of things to see and do on a gay Miami road trip.

How Gay is Miami?

That’s like asking how gay is Jack McFarland. Duh – GAY! While all of Miami is LGBTQ+ welcoming, South Beach, specifically the 12th Street Beach area is the heart of the gay community. 

With that being said, Miami has seen a shift in LGBTQ nightlife and tourism. Like many cities, as Miami’s LGBTQ community becomes more accepted into mainstream society, the need for gay bars and clubs seems to diminish.

Still, there is a strong LGBTQ community in Miami. Miami is also home to the most diverse LGBTQ+ community in Florida. If you want to hang with gay white boys or middle-aged women, head to Fort Lauderdale or St Petersburg. But if you’re looking for a little flavor and a lot of sizzle, then plan that Miami road trip now!

12th Street Beach

Ocean Drive at 12th Street

Take a walk along Miami Beach’s shore or boardwalk to see why the Travel Channel has named this The Sexiest Beach in America! Beautiful architecture, people, and scenery make this a hot and happening destination.

As you approach 12th Street at Ocean Drive, you’ll spot the rainbow flags among the colorful lifeguard stations. That’s how you know you’ve reached 12th Street’s Gay Beach. This long-time hangout for LGBTQ+ visitors from around the world, is where there’s always something happening.

March brings the annual Winter Party, one of the biggest gay beach parties in the world. However, on any given weekend, tea dances and parties have been known to spontaneously start-up. 

Gay Festivals and Events

There are always events and festivals taking place in the Miami area. If you’re planning a Miami road trip, make sure to keep up-to-date on these annual LGBTQ+ festivals and events.

Miami Beach Pride

Lummus Park, Ocean Drive

Each spring since 2009, Miami Beach brings together the LGBTQ+ community, friends, allies, and supporters to celebrate all things pride!

All are welcome to this multi-day festival and events in Miami Beach’s Lummus Park. Join in the fun including socials, dances, educational sessions, and more. The festivities wrap-up with a grand parade and reception.

Learn more about this annual event, including how you can volunteer or join the parade!

Winter Party Festival

Celebrate music, dance, and community at this annual festival. Since the first one-day Winter Party in 1994 the festival has grown to a week-long celebration. Thousands of LGBTQ+ and allied partiers from around the globe descend upon the sun and sand of Miami Beach. The festival includes dozens of over-the-top events, parties, and shows.

Despite the party atmosphere, this big gay bash is not all fun and games. The festival is also a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Proceeds support the National LGBTQ Task Force which empowers and elevates the LGBTQ+ community. 

National Task Force Gala

As the “sister event” to Miami’s Winter Party Festival, the Gala supports initiatives like “Queer the Vote” and distributes proceeds through the LGBTQ Community Fund at The Miami Foundation for local LGBTQ+ organizations. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the evening features awards for community leaders, silent auctions, and live performances. 

Gay8 Festival

The Gay8 Festival is a Hispanic-focused LGBTQ+ street festival that highlights the art, music, dance, food and culture of the region. The festival takes place over President’s Day Weekend on the main street of Little Havana, Calle Ocho (8th Street). 

Aqua Girl

Get ready girls! This is your event. South Beach is home to the country’s largest women’s event. The festival is a five day celebration of women! Each year thousands of women from all over the world travel to south beach to celebrate their lives while laughing, swimming, sharing, dancing and playing together. Money raised supports the Aqua Girl Foundation for Women. 

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Originating from the merge of the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival has screenings across both Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with international premieres, documentaries, and short films. Each year, OUTshine presents a lineup designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. 

Gay Nightlife

As mentioned above, there aren’t as many gay bars and clubs in Miami, as you might expect. And, while they may be fewer and a little farther in between,  each is worth a spot on  your “where t0-go in Miami” list. 

Score

Score, once a mainstay in Miami’s gay nightlife, and a popular club in South Beach has reemerged as a pop-up nightlife experience, participating in events at various Miami venues. 

Palace Bar

Not only does the Palace Bar have drag shows and a rooftop pool bar packed with gays, but it’s also a restaurant! See our food review below and check out their event schedule.

Twist

The infamous South Beach gay club, TWIST is known throughout the world for its great music, friendly staff, and always being packed with hot tourists as well as locals. TWIST is actually seven bars in one – each having its own unique atmosphere and décor. You can literally “bar hop” without ever leaving this two story club. Its reputation as a “must do” when in Miami is well deserved. 

More Nightlife

For more info on Miami’s highlight, read our Florida LGBTQ nightlife recap.

Where to Stay in Miami

Whether it’s luxury, fun, or comfort you’re seeking, you can find it all in Miami. If you’re looking for a “gaycation” experience, you can find that here, too!

AxelBeach Miami

1500 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

AxelBeach Miami brings the quality of this world-wide gay hotel group to the shores of Miami. The Axel is hetero-friendly (a little tongue-in-cheek) updated tropical oasis with modern amenities. Yet, the property retains the classic Art Deco charm of the original 1940s Haddon Hall Hotel.

Relax in one of 160 renovated rooms. Enjoy the swaying palms surrounding the terrace pool and Sky Bar. Dig into Barcelona-inspired tapas from the poolside restaurant. Work off the calories at their state-of-the-art gym, or hit the dancefloor at the tropical outdoor Ground Bar.  All of this and more is walking distance from the heart of South Beach. 

Book a future stay at AxelBeach Miami.

Element Miami International Airport

3525 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33142

Feel at home with a stay at Element Miami International Airport just five minutes away from the airport. This eco-friendly hotel has all you need including complimentary bike rentals for you to explore Miami You do not want to miss taking a dip in their outdoor heated pool or sitting by the fire on their terrace.

Other Places to Stay in Miami

For our list of recommend South Florida hotels, click here.

Book your Miami Road Trip accommodations through Booking.com:

Where to Eat & Drink in Miami

I hope you like Cuban food, because that’s a must-have in Miami Beach. Ocean Drive is lined with Cuban restaurants as far as the eye can see. You also find several top chef-run restaurants in the region, like Scarpetta by James Beard Award recipient, Chef Scott Conan.

Whether you are looking for budget-friendly fare or high-end indulgences, you’re in luck. Miami has something for every palate and budget. These are a few of the places where I ate while in town. Scroll below for a list of other recommended restaurants. 

The Alley

1433 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

After a day of fun in the sun, stroll north on Ocean Drive to the charming Betsy Hotel (1440 Ocean Drive). This landmark hotel is home to The Alley trattoria (on the Collins Avenue side).

Don’t be fooled by the name. This spot has an elegant Euro atmosphere. The menu features homemade pasta, charcuterie, seafood, and refreshing beverages from their full bar. Don’t miss their signature pizzas. The dough is hand-stretched for each order and baked to perfection in their stone oven.

My Recommendations: Try one of everything! I don’t have a favorite. It was all so delicious! Ok … I realize this might not be possible, so let me narrow it down for you. Get the Funghi E Tartufo pizza and the Eggplant Caponata Crostini. And, don’t forget the beer and wine. Your welcome! 

Explore the deliciousness here.

Palace Bar

1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

Whether you’re taking a break from the beach, or wanting an evening of entertainment, the Palace Bar has it all. This South Beach landmark for over 30 years has food, drink, music, dancing, and plenty of drag queens!

While the Palace’s slogan is “Every Queen Needs a Palace” everyone is welcome to join in the fun of this dynamic venue. The menu is just as welcoming, with something for everyone, including vegetarians and gluten-free diners.

When it comes to entertainment every day is a “drag” with high-energy shows daily. Weekend days, Friday thru Sunday, bring unlimited fun and mimosas during drag brunch! Make your reservations here.

Palace Bar also offers the best views in town. After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop pool of the Strand on Ocean hotel for the breathtaking ocean view. Relax and enjoy!

My Recommendations: The Palace Bar is more than just a gay hot spot, it also has delicious, food and drinks! I recommend the Fresh Black Grouper entrée and Watermelon cocktail. And, smile for a photo – a souvenir of the venue.

Start planning your palatial experience here.

R House Wynwood

2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami

Enjoy casual fine dining, art, and music all at once! Rocco’s House (R House) is a fun and funky destination featuring global-fusion dishes and hand-crafted cocktails that are works of art themselves.

Saturday and Sunday feature a drag brunch with your choice of a bottomless drink package and a set family-style, six-entrée menu, served to all guests. Check out the brunch menu and reserve your spot here.

My Recommendations: Visit R House for their drag brunch and order the Bottomless Mimosa Package or Bottomless Sides Package! Just plan on skipping the rest of your meals for the day – portions are huge! I had a blast.

Other Places to Eat

Scarpetta at the Fontaineblue – House made pasta & water views are what draw foodies to celebrity, chef Scott Conant’s Fontainebleau eatery.

Gianni’s at the former Versace Mansion – Upscale Mediterranean seafood restaurant decked out in frescoes, mosaics and a gold-lined pool.

La Carreta – Local chain known for Cuban classics like ropa vieja & picadillo served in a hacienda-style setting.

Things to Do in Miami

Regardless of what fun things your looking to do in Miami, there are plenty to choose from as a either solo traveler, or with friends.

Shopping

Shopping in Miami is not your typical day at the mall. Each shopping has a unique vibe and interesting merchandise.

Miami Beach is home to two open-air malls. Lincoln Road’s historic eight block pedestrian mall has something for every style and budget. Browse the shops housed in historic art deco buildings, then head north on Collins Avenue to the Bal Harbour Shops. This is the place to go for an upscale,  shopping and dining experience.

If you still haven’t had your fill of shopping, check out Miami’s Design District. Here, it’s all about style. From the architecture to chic clothing and housewares you’ll be surrounded by elegance.

However you go about your retail therapy in Miami, you’re sure to collect some great memories along with your purchases.

Airboat Ride with Love the Everglades Movement

For a true taste of the tropics, visit the Everglades. At 1.5 million-acres, it’s the largest subtropical wetland in the U.S. This slow moving river of grass is actually made-up of habitats that are home to hundreds of animal species. However, development and pollution are threats to this fragile ecosystem and the creatures that depend on it. Love the Everglades Movement is a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness about these threats. They organize positive community-building educational events and programs, and offer guided excursions into this vast and majestic ecosystem.

My Experience: I had the pleasure of taking a private tour with Houston Cypress and his colleagues, all descendants of the Miccosukee Indian Tribe. This experience was the highlight of my Florida Road Trip! Houston identifies as gay and two-spirited, and is the co-founder of the Love the Everglades Movement. He not only gifted me a handmade wooden tomahawk, but he also took me to his family’s land. Look for a future article on this amazing human being and the Love the Everglades Movement.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami

Step back in time to a bygone era. This Gilded Age waterfront estate has spectacular views of Biscayne Bay from its ten acres of award-winning formal gardens and Italian-style villa. Constructed in 1916 as a private residence, the 32 room mansion is now a National Historic Landmark.

Delight your senses with a visit to this cultural gem that’s been welcoming visitors since it opened as a museum in the 1950s. Plan your visit to this Miami treasure here.

My Recommendation: Visit Vizcaya during the morning hours of the summer, because it’s very hot with little shade. During the rest of the year, enjoy at any time. And, schedule at least two hours for your visit to enjoy all the property has to offer.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami

Get up close and personal with science! This museum makes science fun and accessible through interactive exhibits about weather, technology, and wildlife. It’s one of the only museums in the world that has both a state-of-the-art planetarium and aquarium. Star and sea gazers of all ages will be inspired.

The museum sits on a beautiful park overlooking downtown and the bay. The views from the rooftop observation deck are worth the visit alone! Start planning your discovery here.

Futurama 1637 Art Building

1637 SW 8th Street, Miami

Experience the arts in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. The Futurama studios and galleries feature the work of twelve local, emerging and established artists. This creative space for contemporary artwork makes the arts accessible to the community through public events.

Join in the creative atmosphere at monthly art exhibits, public programming, art education sessions, and music performances. Learn more about these creative Miamians and the event schedule here.

Enjoy the Beaches

South Florida’s barrier islands make-up a chain of oceanfront hot spots, each with their own unique vibe. The beaches of this region, known as the Gold Coast, has everything you need to create memories that you’ll always treasure.

Miami’s beaches are among the most diverse and interesting in the state. Here the pink sands give way to the beautiful Atlantic. Whichever Miami-Dade County’s beach you find yourself, there are plenty of options for relaxation and activity.

Take in the scenery from your beach chair or rent a cabana for the day. Hit the surf by swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. For more action on, or above, the waves, try a sailboard or parasailing adventure! Beach equipment rental is available at many concessions.

If you don’t want tan lines there’s Haulover Beach’s clothing-optional section. This well-established and managed beach has been welcoming all visitors for generations.

For more about south Florida’s beaches click here.  

Wynwood Walls

For a one-of-a-kind artistic experience, head to the Wynwood warehouse district. Here, you’ll get lost among a giant collection of street art by artists from around the globe. Since its inception, the Wynwood Walls program has seen over 50 artists representing 16 countries and have covered over 80,000 square feet of walls. Learn more here.

My Tip: While in Wynwood, catch a drag show at the R House.

ARTECHOUSE – Miami

736 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

ARTECHOUSE showcases experiential and technology-driven, museum-quality works by artists who are forerunners of the new age in the arts and technology. The exhibit is, by far, Miami’s most unique art experience. 

Wander through several rooms and enjoy a technology digital and interactive light show that will keep you mesmerized for hours.

Here are a few photos from my experience:

Plan Your Miami Road Trip

The glitz, glamour, and nightlife of Miami are as dazzling as the natural features of the area’s unique landscape. Whether you enjoy taking in the scenery or being seen, Miami-Dade County has something for you.

Outdoor adventurers enjoy exploring the Everglades or the miles of the Atlantic shoreline. Art and culture lovers find themselves with an unlimited number of creative experiences from which to choose, while foodies love indulging in cuisines from around the globe. Both families and solo travelers  can create new memories with exciting activities and unique attractions.   

There’s never a dull moment in the Magic City and it’s surrounding communities. Start planning your Miami memories today.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida and beyond, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Events are subject to change. Please check the events webpage for updates and schedules.