Florida’s southeast coast has a lot to see and do. The region’s largest cities, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, are hot spots for gay travelers. Just west of Fort Lauderdale is Wilton Manors. This welcoming neighborhood is the “second gayest city” in the United States! Wondering where to stay in South Florida? Check our list of LGBTQ-friendly hotels and resorts in South Florida and pick the spot that sounds good to you.
Know Before You Go
Unless otherwise indicated, children are welcome. Pets are welcome at many, but not all properties. Please verify when reserving.
Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Nobu Miami Beach
Nobu Miami Beach is an gay-friendly hotel in Miami Beach that will hold you in the lap of luxury. Beautifully appointed rooms include a private bar featuring Japan’s most popular sweets and Chef Nobu’s wines and sake. You’ll also find a gourmet coffee machine and complimentary tea among other amenities. Bathrooms feature waterfall rain head showers with teak benches.
The resort fee includes access to the 24-hour ocean view fitness center and fitness classes. Guests also receive two beach loungers daily, bike rental, and priority reservations at Nobu Restaurant. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your room, call up for room service with select dishes from Nobu Miami and Malibu Farm.
W Hotel, Miami
Enjoy your stay at W Miami, Marriott’s 4-star hotel located in the center of Brickell (“Miami’s Wall Street”). The luxurious rooms and suites feature full-length windows with incredible views of the city or the Miami River.
After a long day, come back and take a dip in the private pool with a spectacular view from the 15th floor. Enjoy a drink or snack from the poolside Wet Deck Cafe. Fitness minded guests can work out in the fitness center. For relaxation book a treatment at the Icon Brickell Spa.
Be sure to make dinner reservations at ADDiKT, with its 360-degree view!
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort – TAG Approved
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is an all-suite resort right on the beach. This gay resort in Fort Lauderdale offers great views of the Atlantic ocean. All accommodations, ranging from one to three bedroom suites, include private balconies and kitchens or kitchenettes.
Enjoy the ocean view sun deck and swimming pool. Schedule treatments at the full-service spa. Choose from three restaurants for your meals, drinks, and snacks.
Families are welcome here. There are several package options available. This property is “TAG Approved” which means management has met standards centered-around inclusion and safety for workers and guests alike. These include enforcing non-discrimination regarding sexual orientation, LGBTQ diversity and sensitivity training, and they employ diverse staff. They also give back to their community.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale
The Pelican Grand Beach Resort truly has it all! For outdoor fun, you can relax on the beach with complimentary chairs and umbrellas. Beach attendants will see to your every need.
Guests can take a leisurely float on Fort Lauderdale’s only Lazy River or splash in the zero-entry pool.
All of the spacious guest rooms and suites have been upgraded for the ultimate in relaxation. Sleep in a plush pillow top bed. Be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves lapping against the beach. Wake up to a perfect sunrise, then enjoy your private waterfall shower system.
Dining options include the sophisticated Ocean2000. Or enjoy the view from the verandah at the O2K lounge. Feel like a kid again in the Emporium Ice Cream Parlor.
All in all, a grand experience!
On a Budget
If the luxury hotels are out of your budget range, it’s good to know there are affordable hotels in the area, too.
Le Cabanon Motel, Pompano Beach
Le Cabanon Motel has recently been renovated and redecorated. The property offers oceanfront rooms and suites directly on the beach.
This cozy boutique has three standard guest rooms, one suite, and five efficiencies. All units have king beds with pillow top mattresses, mini fridge, and coffee maker. Efficiencies have full fully equipped kitchenettes.
The property offers a swimming pool, an outdoor gas barbecue for guest use. Wifi and parking are included.
Gay Hotels
AxelBeach Miami, South Beach
AxelBeach Miami is a gay/hetero friendly hotel. Enjoy the tropical spirit and artistic atmosphere of this Art Deco-inspired hotel. Many of the 160 rooms have views of the gardens or pool.
All rooms include a daily resort fee, which includes access to the Beach Club, free WiFi, and access to the gym, spa, and pool areas. Rooms include TVs, coffee and tea stations, minibars, robes, and slippers.
There’s a poolside bar/restaurant, an outside bar in the courtyard, and a full-service tapas restaurant.
Grand Resort and Spa, Fort Lauderdale
Grand Resort and Spa is a luxurious gay hotel in Fort Lauderdale that offers award-winning amenities for adult men.. All of their rooms are designed for two adults and come with either two Queen or one King bed. Each has a private bath with walk-in shower. Rooms open onto the lush tropical courtyard.
There are no additional resort fees. WiFi, parking, and continental breakfast are included. Guests can enjoy Happy Hours, Thursday through Saturday, and complimentary mimosas on Sunday.
You can pamper yourself at the full-service spa. The resort is not usually clothing optional. However, they do offer several “Naked Weeks” throughout the year. Check their website for details.
FabStayz® Vacation Rentals
OutCoast.com has partnered with FabStayz® to bring you LGBTQ-friendly vacation rental options. All guests who stay with a FabFounder receive a FabStayz signature pink, 16 ounce Fab! Mug plus individually wrapped delectable Stroopwafels, all shipped to your home in a Fab! Box with other surprises! Sounds simply fabulous, doesn’t it?
Wondering where to stay in South Florida with FabStayz? These are a few of the featured FabFounder FabStayz properties in the South Florida region.
Modern Units with Heated Pool
This completely renovated property is located in desirable East Wilton Manors. There is both a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit available as well as an efficient studio apartment (see below).
Upgraded Wi-fi and cable are included for enjoyment during your stay.
This property is a short walk away from the popular LGBT destination – Wilton Drive, with restaurants, bars, and shopping. Also enjoy easy access to shopping, Las Olas Blvd, restaurants and the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions: the owner has gone a few steps further and added antibacterial Lysol cleaner (labeled under the sink) available to the guests, as well as antibacterial soap, located at the kitchen sink. Additionally, they utilize a disinfecting OZONE machine in between each guest that cleanses the air of germs by up to 99%. The A/C and fan are also left on high for additional ventilation.
A few notes: no pets, no smoking, not handicapped accessible, not kid-friendly.
One Bedroom / One Bath Apartment
This modern one bedroom/one bathroom apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen and is located in a triplex with a common area that includes a year-round shared heated pool and laundry. Click here to book your stay.
Modern Efficiency with Heated Pool, Wilton Manors
This modern efficiency apartment has a comfortable queen size bed and fully-equipped kitchen. Click here to book your stay.
Quiet Oasis Private Studio, Fort Lauderdale
This Fort Lauderdale studio apartment is part of a stunning Mediterranean two-story Home. The studio includes a queen bed, bathroom, private entrance, French doors, private large patio, eat-in kitchen with plenty of appliances, and all of the technology you’ll need (HDTV, cable, WiFi).
The property owners also provide access to two bicycles and free parking. You also have full use of the large heat saltwater pool.
For those with pet allergies, this is the perfect spot for you, as this studio it pet-free.
Learn more about this studio apartment.
Guest Studio 3401
Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood of Oakland Park, not far from Wilton Drive, the beach, restaurants, shopping and more, you’ll find Guest Studio 3401. This recommended FabStayz® rental is newly renovated, fully furnished, equipped and ready to welcome you for your visit.
The guest studio boasts a private entrance and reserved parking space. It also features a full size refrigerator, 2-burner cook top, queen size Tempur-Pedic bed, cable TV, WiFi, private deck and just about everything you’ll need for your stay short or long term.
You have full access to the studio, private deck, driveway and front yard area. The back yard and patio is reserved for owner privacy.
Clothing Optional Gay Locations
Although all of these resorts say they are “clothing optional,” but the rules vary from place to place. Check their websites for details.
Pineapple Point, Fort Lauderdale
Pineapple Point, is a gay-owned and operated vacation destination. Established in 1999, it’s a popular spot for gay men to unwind, relax and enjoy.
The property’s six unique buildings are spread out over two acres of private tropical paradise. Choose from a guest room, suite, villa, or cottage.
This oasis offers shaded hammocks, sun decks, clothing optional pool areas, two jacuzzies, and a lap pool.
Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast daily. Guests are welcome to use the property’s suntan lotions, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach towels, and bikes.
After a day in the sun don’t miss the complimentary evening happy hour.
Worthington Resorts, Fort Lauderdale
Worthington Resorts is the largest, gay clothing optional resort in the U.S. This sprawling three building complex has a total of 63 guest rooms. Additionally, there are three pools and two hot tubs. If the beach is more your vibe, you’re only 500-feet from the sand (and five minutes from the Sebastian Street gay beach).
All rooms have private baths, fridges, and in-room safes. WiFi is available throughout the complex. Burn off some calories in the fitness room overlooking the pool.
Continental breakfast is served each morning. Registered guests can enjoy the social hour every Saturday afternoon. The resort is just 500′ away from the Fort Lauderdale beach. Fort Lauderdale’s gay beach at Sebastian Street is only 5 minutes away.
The Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa, Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors
The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa is a gay-owned and operated clothing-optional guesthouse. It has been voted Fort Lauderdale Best Gay Guesthouse for the past six years.
The Guesthouse is nestled between the beach and the happening nightlife scene of Wilton Manors. The property features two heated pools, a 10-man hot tub, and a tiki bar. All rooms have a private bath, TV, a coffee maker, microwave, and a small fridge.
Book a treatment at the all-male European-style spa. Be sure to check out the aroma therapy steam room.
This waterfront resort is on the shores of the Middle River. Guests can enjoy rental paddle equipment and boats.
Calypso Inn B&B, Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors
The Calypso Inn, is a charming, affordable gay-owned and operated Bed & Breakfast. The complex combines the Calypso Inn, Calypso Transient Vacation Rentals, and Calypso Sands Vacation home.
Two property’s lagoon tropical pools are heated in the winter and open all night. The poolside tanning deck is clothing optional.
All rooms include free WiFi, and continental breakfast. The deluxe Key West cottage offers a King bed, vaulted ceilings, and French doors overlooking the courtyard.
Check availability of the Calypso’s one pet friendly room if you’ll be traveling with your fur baby.
Hotel Gaythering, Miami Beach
Hotel Gaythering, a clothing-optional hotel, is the self-proclaimed “Miami Beach’s Gayest Hotel.” This adults men only hotel has three different rooms with private baths.
Travelers on a budget will appreciate their “Crate Shared Room.” Each 64 square-foot unit has a full-size bed. The spaces are separated by secure partitions. Five units share a dorm-style bathroom.
The hotel’s Gaythering Bar has Happy Hour every day. Evening activities include Trivia Night and Karaoke Night. The bar caters to gay men, but all are welcome in this “Gayborhood” bar.
Vitambi Springs Wilderness Resort and Campground, Clewiston
Vitambi Springs is a unique, outdoorsy resort. It’s centrally located between both of the Florida coasts.
This campground is usually for gay men. However, several times a year they offer weekends where all the LGBTQ community are welcome. Two weekends a year are reserved for women.
They have a variety of lodgings available to suit your style. The luxurious Pine Tree Inn has eight private bedrooms with shared showers. Other options include secluded cabins, RV sites, or tent sites.
There are three private home rentals available. All have full kitchens and plenty of space to unwind.
If camping is more your speed, there are 15 rustic cabins. Some have air conditioning. Some are truly “rustic” and do not. Be sure to inquire when booking.
TVs and pop-up campers are welcome. All sites have 30 amp electric, water and sewer. WiFi is available throughout the resort.
There’s a restaurant, bar, and camp store for all of your travel needs.
Conclusion
South Florida is a popular destination for members of the LGBTQ community due to its variety of gay-friendly hotels and resorts that can accommodate a range of budgets. The area is well equipped to cater to those who want to explore in an accepting environment.
For more information on exploring South Florida, click here.
**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, 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.
