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Wilton Manors – Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQ+ Neighborhood

Wilton Manors – Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQ+ Neighborhood

Known for its vibrant nightlife, welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and various queer venues and attractions, Wilton Manors in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and inclusive vacation in Florida. As avid gay couple travelers, we were excited to explore the “gay island” of Wilton Manors during our recent vacation in the USA. After visiting Orlando and Miami in the past, we were longingly expecting to spend a week in this colorful part of Florida we had heard so much of. As we arrived in Fort Lauderdale, we were ready to experience a week filled with pride, sun, fun, and excitement in the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Florida – Wilton Manors.

paid collaboration with Visit Greater Lauderdale –

Outside of the Gay Party Venue Alibi in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com
Outside of the Gay Party Venue Alibi in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com

Wilton Manors: Trailblazing for LGBTQ+ rights

Wilton Manors, a small city nestled within the greater Fort Lauderdale area, has a rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ history that has been celebrated for decades. Known as the “Second Gayest City” in the USA, Wilton Manors has become a hub for the LGBTQ+ community and a popular destination for tourists seeking a welcoming and inclusive environment. The city located just north of Fort Lauderdale has a long history of activism, dating back to the 1970s when the first gay pride march was held in nearby Fort Lauderdale. In the 1980s, Wilton Manors became one of the first cities in the country to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.

Diversity and Inclusion Event Fashion Reaction in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com
Diversity and Inclusion Event Fashion Reaction in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com

Today, Wilton Manors, so-called South Florida’s LGBT+ capital, remains a thriving LGBTQ+ destination with a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates its history and works tirelessly to advance the cause of LGBTQ+ equality. The neighborhood is home to a wide range of LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations and numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade. Let us show you some of our highlights of the “Island City” in Florida.

Flying with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines © Coupleofmen.com

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Exploring Wilton Manors by Kayak

To explore the island city of Wilton Manors from another point of view – not from the car, but from the water – we rented two transparent kayaks with “Get on the Waves“. And only a short time later, our adventurous, sporty tour with scenic views, mangroves, and gorgeous estates began right around the corner from Colohatchee Park and Dog Park. The weather couldn’t have been better, with the sun, a fresh breeze, and a few friendly clouds here and there. Although it was manatee season, we didn’t spot any here, only later in Key West. However, we saw numerous iguanas, colorful birds, and cute little ducklings. Additionally, we were entertained by the handsome, lightly clothed paddleboarding locals who passed by. Click on the following link to see our Kayaking Reel on Instagram!

Kayaking around the Island City of Wilton Manors with "Get on the Waves" © Coupleofmen.com
Kayaking around the Island City of Wilton Manors with “Get on the Waves” © Coupleofmen.com

Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa

Our first accommodation in Greater Fort Lauderdale was the Wilton Manors Gay Resort “Cabanas Resort and Spa” in Wilton Manors. This all-male and clothing-optional resort is a beautiful place to unwind, especially when your brain is still in another time zone, facing the challenges of adjusting to time differences.

Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa in Fort Lauderdale © Coupleofmen.com

Top 10 Hotels: Check here for Gay and LGBTQ+ friendly hotels >

Restaurant Tip 1: Rosie’s Bar and Grill

Rainbow lanterns, pink plastic flamingos, and exceptionally friendly stuff – Rosie’s was the right first place to start our food journey in Greater Fort Lauderdale. While sitting in the atmospheric outdoor area surrounded by bamboo, we filled our stomachs with delicious burgers and fries. Apropos fries: did you ever have fried pickles? Karl couldn’t believe his eyes when he spotted a quintessential American delicacy on the menu. And, of course, he fell for it head over heels.

Travel planning with TripAdvisor: Rosie’s Bar and Grill >

Karl falling in love with the fried pickles at Rosie's Bar and Grill © Coupleofmen.com
Karl falls in love with the fried pickles at Rosie’s Bar and Grill © Coupleofmen.com
Buch Couple of Men - Ein Männerpaar auf Reisen © Coupleofmen.com

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World Aids Museum in Fort Lauderdale

For us, traveling means broadening our horizons, asking questions, learning new things, and sometimes adjusting our opinions. That is what happened during our trip to Wilton Manors, once again. Fort Lauderdale is home to the World Aids Museum and Educational Center (WAM for short) and the Stonewall Archive, library, and National Museum (SNMA for short). Here we got the chance to talk to two outstanding personalities: Terry Dyer from the WAM and Robert Kesten of the Stonewall Archives.

Wilton Manors Fort Lauderdale World Aids Museum © Coupleofmen.com
Wilton Manors Fort Lauderdale World Aids Museum © Coupleofmen.com

Pride of the Americas 2023 – Pride in Fort Lauderdale

After the first Pride of the Americas was supposed to take place in Fort Lauderdale in 2020, which unfortunately had to be canceled, the first edition was finally organized in February 2023. And we had the opportunity to join hundreds of LGBTQ+ people from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and worldwide to take to the streets for equality, freedom, and respect for queer people and drag queens. These are our favorite moments and best photos from Pride of the Americas 2023.

Pride of the Americas 2023 in Fort Lauderdale  © Coupleofmen.com

Stonewall Archives in Fort Lauderdale

And although we thought we had enough time planned for this part of our trip, we got lost in profound conversations about how the LGBTQ+ community gets challenged by current politics, especially in Florida. But also about how deeply rooted HIV stigmatization is even in today’s society. Touched, shocked, and encouraged: Education is vital to understanding what’s behind us, and learning from the past is mandatory to create a better future. Our future. Together.

Silence = Death. A gay kiss at the Stonewall Archives © Coupleofmen.com
Silence = Death. A gay kiss at the Stonewall Archives © Coupleofmen.com

Never forget where OUR COMMUNITY is coming from… 50+ years have passed since Stonewall, and for 40+ years, HIV has been part of our lives; 20+ years ago, two men got married for the first time in the Netherlands…

Travel planning with TripAdvisor: World Aids Museum >

Travel planning with TripAdvisor: Stonewall Archives >

Restaurant Tip 2: Bona Italian Restaurant

Together with our dear local friend Richard, we had a dinner reservation at the Bona Italian Restaurant on Wilton Drive – Wilton Manor’s Best Italian & Pizza. While sharing funny stories of our past travels, we indulged ourselves in tasty pizzas, delicious pasta, and a good glass of red and white wine. We highly recommend this spot for a great meal and a lovely evening dining out. Ready for a night out in the gayborhood Wilton Manors?

Travel planning with TripAdvisor: Bona Italian Restaurant >

Daan and his Pasta at Bona Italian Restaurant in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com
Daan and his Pasta at Bona Italian Restaurant in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com

Shopping in Wilton Manors

The neighborhood boasts an array of shops and boutiques catering to the community’s needs and interests, including LGBTQ+ clothing, accessories, and gifts. Some of the most popular LGBTQ+ shops in Wilton Manors include Out of the Closet, a thrift store that donates its profits to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Ball Beachwear, where Karl got his blue shorts, and True Blue Clothing (see photo). From vintage shops to specialty stores, there’s something for everyone in Wilton Manors.

Karl shopping in Wilton Manors looking at the store window of True Blue Clothing © Coupleofmen.com
Karl shopping in Gay Wilton Manors at the store True Blue Clothing © Coupleofmen.com

Restaurant Tip 3: La Mexicana Taco Bar

We highly recommend visiting La Mexicana Taco Bar if you’re in the mood for some delicious Mexican food. This hidden gem is located south of Wilton Drive and serves freshly homemade mojitos and burritos. The location is super cute, with seating areas both inside and outside. The passionate live band did not make it easy for us to chat with each other. But that didn’t dampen our mood to fully enjoy the delicious Mexican food with a breeze of US cuisine.

Travel planning with TripAdvisor: La Mexicana Taco Bar >

La Mexicana Taco Bar in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com
La Mexicana Taco Bar in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com

Wilton Drive – The Central Artery of Wilton Manors

We spent the nights meeting the local queer community after dinner in one of the numerous LGBTQ+ establishments of Wilton Manors. Did you know that Wilton Manors and Greater Fort Lauderdale are home to more than 24 gay bars? We know! That is unbelievably remarkable. But let us tell you, the ones we have been to for a beer or two, have been crowded with handsome, chatty, and friendly locals from the queer bear, otter, and cub community – local and visiting. Wilton Drive is thereby considered the center of the gay neighborhood, the central artery of Gay Wilton Manors’ queer nightlife. Our favorite establishments were The Eagle Wilton Manors and Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors and, of course, Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar.

A group of guys waiting in front of the Eagle in Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com
A group of guys waiting in front of the Eagle in Gay Wilton Manors © Coupleofmen.com

Gay Bars & Clubs

If you’d like to learn more about LGBTQ+ venues in Greater Fort Lauderdale, visit the Gay Fort Lauderdale Guide on our blog. You’ll also find a list of gay bars and queer locations in Wilton Manors.

Couple of Men in front of Hunters Nightclub during Pride 2023 © Coupleofmen.com

We want to thank Visit Lauderdale, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and the Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa for the invitation, support, and opportunity to experience Fort Lauderdale in an accessible and authentic way.

Would you like to learn more about us gay travel bloggers and experience our queer adventures together with us? Then stay tuned and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! See you in Florida, Wilton Manors, or on one of our next Gay Pride trips worldwide!

Karl & Daan.