Gay Fort Lauderdale & Wilton Manors Travel Guide – Florida, USA

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, two vibrant cities located in the sunshine state of Florida that are proud to be regarded as some of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the United States. We, as a gay couple travel bloggers from Couple of Men, know about the importance of finding welcoming and inclusive places to explore and enjoy, and we are excited to share our experiences and recommendations with you. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the beach of Fort Lauderdale, a night out dancing in Wilton Manors, or an opportunity to connect with the local LGBTQ+ community, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we dive into the vibrant and exciting world of Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors with our gay travel guide, celebrating diversity and inclusivity with open arms.

– in paid collaboration with Visit Lauderdale –

@visitlauderdale #gayFlorida #EveryoneUnderTheSun #gayUSA

We were thrilled to finally explore Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors after seeing other places in Florida. These two cities are well-known in the LGBTQ+ community for their bustling queer gay scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and saunas to choose from. But that’s not all they have to offer. From pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters to exciting cultural events and activities, there is something for everyone under the sun in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors: When to Go?

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors are perfect destinations for a sunny LGBTQ+ vacation all year round. The tropical climate offers warm summers and dry and mild winters, with temperatures barely dropping below 20 degrees Celsius. These conditions make the region on Florida’s east coast the perfect place to escape the cold in Europe.

We recommend visiting from November to May to avoid the more rainy period of the year while enjoying the perfect beach weather. In addition to soaking up the sun, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors offer plenty of LGBTQ+ nightlife and events all year around. Pride is held in spring and is definitely worth a visit! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, shorts, and muscle shirts, as there are many opportunities for biking, hiking, and enjoying the sun at the awarded Fort Lauderdale beaches.

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How LGBTQ+ friendly are Fort Lauderdale & Wilton Manors

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors are both known for being extremely LGBTQ+ and gay-friendly cities in the USA. They have always been known to be safe destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and queer administration. The cities also have diverse social programs that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, enforced by a strong police presence. Whether you’re exploring the bustling downtown, lounging on the beach, or visiting any of the hotspots in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors: rest assured that you’ll feel comfortable and accepted in these LGBTQ+ havens and safe spaces for queer individuals. Additionally, they both have a vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a wide variety of gay-friendly establishments. The cities are committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

But that is not all. Both cities host many LGBTQ+ events, including the Pride Fort Lauderdale Festival and Parade, which showcases the vibrant and diverse community. And the Pride of the Americas (POTA), which we were able to attend in 2023. Wilton Manors is often referred to as the “gayborhood,” as it is home to numerous LGBTQ+ establishments. Despite this, Florida politics have seen major negative changes. For example, the “Don’t Say Gay” law prohibits teachers in Florida from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools. LGBTQ+ activists in the state and across the country are fighting this law, and we hope that it will be overturned soon. Despite these challenges, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors remain inclusive and welcoming places for everyone.

Spartacus Gay Travel Guide: Current Ranking of the USA >
Wikipedia Gay Florida: LGBT rights in Florida
LGBTQ+ Greater Fort Lauderdale: Events & Festivals

Gay-friendly Hotels in Fort Lauderdale & Wilton Manors

The area has several gay-friendly accommodations, with various options to suit different tastes and budgets. For those seeking a gay experience, numerous gay hotels in the area cater specifically to LGBTQ+ travelers, such as The Grand Resort and Spa, The Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa, and The Worthington Guesthouse. These hotels offer a range of amenities such as clothing-optional sun decks, on-site spas, and nightly happy hours, creating a lively and social environment for guests. For those who prefer a more low-key gay experience, many gay-friendly hotels, such as The Pillars Hotel and The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, offer upscale accommodations and excellent service while still being welcoming to LGBTQ+ guests. More about our Top 10 LGBTQ+ (welcoming) accommodation soon!

Gay-friendly Activities in & around Fort Lauderdale & Wilton Manors

Discovering Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors offers an array of enriching experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers. Dive into the cultural tapestry with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Aids Museum and the Stonewall Archives, and the Bonnet House Gardens & Museum. Delve into the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community while perusing exhibits and artifacts. For a scenic adventure, embark on a Water Taxi ride through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, passing by the opulent mansions of billionaires.

Alternatively, explore the serene canals of Wilton Manors aboard a see-through canoe, allowing for a unique perspective of the charming neighborhood. And don’t forget to stroll down Las Olas Boulevard, indulging in its vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. Nature enthusiasts can find solace in the lush surroundings of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a verdant oasis in Fort Lauderdale’s heart. Whether immersing in cultural exploration or embracing outdoor adventures, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors offer a captivating blend of experiences and events for all LGBTQ+ travelers.

Bars, Clubs, Beach & Sauna in Fort Lauderdale & Wilton Manors

Bars, Clubs, Restaurants, Beaches, and Hotels – Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors have it all. And of course, all the workout stations where muscled men train their biceps, legs, and behind. 😉 During our stay, we visited several queer and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, mostly located in Wilton Manors, but make sure to visit the gay places in Fort Lauderdale as well:

List of our favorite Gay & Queer places in Fort Lauderdale:

• Ramrod Fort Lauderdale – 1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
• Boardwalk – 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
• Mona’s Cocktail Lounge – 502 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
• Le Boy – 1245 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
• Smarty Pants – 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
• Clubhouse II – 2650 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
• Slammer – 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

List of LGBTQ+ friendly places in Wilton Manors:

• The Pub Wilton Manors – 2283 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• Hunters Nightclub – 2232 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• Scandals Saloon – 3073 NE 6th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33334
• The Manor Complex – 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• Alibi Wilton Manors – 2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• Gym Bar – 2287 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• Eagle Wilton Manors, 2209 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• DrYnk Bar & Lounge – 2255 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Gay Beach & Gym with Sauna in Fort Lauderdale

• The Club Fort Lauderdale – 110 NW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
• Sebastian Street Gay Beach – Sebastian Street – A1A across from the Casablanca Cafe.

List of Gay-friendly restaurants in Fort Lauderdale & Wilton Manors:

• Rosie’s Bar & Grill – 2449 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• Bona Italian Restaurant – 2468 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
• La Mexicana Taco Bar – 2430 NE 13th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

For any clarifications about your plans for traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Florida, and the USA, follow us and email us or drop us a line on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. See you around the world and the next time in Florida!

Karl & Daan.