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Best LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in North America

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San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
8.5
Harvey Milk ran a camera shop on Castro Street before he was elected to the city's Board of Supervisors in 1977. A huge rainbow flag now flies at Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro and Market streets while the rainbow flag itself was designed in San Francisco in 1978 by Gilbert Baker.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Explore Alcatraz Island and tour the former prison
  • 🚋 Ride a classic cable car through steep hills
  • 🌉 Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
Provincetown
Coastal charm meets vibrant arts scene
9.1
The Pilgrims landed here in 1620 before settling at Plymouth, while artists and writers later made the town a haven where gay residents and holidaymakers have felt at home for decades. Commercial Street has galleries and drag cabaret shows while Carnival week in August has a parade of floats.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Take a sunset cruise around Cape Cod Bay
  • 🏞️ Hike to the iconic Point Lobos Lighthouse
  • 🖼️ Explore Provincetown's art galleries on Commercial Street
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
9.5
New Yorkers and visitors march down Fifth Avenue on the last Sunday of June in the Pride March, which grew from a march in 1970 on the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street is part of a national monument and still serves drinks.
Highlights:
  • 🌃 Visit Times Square at night for unforgettable neon views
  • 🎭 Watch a Broadway musical in the Theater District
  • 🏙️ Admire skyline views from the Top of a skyscraper
Boston
Historic charm meets modern innovation
8.3
In 2004 Massachusetts became the first state to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples while the South End neighbourhood now has rainbow flags on brownstone houses and gay owned restaurants on Tremont Street. Boston Pride is held in June with a big parade through downtown.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the Boston Common and Public Garden
  • 🎓 Tour Harvard University’s famous campus in Cambridge
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk the historic Freedom Trail through downtown Boston
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
8.5
Like a beach town with skyscrapers, Vancouver has Davie Village, a few blocks from English Bay, where the pedestrian crossings are painted in rainbow colours and the pubs and cafes have patios. Pride is held every August with a parade on the first Sunday through the West End and downtown.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore Granville Island’s public market and artisan shops
  • 🚡 Take a gondola up Grouse Mountain for city views
  • 🚴‍♀️ Walk or cycle around scenic Stanley Park’s seawall
Toronto
A vibrant mix of cultures and skyline
8.2
Torontonians celebrate Pride every June with a big parade down Yonge Street while the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, called the Village, has rainbow pedestrian crossings, patios and dance clubs open late. Ontario allowed same sex marriage in 2003 and the whole country followed in 2005 with a national law.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit Ripley’s Aquarium and walk through the underwater tunnel
  • 🏺 Explore historic Distillery District’s cobblestone lanes and galleries
  • 🌆 Take in skyline views from the top of CN Tower
Montreal
A city of festivals, food and culture
8.6
From May to October a pedestrian stretch of Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village has thousands of pink balls hung overhead, so patios and bars are lively under a pink canopy. Montreal Pride is held in August with a big parade that goes through downtown and the Village.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica and its illuminated interior
  • 🌄 Admire panoramic city views from Mount Royal Park
  • 🏙️ Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal
Los Angeles
The city of stars, beaches and dreams
8.8
Christopher Street West held a Pride march on Hollywood Boulevard in 1970, a year after the Stonewall riots, while the same group still runs LA Pride each June. In nearby West Hollywood, Santa Monica Boulevard has rainbow pedestrian crossings and a long row of gay bars and cafes.
Highlights:
  • 🎡 Spend a sunny afternoon at Santa Monica Pier and beach
  • 🥾 Hike to the Hollywood Sign for sweeping city views
  • 🎬 Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite stars
Seattle
Where nature and innovation converge
7.9
On the last Sunday of June the Seattle Pride Parade goes down 4th Avenue through downtown with floats and marching groups. Capitol Hill, the neighbourhood best known for gay bars and cafes, has rainbow painted pedestrian crossings along Broadway where people gather afterwards for drinks and dancing.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Sip coffee at the original Starbucks store
  • 🐟 Explore Pike Place Market and watch the fishmongers toss fish
  • 🌆 Ride to the top of the Space Needle for incredible skyline views
Las Vegas
Lights, Luxury and Limitless Fun
8.2
The Commercial Center district east of the Strip, called the Fruit Loop, is a cluster of gay bars and clubs that stay open all night. The big resorts on the Strip have drag shows and pool parties while Las Vegas Pride is held in October.
Highlights:
  • 🔆 Explore the vintage neon signs at the Neon Museum
  • 🎡 Ride the High Roller for panoramic city views
  • 💦 Watch the Bellagio Fountains dance to music and lights
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Native Hawaiians have long honoured mahu, people who embody both male and female spirit. Four large stones at Waikiki Beach, the Kapaemahu stones, are a memorial to healers who came from Tahiti with both spirits, while the islands have warm water and sunny beaches on every coast.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Honolulu
Aloha Vibes and Ocean Adventures
8.1
Part beach holiday and part city break, Honolulu has Queen's Surf Beach at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, a gay friendly stretch of sand with volleyball and sunbathers. Bars and clubs on Kuhio Avenue stay busy at night while the Honolulu Pride parade is held in October.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and watch surfers
  • ⚓ Explore the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  • 🌄 Hike to Diamond Head crater for stunning sunrise views
Miami Beach
The ultimate blend of sun, sand and Art Deco charm
8.8
On a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic, South Beach has pastel Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive and 12th Street Beach, where sunbathers gather around a lifeguard tower flying a rainbow flag. The Miami Beach Pride parade is held on Ocean Drive each April.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Stroll Lincoln Road for shopping and dining delights
  • 🏖️ Relax on sunny sands of famous South Beach
  • 🏛️ Walk the iconic Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
8.7
The sound of bands and cheering crowds rises along University Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest neighbourhood each July during San Diego Pride, which has a parade through Hillcrest and a big festival in Balboa Park. Farther north the Russian River town of Guerneville has been a gay resort getaway among redwoods for decades.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
  • 🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
  • 🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Santa Monica
California Cool on the Pacific
7.7
Just north of Santa Monica on the Pacific coast, Will Rogers State Beach has a section near lifeguard station 18 called Ginger Rogers Beach, a well known LGBTQ+ gathering spot with volleyball courts. SaMo Pride, held each June since 2019, has live music at Santa Monica Place and games on the pier.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike the scenic Marvin Braude Trail along the coastline
  • 🛍️ Shop and dine along the vibrant Third Street Promenade
  • 🌊 Walk the iconic Santa Monica Pier and enjoy ocean views
Aspen
Rocky Mountain Glam Meets Outdoor Thrills
8.8
Aspen Gay Ski Week is held every January with costume ski runs, apres ski parties and dance nights, so skiers from around the country gather in a town known for welcoming everyone. Four mountains are close together while Aspen Mountain has runs that start right above the town centre.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Explore the scenic Maroon Bells and capture the perfect photo
  • 🚡 Ride the Silver Queen Gondola for breathtaking alpine views
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the iconic Aspen Mountain slopes
Vermont
Green Mountains, Maple Syrup, Pure Charm
8.4
The golden domed State House in Montpelier is where lawmakers passed the first civil union law in the country in 2000 and voted for marriage equality in 2009. Burlington holds its Pride parade and festival in September, when maple leaves turn red and gold across the hills.
Highlights:
  • 🎿 Ski the snowy slopes of Stowe Mountain Resort
  • 🍦 Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory
  • 🍂 Admire fall foliage on Vermont’s scenic byways
Fire Island
Sunlit shores and vibrant boardwalks
8.5
From Memorial Day to Labor Day the car free communities of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines are busy with weekend guests who arrive by ferry from Long Island. Each 4 July drag queens arrive by boat to reenact the Invasion of the Pines, a 1976 protest after one was refused service.
Highlights:
  • 🍦 Stroll Main Street, sample local ice cream shops
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike along the Fire Island Trail, spotting wildlife
  • 🗼 Climb Fire Island Lighthouse for sunrise views
Palm Springs
Desert Modernism and Mountain Views
8.1
Arenas Road is the main gay nightlife street in downtown Palm Springs with bars, cabaret shows and dance clubs under palm trees. Winter days are near 70 degrees Fahrenheit so guests lounge by the pool at the many gay friendly resorts, while Palm Springs Pride is held in early November.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Relax in a natural hot spring at nearby Desert Hot Springs
  • 🏡 Admire mid-century modern homes on an architecture tour
  • 🚠 Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto
Puerto Vallarta
Beaches, sunsets and vibrant streets
6.5
Rainbow flags hang over the cobbled streets of the Zona Romantica, the old town south of the Cuale River, where the sound of mariachi and dance music comes from small bars and beach clubs. Los Muertos Beach has a pier and sunbathers while Vallarta Pride is held in May.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Take a boat trip to hidden Majahuitas and Yelapa beaches
  • 🤿 Go snorkeling or diving in Los Arcos Marine Park
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset from the Malecón boardwalk and street art displays
Oahu
Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure
8.9
Like two islands in one, Oahu has busy Waikiki on the south shore and quiet surf towns such as Haleiwa on the North Shore, where winter waves can reach 30 feet at Waimea Bay. The island is welcoming to same sex couples, who have been able to marry in Hawaii since 2013.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and soak up sun
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant fish at Hanauma Bay Marine Park
  • 🌄 Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sunrise views
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
9.2
At about one mile above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, Denver has the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and Colfax Avenue, with gay bars and cafes near the state capitol building. Colorado Pride is held in Civic Center Park every June with a parade and music stages.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
  • 🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
  • 🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails
Mexico City
Vibrant Culture, History and Street Food
8.3
Music, whistles and cheers carry along Paseo de la Reforma in late June, when hundreds of thousands of people march to the Zocalo square in the Pride parade. The Zona Rosa neighbourhood has gay bars and cafes on Amberes Street while same sex marriage has been legal in the city since 2010.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Coyoacán
  • 🏛️ Wander through the historic center and Zócalo Square
  • 🏯 Explore the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán’s pyramids
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