Gay beach miami

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Twist, South Beach

Twist is quite possibly Miami’s most famous gay bar, having been in operation for almost 30 years. The view from here is incredible, especially if you head out to the end of the pier. After all, the sauna is free for hotel guests, and only $25 for a day pass for non-guests.

And if all of the above isn’t enough to convince you to stay at Hotel Gaythering, they even have an onsite bar with nightly events such as drag bingo, a shuttle bus to the nude beach, complimentary beach chairs, and complimentary bike hire.

Check it out for yourself and let me know if you think it is the gayest hotel!

Address: 1409 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

AxelBeach Miami, South Beach

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Gay-Friendly Hotels in Miami

It’s fair to say that you will be welcomed with open arms pretty much whichever hotel you choose to stay at in Miami, especially in and around Miami Beach/South Beach.

I have listed the two hotels below based on my personal experience of staying there during my most recent visit, but again check out my full list of gay and gay friendly hotels here.

The Balfour Hotel, South Beach

The Balfour Hotel was where I first stayed when I arrived in Miami on my recent visit, and I had a fantastic stay here.

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of South Beach and is another beautiful property that falls under the category of historic Art Deco architecture.

The Balfour Hotel is on Ocean Drive, meaning I couldn’t be any closer to the beach.

Crowds of attractive people flock here for a good time, particularly LGBTQ+ travellers who love to spend a summer in the sun. Every guest room also comes with a private balcony, with incredible ocean views.

And for travellers visiting Miami pre/post-cruising, the hotel is a short taxi ride to the cruise terminals, making it the perfect choice all-round.

Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131

Gay Bars in Miami

Miami Beach, and in fact Greater Miami, has long had a reputation for being a hotspot for LGBTQ+ travellers in search of gay nightlife.

Whether I am looking for a boozy drag brunch or drag show, quiet social drinks with friends, or looking to dance the night away in a nightclub, there is something to suit everyone in Miami.

One thing to note however, which is unfortunate to say, is that like most big cities, some of the gay bars in Miami have a reputation for pickpocketing.

However, you might feel it is worth the journey because Haulover is a ‘nude’ beach. I enjoyed it so much that I even went back a second time – I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Palace has been the number 1 drag bar in Miami for over 30 years and I can see why! Food options at the hotel include a poolside vegan restaurant, Habitat a modern-day Mexican restaurant which specializes in delicious small plates and fresh seafood.

The Eco-luxury hotel has a 900 metre 'living wall' that is home to 11,000 local plant varieties. The queens performing are top of their game, and they certainly know how to work a crowd. Despite being a lot more work, and aching head to toe the following day, it was worth it for the views I had of the Miami skyline!

And being located at Jungle Island, either before or after your treetop-trek you are invited to explore Jungle Island too, and see the various wildlife such as flamingos, lemurs, and capybaras.

Find out more and book for yourself here.

Address : 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami FL 33132

Thriller Speedboat Adventure

Yet another thrill-seeking activity – this time on the water.

After my morning amongst the treetop canopies, I headed to downtown Miami to depart on my ‘’Thriller Speedboat’’ tour.

The tour departs from Bayside Marketplace and is a 45-minute sightseeing cruise onboard the Thriller Miami Speedboats.

The notable gay events in Miami to look out for are:

• Miami Beach Pride – Miami Beach Pride is usually celebrated in April.
• Winter Party Festival – if you can’t wait until pride, check out this queer music festival at the end of February/start of March. I love their motto – ‘’never a cover, always a groove’’ – and this has been the case every time we have visited!

  Spread across two floors, with 7 bars and 3 dance floors to choose from, Twist will always have something on to suit everyone.

  It doesn’t seem like bathhouses are quite as popular in the States as they are in Europe. And being open 24/7, it should be pretty easy to schedule a visit on your next trip to Miami!

  Address: 2991 Coral Wy, Miami, FL 33145

  Gay Events in Miami

  Of course Miami is home to a number of huge gay events.

  And when it comes to things to do for gay travellers, I could of course focus on ‘the usual’ – gay nightlife, the gay scene and relaxing at the gay beach…

  But during my most recent visit to Miami, I had more time and wanted to delve a little deeper and experience more of what this destination had to offer – and I was kept busy!

  Here are my personal recommendations for what gay travellers should do whilst in Miami.

  Treetop Trekking Miami at Jungle Island

  This is something that was right up my street!

  Treetop Trekking Miami is located at Jungle Island eco-adventure park, on Watson Island (a man-made island connected to both mainland and South Beach by causeway) and is actually South Florida’s only aerial adventure park.

  Strapped into a climbing harness (bit different to the harness I would wear the following week on Atlantis!), I explored the jungle canopy as I climbed, swung, navigated suspension bridges and zip-lined through the treetops.

  There are a number of different treks you can do, to suit either age or experience, but naturally I had to go for the ‘’Thrill-Seeker’’ Trek – the most challenging option!

  It has even been used as a filming location for many films, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys 2, and Iron Man 3.

  For more information and to book tickets you can visit their website.

  Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129

  A meal at Giannis – the former Versace Mansion

  I have been to Miami multiple times and can’t believe that this is the first time I went to eat at Giannis Restaurant – located at the former Versace Mansion!

  The venue itself is stunning, as you would expect, being located in one of the most historic buildings in South Beach, but equally the service was flawless, and the food was delicious.

  Giannis is open for both lunch and dinner, and it is highly recommended to make a reservation as early as possible.

  I went for a lunch date, and had the 3-course lunch menu which had plenty of choice, and I was shocked to discover was just $38 per person – an absolute steal considering the setting and the quality!

  I already can’t wait to return and sample their dinner menu!

  Book your table here.

  Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  Drag Brunch at Palace Bar and Restaurant, South Beach 

  I’ve been to a few drag brunches in my time, but Palace South Beach has to be the best I have been to!

  You would just walk down 12^th Street until you hit Ocean Drive, cross over onto the beach, and look out for the rainbow painted lifeguard tower, which is even numbered ‘12’.

  Haulover Gay Beach is a little further away, roughly 12 miles north of South Beach, and so you would need to use public transport or have access to a car to get here.

  The energy and atmosphere during the 2-hour show was incredible, exactly what I needed to wake me up after a night exploring the South Beach gay scene!

  At the time of writing, the drag brunch is a fixed price, at $55 per person for the brunch menu and 2 hours of bottomless mimosas.

  The drag brunch is such a popular activity in South Beach that Palace offers two seatings Friday through Sunday, at 11am and 2pm, and have even added an additional show on Mondays at 12pm.

  I strongly recommend booking as far in advance as you can as this does book up – reserve your table here.

  Address: 1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

  Walk Ocean Drive to South Pointe

  This was something I did most mornings during my visit, as I found it the perfect way to start my day!

  Given that the jetlag coming from the UK is just enough to cause me to wake a couple of hours earlier, I decided I may as well get up and make the most of it.

  They also offer all day dining options.

  The food here is so good, it is even on the Michelin Guide, winning the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, but I also loved the location – within a shopping enclave, in an oak tree sheltered courtyard, it really was a hidden gem.

  El Turco serves traditional, authentic Turkish food – I loved everything I ate and will definitely be back.

  Address: 5026 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

  Palace South Beach

  YYou know a place is worth a visit when you include it in your blog post three times!

  The gorgeous large rooms, featuring Calcutta marble tubs and rare Colorado beetle kill pine wood, make for a relaxing and upscale stay. Whilst it’s technically ‘not legal’ to be nude in Florida, Haulover Beach has an officially designated clothing-optional area, the only one in the entire state.

  I have written a detailed guide to both of these Miami gay beaches and how to find them, as well as a couple of other beaches you may wish to visit, here.

  Gay Saunas in Miami

  Despite being such a gay-friendly destination, there are actually not many gay saunas in Miami.