Summer is almost upon us, and with warm weather beckoning, it's time to start planning the most anticipated event of the year - summer vacation.
For those looking to stay in the US and looking for a gay-friendly destination, there are numerous options.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is a treasure trove of information on where to go and what to do, but in the meantime we offer the following suggestions:
New York City. New York City is a destination like no other-there's a reason why it's called The City That Never Sleeps with so many things to see and do. Between Central Park, countless museums, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Fifth Avenue, the Village and, of course, the Stonewall Inn - where the modern-day gay rights movement began - New York is a must-visit.
San Francisco. No list of gay-friendly destinations in the U.S. would be complete without San Francisco. While the City by the Bay's Castro District is the epicenter for gay travelers, the city as a whole has much to offer. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, take a ferry over to Alcatraz Island, re-enact a Rice-a-Roni commercial and climb aboard a cable car, eat dim sum in Chinatown and head out of town to venture through Muir Woods.
New Mexico. Both Santa Fe and Taos are both hot destinations for lesbian vacationers, thanks in part to a strong local community of women-owned businesses. Santa Fe, which calls itself City Different, has an openly gay mayor and a thriving art scene (it has the country's second-largest art market). Taos, albeit much smaller, has a strong art scene in its own right, along with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy from sunup to sundown.
Provincetown, Mass. Locals say it's located at the end of the world, but in reality it's just the end of Cape Cod. Regardless, this funky beach town attracts a quirky, mixed crowd from drag queens to straight, suburban families looking for some fun in the sun. Not surprisingly, summer months can get crowded thanks to P-Town's mile upon mile of seashore and its themed weeks, so choose wisely lest you're aiming for Bear Week and end up there during Girl Splash.
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Hawaii. A gay-friendly bit of paradise. Hawaii became the 15th state to legalize same-sex civil unions in 2013, and it hasn't looked back since. Puna, on the Big Island, is particularly welcoming and as a result is popular for the entire LGBTQ community. And with black sand beaches and black lava cliffs rising up to meet lush jungle foliage, it's frequently described as magical.
Palm Springs. Swimming pools, movie stars. They may have been singing about Beverly Hills, but it could just as easily apply to Palm Springs. Truth be known, Palm Springs is like Beverly Hills' cooler, older cousin with a hip, retro edge. Just two hours from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is home to numerous resorts, and it's a huge draw for gay tourists. Regardless of whether you're out for a hike or lounging by the pool, Palm Springs helps you get in touch with your inner Rat Packer.
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