6 Gay Beaches to Visit This Winter

With cold temperatures beginning to blanket the northernmost half of the country, thoughts may turn to tropical climes: Where to go to get away from the oncoming months full of dreary gray skies?

Here are six of the top gay-friendly beaches that you should consider for an easy winter getaway:

Sebastian Beach, Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has been focused on LGBT tourism for decades, and Sebastian Beach has won accolades as one of America’s top gay beaches. The beachgoers are mostly male, and the beach is (naturally) much more crowded on the weekends.

This great sunbathing area is located near many hotels, as well as some gay bed and breakfasts—and the water is generally clear and warm.

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Playa de los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta has long been a popular gay destination, and the officially designated gay beach here (yes, they have one!) is the southern end of Playa Los Muertos.

The nearby Blue Chairs Hotel is a popular gay resort, and the resort’s iconic blue fabric chairs serve as a nice landmark. The beach is located a short walk from the Old Town area, which is a delightful place to stroll around, with many restaurants, shops and galleries.

Will Rogers State Beach, Santa Monica

Often referred to as “L.A.’s gay beach” or “Ginger Rogers,” this popular and relaxed gathering spot boasts gymnastics equipment, volleyball courts, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and restrooms.

The area around lifeguard stand #16 is the gay portion of the beach (the Santa Monica portion on the beach, not the L.A. portion). The bodies tend to be in great shape—after all, Baywatch was shot here—making this a great place to sit back and people watch.

Black’s Beach, San Diego

Known throughout Southern California as a nude beach, this protected bit of sandy joy is a bit of a hike to get to—but well worth it for the gorgeous landscape.

From the parking lot, beachgoers have to climb down a fairly steep hill (some would argue cliff) to get to the sand—and save up enough energy for the climb back up to the car.

Part of Torrey Pines State Beach, the swells can be intense here, due to the offshore underwater geography. Gay sunbathers often tend to hang out on the northern half of the beach.

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12th Street Beach, Miami Beach

You could argue that much of South Beach is a gay sunbather’s paradise, but many queer travelers focus on 12th Street Beach, which is likely the Miami area’s most gay-intensive spot of sand.

You’ll spot numerous rainbow flags along this stretch, along with the occasional crowds, but visitors rave about how clean and well-maintained it is here. Lots of hotels, bars, restaurants, and even bookstores are within a short walk.

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Playa Playitas, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast, is the mecca for LGBTQ visitors to this country.

Located near the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, beachgoers will enjoy Playa Playitas, which is a picture perfect little arc of sandy bliss. Gays typically congregate at the far end of the beach, and access here is best at low tide, as you have to cross a slightly rocky point. (It’s possible to become stranded here at high tide, but depending on the crowd you’re stranded with, maybe that’s not the worst thing in the world.)