by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:25 PM ET, Thu May 23, 2019
Fifty years ago, a police raid on a gay club in New York City sparked what has become known as the Stonewall Riots, an uprising that in many ways marked the beginning of the fight for true LGBTQ equality in this country.
The anniversary of this significant event will be a key theme of this year's Pride celebrations, which will kick off in June as part of Pride month.
To help travelers plan their event-related getaways, Orbitz has just launched a guide to Pride 2019 with the help of fellow Expedia Group brand Vrbo. The platform allows travelers to browse parade routes, up-and-coming Pride hot-spots, and even includes travels tips and places to stay.
According to a survey from Orbitz, 42 percent of LGBTQ travelers plan to travel more than 50 miles to attend a Pride celebration this year. The same survey also found that nearly 80 percent of LGBTQ travelers plan to attend this year's events with a group, meaning prime-parade accommodations will likely go quickly.
Here's a look at some of the cities to visit and hotels and vacation rentals available for popular Pride destinations.
Chicago, Illinois
In addition to a Pride parade (the heart of the action will be along Halsted and Waveland avenues), bars in the LGBTQ Boystown neighborhood will also be hopping during Chicago's annual celebration.
Accommodations highlighted here by Orbitz include Hotel Lincoln, which is a couple of miles south of the action, and a quick bus ride away. For a peaceful, budget-friendly option further afield, The Homestead Evanston Hotel, may be a good option and still offers easy access to the parade via the city's Red Line trains.
Washington D.C.
In the nation's capital, the best place to be to take in the parade is Dupont Circle, at the start of the route (around 22nd and P St NW). This area offers prime viewing, says Orbitz. Also, take note - 14th Street in the Logan Circle neighborhood is where you'll find all of the post-parade bar and dining options.
Accommodation recommendations here include Canopy by Hilton, a newer hotel in the recently revamped Wharf area, which will put you close to Pride festivities. For those who want to be in the heart of the action, opt for The Wink, a newer boutique hotel in Dupont Circle.
New York, New York
The best place to watch the parade: near the historic Stonewall Inn to be in the heart of the action; or near the end of the route on 29th Street near Madison Square Park for a less-crowded experience.
As for the best hotel on the route, look no further than The James Hotel New York - Nomad on E 29th Street, a luxury boutique hotel housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building that dates back to the early 1900s. It is near the end of the parade route.
Los Angeles, California
Position yourself along the two-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles for the best views but expect large crowds between La Cienega and Doheny where most of the bars are located.
One of the best places to stay meanwhile, the Chamberlain Hotel in West Hollywood, according to Orbitz. Described as a groovy all-suites retreat, the Chamberlain features an exclusive guests-only bistro, rooftop pool, and top-notch service.
San Francisco, California
The coveted grandstand seats on Market Street toward the end of the Pride parade in San Francisco are arguably the spot to take it all in -but these reserved spots will cost you.
Top accommodations here include the Parc 55 located on Cyril Magnin. This sleek boutique hotel is an official Pride partner this year, so staying here should give you easy access to all the festivities
Keep in mind that these are hardly the only places to visit and celebrate Pride. The Human Rights Campaign offers a guide to celebrations by state. And don't forget to check out what's going on in your own home town.
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