
Ultimate Guide to Beaches and Parks in Metro Detroit
Brighton Recreation Area, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, encompasses 4,947 acres of picturesque hills and lakes perfect for various water recreational activities.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Brighton Recreation Area, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, encompasses 4,947 acres of picturesque hills and lakes perfect for various water recreational activities.
Although urban destinations tend to be most popular with gay travelers because of their rich cultural offerings, vibrant nightlife districts, and chic shopping and dining, a number of the world’s most gay-popular cities also enjoy picturesque settings on the water. From megacities with skyscrapers on the ocean to relatively smaller destinations on tranquil bays and lakes, here’s a rundown of the world’s 20 best gay urban beach destinations (population 150,000 or greater).
Discover North America’s most affordable small cities and towns for gay travelers, including beach getaways, small mountains, and other artsy vacation locales that won’t break your budget. Many of these communities offer especially good deals during the low season, providing low-priced B&Bs, reasonably priced dining and shopping, and plenty of activities.
Located in southwestern Colorado, just 35 miles north of the New Mexico border and near some of the most rugged and scenic forests and mountains in the state, Pagosa Springs is nestled along the western slope of the Continental Divide. This charming town, bordered by millions of acres of pristine San Juan National Forest, is a tranquil alternative to the glitzy destinations like Aspen and Vail. It’s perfect for winter skiing and summer activities like hiking, biking, fly-fishing, and rafting.
With a sunny and stunning location in South Florida fringed by sandy beaches, Fort Lauderdale and the adjacent inland community of Wilton Manors rank among the world’s most desirable tropical gay vacation destinations. This largest city in Broward County, just a 45-minute drive north of Miami and the same distance south of Palm Beach, has steadily evolved from a relatively lesser-known gay getaway in the early 1990s into a favorite place among gays and lesbians for both quick winter getaways and longer seasonal stays. Not surprisingly, quite a few LGBT visitors have become so taken with this friendly and progressive community that they’ve moved here full-time.
Gainesville may not be one of Florida’s leading tourist destinations, as it is not located near any beaches; however, this generally progressive college town in the state’s north-central region boasts a significant LGBTQ+ population. A highlight of the local scene is the University Club (18 E. University Ave., 352-378-6814), a vibrant gay nightclub situated conveniently in the downtown area. This club draws a mix of gay men and women and often welcomes heterosexual patrons, depending on the night.
Moreover, it serves as an ideal spot for dancing and socializing, featuring multiple bars and a spacious outdoor area.Discover the club’s website for details on upcoming events and parties.To enter the University Club, you must use the door located at the back of the building, just off Northeast 1st Avenue. Notably, Gainesville’s only other gay bar, Wild Angels-Spikes (4130 N.W. 6th St.), has unfortunately closed.
Historic, scenic, and secluded, the former Portuguese fishing community and longtime artists colony of Provincetown is considered one of the world’s most popular resort destinations among gay and lesbian travelers. The peak season is in summer, particularly July and August. However, Provincetown offers a captivating experience year-round, with a tranquil charm during the serene winter months and the mild, relaxed spring and fall shoulder seasons. The town continues to enhance its appeal, featuring more upscale inns, fine art galleries, and exquisite restaurants than ever before, alongside its unmatched scenic beauty in New England.
Memphis, nestled along the Mississippi River, offers a rich tapestry of attractions and a burgeoning LGBT community. While the city’s gay nightlife may not match the intensity of larger urban centers, it provides a variety of inviting spaces for visitors.
Discover vibrant gay scenes in lesser-known cities across the United States. Here are some of the top underrated cities for LGBTQ+ travelers.
As Las Vegas has skyrocketed in popularity as both a place to live and visit, it has also become one of the nation’s foremost destinations among gay and lesbian travelers. Unlike cities with well-defined gay scenes, relatively few LGBTQ+ travelers come to “Sin City” specifically for gay nightlife. Instead, most visitors are focused on mainstream attractions: gambling, shows, celebrity restaurants, and exploring the iconic Strip.
There aren’t many resources for gay travelers focused specifically on Santa Monica, Venice, and the coast; however, this region is part of metro Los Angeles, which is one of the world’s centers of GLBT culture. Numerous gay newspapers and publications serve the general area, while West Hollywood serves as the hub of the region’s vibrant gay scene. Long Beach also boasts a distinctive gay culture near the coast.
TheSt. Louis Gay Pridetakes place the last weekend in June—specifically on June 29 and 30. This vibrant celebration encompasses PrideFest and its hallmark Pride Parade, alongside various other events. Over the weekend, St. Louis, recognized as one of the Midwest’s largest cities, attracts a substantial crowd of LGBTQ individuals and allies from across eastern Missouri, southwestern Illinois, and other neighboring states in the Mississippi River region. While both PrideFest and the Pride Parade are free to attend, a $5 donation is highly encouraged for those able to contribute.
Less than a three-hour drive from Montreal and about a six-hour drive north of Boston, Quebec City is often said to be the most European of North America’s cities. This French-speaking metropolis, founded in 1608, has a population of around 516,000 and is perched on a high bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, with a picturesque Old City enclosed within ancient fortifications. Quebec City offers a wonderfully intimate atmosphere, highly walkable streets, and rich history; many of the finest old buildings now serve as charming hotels.
The most populous island in the famed archipelago for which it’s named,San Juan Islandsits just a few miles off of Canada’s Vancouver Island, a short ferry ride from Victoria, BC. It is situated west of, and farther from the mainland Washington ferry terminal in Anacortes, compared to the other two most visited San Juan Islands, Orcas Island and Lopez Island. In many ways, the San Juan Islands bear a resemblance to the Gulf Islands in Canada, located just across the Georgia Strait near Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island. You might contemplate planning a trip to both San Juan Island and the popular Gulf Island, Salt Spring Island.
If you’re traveling to Africa from the USA, the journey to your final destination can take more than 30 hours – especially if you happen to live in the Midwest or on the West Coast. Depending on where you’re headed, East Coast residents may be able to fly direct, but options are limited and costly. Moreover, even direct flights from New York to Johannesburg take almost 15 hours each way – an endurance test that takes a heavy toll on your body.
For adrenalin junkies planning a visit to South Africa, a close encounter with a great white shark is a bucket list adventure not to be missed. Several locations in the Western Cape offer guided cage diving trips that allow you to come face-to-face with the ocean’s most legendary apex predator without compromising your safety. In this article, we explain how to cage dive with great whites in a way that ensures a positive experience both for you and the sharks, which are now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
This article explores some of Africa’s most iconic trekking destinations, covering stunning peaks and unique hiking experiences. Whether you want to summit towering mountains or enjoy scenic trails, Africa offers a diverse range of adventures.
Explore the essentials of shopping in Africa, from legal considerations to responsible practices, while ensuring a memorable experience filled with unique souvenirs.
The prime time to embark on a safari in Kenya, where you can experience a rich density and diversity of wildlife, is during the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gnu. This breathtaking spectacle occurs from July to October. For other parks in Kenya, visit during the dry season—January through March and July through October.
and exhibit behavior recognizable in our own families. Nevertheless, all African gorillas are endangered or critically endangered. Threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, and disease, witnessing them in their natural habitat is a privilege that future generations might lose.
This article presents recommendations for successful gorilla trekking tours rather than an exhaustive list of all countries where gorillas can be found.