Miami

South Beach is Miami's most popular LGBTQ area famous for art deco and gym toned muscular guys 

City Overview

Miami Beach is a coastal resort city that was incorporated on March 26, 1915 and it has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts since the early 20th century.

The neighbourhood of South Beach with 6.5 km of beach is the most popular area. In 1979, Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district has the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.

The beautiful beaches, Caribbean climate, and non-stop nightlife have for years been the city's recipe for tourist satisfaction and reason for city being popular with LGBT community. Of course, not all Miami is glittering golden tans, speedos and bulging biceps but this can be found in South Beach. SoBe as the locals call this area of the city is where the partying starts.

Getting Around

If you base you holiday to Miami around South Beach then walking and taking the odd taxi is easier way to get around.

Airport Transfer

Miami Dade Transit’s Airport Flyer offers daily express bus service between Miami International Airport and Miami Beach. Buses run every 30 minutes from around 6 am to 11 pm all year rounds seven days a week.

A taxi will cost up to $40 depending on traffic and time of day or use Uber or Lyft for a far around $20.

Places to stay

Miami Beach has several exclusively gay or hetero friendly hotels and a number of very gay friendly places to stay. It is a city that has many conventions, corporate events and different type of party events so it is always wise to book your accommodation in advance to guarantee availability and choice.

The gay neighbourhood of South Beach is best place to stay and good location to be close to the majority of the gay bars, cafes, restaurants and saunas.

Miami Beaches

12th Street Gay Beach attracts mostly by gay men and a few lesbians and straight women with gay friends. Look for the rainbow flags by the lifeguard stations.

Haulover Beach is where you can sunbathe nude in Florida despite being technically illegal. It's about 11 miles north of South Beach so not the most convenient location. At the north end of Haulover is the clothing optional section that is frequented by gay men. Note: gay sunbathing is popular on weekdays but at weekends mainly straight local are on the beach.

3rd Street Beach is not a gay beach, but the gays love coming here as this is considered to be the "Brazilian" beach so popular with Latino men.

Bars, Clubs & Parties

The SoBe gay nightlife scene is vibrant and fun. These are the bars and clubs which are the most popular or been around for the longest time.

Club Azucar is a bar that attracts a Sexy urban crowd and Latinos for the drag shows and fun. Address 2301 South West 32nd Avenue.

Gaythering Hotel Bar is an upscale cocktails and craft beers in the gay hotel bar. Address 1409 Lincoln Road.

Palace Bar is the place to booze and cruise across from Miami's Gay Beach! A fun place to hang out to get out of the sun in the afternoons. Address 1052 Ocean Drive.

Score is bar with dance floor and lounge are on the second floor. Regular themed parties that attract a nice crowd of guys. Address 1437 Washington Avenue.

Twist with several different areas and strippers in the back cabana it a busy place and has something for everyone. Address 1057 Washington Avenue

Cafes & Restaurants

If you are staying in the SoBe (South Beach) neighbourhood the majority of place to eat and drink are gay run, owned or gay friendly. The typical burgers, shrimp and steak restaurants are popular. Look for places to dine with your eyes and nose to see the food being eaten by other diners and if the customers are cute.

Cruise Bars

Club Aqua Miami is the main sex spot to mix and mingle with men of an equally horny mind. They have themed parties. Address 2991 Coral Way

Shopping

There are numerous places to shop but two nice places on Collins Avenue we recommend.

Bal Harbour Shops has upscale branded stores such as Chanel, Gucci and Versace etc. The man is a garden avenue with waterfalls. Address 9700 Collins Avenue.

The Webster looks like just another Art Deco hotel on the outside but go inside and a surprise awaits you as the top two floors have been ripped open to make create a loft selling luxury brands. Address 1220 Collins Avenue

Main LGBT Events

Miami Beach Gay pride is the main event and held in April each year. The event attracts a large crowd from Miami, around the USA and from abroad. An event with great atmosphere with many parties arranged in the days in the run up to the parade.

Other

Currency – United States Dollar (USD)

Language – English

Visas – Most visitors from Europe do not need a visa. ESTA permits citizens of 40 countries to enter the US without a visa.

Best Time To Visit – March - November

Timezone – Varies per state. Check per destination.

Homosexual Activity – Legal but attitudes vary per state