Discover Gay Florida :: Fort Lauderdale

Since the 1960s everyone knows that Fort Lauderdale is "Where the Boys Are," but over the past decade or so that saying has really gotten a lot, and we mean A LOT, gayer!

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau started marketing to the LGBT community 20 years ago. Since then, they have seen the number of LGBT tourists skyrocket: They welcomed 800,000 tourists ten years ago, and 1.3 million visited in 2013.

What used to be a spring break destination and a "well-kept secret" for the LGBT traveler has now become one of the places to be out and proud, not just in South Florida, but on the world stage. So if you live here, or if you're like one of those millions of LGBT tourists who come down to enjoy our beautiful beaches and warm weather, let's take a look at some of the highlights the "Venice of America" has to offer.

Where to Stay

Windamar Beach Resort recently underwent a series of renovations, and now every guest room boasts pool and garden views, televisions with DVD players, and coffee makers. Enjoy amenities such as a clothing-optional pool and jacuzzi, continental breakfast, and a DVD lending library. For people who want to see what Windamar is all about, day passes are available for purchase. (543 Breakers Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-561-0039)

The Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa has been open for sixteen years and has welcomed tourists from all over the world. At the men's day spa, you can get everything from a manicure and pedicure to a massage, and even a waxing. The property is located right on the water, and features such amenities as a clothing-optional heated saltwater pool, high-speed internet, a ten-man jacuzzi, and a coffee bar in each room. (2133 NE 26th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-564-7764)

The Worthington Guest House and the connected properties Villa Venice and the Alcazar Resort are all just two blocks to the beach, but you are more than welcome to sun yourself in the "sun-drenched" courtyard at the Worthington or in the properties' heated pools and their oversized jacuzzis. At the Worthington, there are 37 rooms and amenities include plush down comforters for the beds and high-thread-count linens. Everyone will feel special after a stay at The Worthington or its sister resorts. (543-555 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-6819)

The Grand Resort and Spa is a luxurious resort experience in the most intimate of surroundings. Located just blocks from the beach, this resort boasts 24-hour front desk service, a full-service spa, a large swimming pool, a clothing-optional garden area with a hot tub, and smartly-decorated rooms and suites. Breakfast is served complimentary each morning and there is a "happy hour" each afternoon for guests -- what great service! (539 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-630-3003)

Universal Palms Hotel offers a lot of amenities, such as dry-cleaning services, discounted shuttle service to the airport and other sights, wireless high-speed internet, a beautiful swimming pool, and a business center. There is also an on-site bar and grill. The rooms either overlook the city or the pool, both offering great views. The VIP two-room suite is their most luxurious offering -- you may not want to leave your room! (4900 Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-776-4880)

There are also a number of well-known national and international hotel chains represented in the area, and many of them are gay-friendly and host events and mixers for gay professionals. Consider them when you visit the area. A sampling of these hotels include W Fort Lauderdale (401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), GALLERYone - A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel (2670 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale), B Ocean Fort Lauderdale (999 Fort Lauderdale Blvd.), Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale (440 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale), Hilton Fort Lauderdale (505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), Westin Beach Resort (321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), Hyatt Regency Pier 66 (2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale), Atlantic Hotel and Spa (601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), Renaissance Fort Lauderdale (1617 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale), and the Embassy Suites Hotel (1100 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale).

Fort Lauderdale Beach is well-known for its gay and gay-friendly resorts and guesthouses. In addition to the aforementioned resorts and guesthouses we've already recommended, consider the following if you want to stay in Fort Lauderdale: The Hotel Lush Royale (2901 Terramar St.), Coral Reef Guesthouse (2609 NE 13th Ct.), Inn Leather (610 SE 19th St.), Pineapple Point (315 NE 16th Terr.), Royal Palms Resort and Spa (No longer all-male) (717 Breakers Ave.), Cheston House (520 N. Birch Rd.), Elysium Resort (552 N. Birch Rd.), Grand Palm Plaza (2801 Riomar St.)

WHERE TO PLAY

Fort Lauderdale has a number of gay nightclubs and venues for the visitor as well. Le Boy (1243 NE 11th Ave.), a popular nightclub with the community, boasts lots of sexy men and very good VIP bottle service. Ramrod (1508 NE 4th Ave.) serves the leather community and the men who love them, and they offer weekly fetish nights (Fridays) and leather nights (Sundays). Lips (1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) calls itself "the ultimate drag dining experience," and there's something nearly every night of the week for the drag enthusiast. Check out Gospel Brunch with Nicolette on Sundays!

Boardwalk Bar (1721 N. Andrews Ave.) is the place to check out some beefcake: On weekends, over 40+ male entertainers will be dancing for your pleasure. The Club Fort Lauderdale (110 NW 5th Ave.) is one of two gay saunas and bathhouses in the area; The Clubhouse II (2650 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) is the other. The Club Fort Lauderdale was recently extensively remodeled, and features a patio and outdoor pool, among other amenities. The Clubhouse II hosts one of the largest leather nights in town on Tuesday nights, and a night for the bears on Thursdays. Other bars you should check out in Fort Lauderdale include J's Bar, Mona's, and Smarty Pants Bar.

Where to Go

Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" due to the high number of rivers and inlets, and you can get up close to the water right in downtown by walking the "Beautiful Mile" at the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. The Riverwalk leads people to a number of sights throughout the city, such as the Historic Stranahan House, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Also close by is Las Olas Boulevard, long renowned for its boutiques, galleries and sidewalk caf�s. If you're not done with shopping yet, check out The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale off Sunrise Boulevard, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Dillard's.

If you're a fan of nature, Fort Lauderdale does not disappoint. The main draw of the city is the beautiful coastline with white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water of the Atlantic. With a total of 23 miles of beach in Greater Fort Lauderdale, there is a beach for everyone. Chances are you are a gay man, so you are probably looking for Sebastian Beach, named for Sebastian Street, the cross street where it's located. There is a small public lot there, and other street parking, but get there early cause parking lots fill up quickly, especially during the tourist season.

East of the Galleria is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which offers guided tours by foot and by Segway, as well as access to the beach. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a historic house-turned-museum that features the original furnishings of two American artists

When to Go

Tourist season slows down in the summer, but there is never a bad time to visit Fort Lauderdale. If you're in the area in the fall, there are a few events you will probably be interested in. Check out the MiFo LGBT Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, one of the largest LGBT film festivals in Florida, which is celebrating its eighth year this year. Dozens of LGBT-related films will be screened from October 7-16; visit mifofilm.com for more information.

Next door in Wilton Manors, the city pulls out all the stops for the annual Wicked Manors Celebration on Halloween night, when tens of thousands of costumed revelers take over Wilton Drive for one of the fiercest Halloween parties anywhere. It's definitely worth a visit! For more information, visit WickedManors.org

Pride Fort Lauderdale, which was traditionally held in the fall, has chosen a new location on the beach in Fort Lauderdale (think Where the Boys are...!) and this year the festivities will take place on February 26, 2017. Locals and visitors alike are excited to see what new changes await Fort Lauderdale's celebration of pride. For more information on Pride, visit pridefortlauderdale.org