Discover Gay Florida :: Miami Beach

I have to start this article off with a disclaimer, I live in Miami Beach, so if things get a bit personal, don't hate, come visit!

Miami Beach is considered by most travel websites and experts as one of the top destinations in the Sunshine state. Each year, millions of tourists flock to Miami Beach to escape the wicked winters up north, or just to get a bit of respite from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

A lot of people don't realize that Miami and Miami Beach are not the same city. Miami Beach is an island that is connected to Miami by several causeways, but it has its own government, police, and is totally independent of the City of Miami.

Miami Beach is made up of a narrow strip of land that features over seven miles of beaches which, to this day, remain the main tourist attraction the city has to offer. There is nothing better than walking the streets and smelling sun tan lotion as locals and tourists alike flock to the crystal clear water of the Atlantic Ocean to escape the famous Florida heat and humidity. Shirts and shoes are definitely NOT required here!

Miami Beach is made up of 3 main geographical areas: North Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach. The most popular is South Beach, often abbreviated SoBe. South Beach ends around 24th street, Mid-Beach ends around 63rd street, and North Beach makes up the remaining few miles of the city.

Where to Stay

H�tel Gaythering
(1409 Lincoln Road)
The H�tel Gaythering is a boutique hotel that caters to gay men who want to stay gay in Miami Beach. Located just west of the touristy area of Lincoln Road, this gem has some areas that are men only. The hotel bar has an extensive hand crafted cocktail list along with drink specials and other special events all week long. Don't miss their Bears and Hares Friday nights.

Besides the normal hotel room selection, Gaythering offers men the option to stay in one of their economical Crate Shared Room (think bathhouse style rooms) where guests who are a bit more social or who are on a budget can join in the fun. These rooms are only 64 ft. sq. and feature TVs and a sleep sound machine to help drown out ambient noise, since the walls are only 7ft. high and made out of plywood. For more information, visit them online at Gaythering.com

The Shelborne Wyndham Grand Hotel South Beach
(1801 Collins Avenue )
This art deco hotel is not gay owned or gay only, but they have been the host hotel of Winter Party and White Party and other gay parties over the years so they are definitely gay friendly.

The Shelborne is an ocean front Art Deco masterpiece that features 200 rooms and has been recently undergone a $150 million renovation which saw it totally redone to match its original 1940s splendor. They are offering a summer beach sale with 30% discount on rooms, a free umbrella for the beach, and two free drinks per day. Visit them online for more information. ShelborneWyndhamGrand.com

The Delano
(1685 Collins Avenue)
With its soaring lobby and subtle seductions, Delano is one of the hotels that changed South Beach forever. Designed by Philippe Starck, Delano South Beach balances eclectic details with grand public spaces that are playful, elegant, quietly theatrical and filled with all-night energy - proof that the new rules of chic are simplicity with a crisp, clean and modern sense of ease.

Delano's signature South Beach restaurant, Bianca, features an inventive Italian menu offering local, farm-to-table organic ingredients. The hotel also features Umi Sushi and Sake Bar for casual or group dining. This beach front hotel is the height of Art Deco splendor and features a beautifully landscaped garden area, a huge pool with a few tables available for drinks IN THE POOL, and a subterranean lounge, FDR, which often serves as an ideal nightlife destination for the perfect night out in Miami's South Beach. For more information or to book a room, visit DelanoHotel.com

Fountainbleau Miami Beach
(4441 Collins Ave.)
Situated oceanfront in the heart of Millionaire's Row, (Mid-Beach) Fontainebleau Miami Beach is one of the most historically and architecturally significant hotels on Miami Beach. Its iconic design is a spectacular blend of Miami's glamorous golden era and stylish modern luxury.

A revered Miami Beach landmark for more than half a century, Morris Lapidus' emblematic curvilinear building sets a new standard for business and pleasure. The 22-acre oceanfront Miami Beach hotel features signature restaurants by award-winning chefs; two chic nightlife venues; a two-story spa, a virtually endless poolscape, miles of pristine beach and state-of-the-art conference and event facilities. Even before it opened in 1954, Fontainebleau had a rich history shaped by the rapid expansion of the Miami area and its popularity with celebrities. The same is still true today. Visit fontainebleau.com for more info or to book a room.

The following hotels have undergone the Pink Flamingo training provided by the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce which certifies businesses in the hospitality industry and helps them on gender and orientation, and gives them tools to respond appropriately to all people: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Nassau Suite Hotel, The Betsy, Shore Club.

Other notable hotels along the beach in SoBe are The National, The Clevelander, W South Beach, The Tides South Beach. Also try TheSouthBeachGroup.com - this company owns and operates several hotels in Miami Beach, and they are all gay friendly.

Where to Play

Back in the day, pretty much all of the gay life in South Florida revolved around Miami Beach and Key West. While many of the old stomping grounds of the 90s have closed down, Miami Beach remains a hot bed of gay life, and it's tough to walk more than two blocks without a spotting a gay in his natural element: No shirt, muscles showing, and headed to the beach!

12th Street Beach
As I already mentioned, the main draw for Miami Beach is, of course, the beach. Since it's warm all year long, there is never a bad time to get some sun and take a dip here. The gays go to 12th Street beach to frolic, meet friends, and work on their tans. Join them there and you won't be disappointed.

Palace
(1200 Ocean Drive)
Right on Ocean Drive and 12th Street, find Palace Bar, one of Miami Beach's mainstay gay bars that has been in the same location serving homos for 28 years. Happy hour there is always fun, but don't miss their Sabado's Gigante Latin Brunch with Noel Leon or Brunchic, their infamous Sunday Brunch event.

Palace's motto is Every Queen Needs Her Palace, and they really take it to heart. Every night of the week, find Miami Beach's hottest drag performers sissying that walk up and down the sidewalk which doubles as the cat walk. Palace has a full kitchen which serves up delicious grub every day. For the rest of their daily specials or to make reservations, which are highly recommended on Saturday and Sunday's brunch events, visit PalaceSouthBeach.com

Twist
(1057 Washington Ave.)
TWIST is the infamous South Beach gay club, known throughout the world for its great music, friendly staff, and for always being packed with hot tourists and locals alike. TWIST is actually seven bars in one with each bar having its own unique atmosphere and d�cor. You can literally "bar hop" without ever leaving this two-story club. Outstanding DJs, hot dancers, friendly bartenders and outrageous female impersonators, combined with thousands of loyal and first-time customers to make TWIST a "must do" every night out on South Beach.

For the last two decades, TWIST has regularly updated its concept to become known throughout the world as one of the best gay clubs in South Beach. For specials and more information, visit TwistSoBe.com

Score Nightclub
(1437 Washington Avenue)
This SoBe institution moved a few years ago from its old home on Lincoln Road to a spectacular new location on Washington Ave across form Espa�ola Way. With a state of the art sound and lighting system, Score is one of the premiere clubs in South Beach. Hot go go dancers, multilevels , and hot guys, make this one spot you won't want to miss. If you are looking for an early week hot spot, check out their Planeta Macho Tuesdays party. For weekend fun, Score is hopping all weekend from around 11pm till the wee hours of the morning Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Scorebar.net

Where to Go

LGBT Visitor's Center
(1130 Washington Ave.)
Situated in the historic Old City Hall building, The LGBT Visitor's Center is literally at the epicenter of LGBTQ activity in South Beach. It is located just steps to Ocean Drive and the Beach, a few blocks from famed Lincoln Rd and right in the middle of bars, restaurants, shops and hotels. The LGBT Visitor Center provides a place for you to feel welcomed and at home while in Miami. It is a place of community, where you can find information and resources. They offer weekly support groups including Narcotics Anonymous and Smart Recovery, Yoga and Dance classes, Educational Workshops and an array of Social Events. Stop by anytime, they're always happy to assist you with any last-minute needs such as hotel and dining recommendations.

The LGBT Visitor Center is operated by the MDGLCC Foundation, Inc., the 501c3 nonprofit foundation of the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Its open Monday-Friday 9 am - 6 pm. Saturdays and Sundays 11 am - 4 pm.

Lincoln Road
Miami Beach's outdoor mall, Lincoln Road, is a pedestrian walk way that features everything you would find in a typical shopping mall, plus tons of outdoor dining options. It is the perfect spot for people watching as you dine al fresco and shop for some hot new clothes or beach accessories. The pedestrian area stretches across the island from Washington Ave. to Alton Road, but the businesses extend past both of those boarders.

Highlights include the Colony Theatre, Cvi.Che 105 (1245 Lincoln Rd) an amazing Peruvian restaurant on the west side, Doraku (1104 Lincoln Rd) a sushi spot owned by the son of restauranteur Rocky H. Aoki founder of the famous Benihana, or Balans (1022 Lincoln Rd), a fantastic spot for delicious new wave American fare with an international flare. It is interesting to note that one block of Lincoln Road was recently sold for more than $200 million, making it the most expensive real estate transaction in Miami Dade County's history.

Espa�ola Way
Like it's big brother Lincoln Road, Espa�ola Way is a pedestrian street, but it is much smaller and intimate, reminiscent of an old world street. Lined with restaurants from one end to the other, this tiny street is located between 13th and 14th streets and runs across the island from Washington Ave to Euclid Ave. The most important block starts at Washington Ave and goes west to Drexel Ave. Try Tapas y Tintos (448 Espa�ola Way) a Spanish restaurant that often features live flamenco and delicious cuisine.

Art Deco Museum
(1001 Ocean Drive)
A full-service Visitor Center located in the heart of the Miami Beach "Art Deco" Historic District. Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 10th and Ocean Drive, The Art Deco Welcome Center offers visitors world-class customer service along with information on preservation and awareness of the Art Deco "Historic" District, through the "Official" Art Deco Walking Tour, lectures, films, exhibits, and other events. Guided Walks depart daily at 10:30 a.m. every morning and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. $25 adults, $20 seniors and students and military. For more info, visit MDPL.org

Normandy Isle
This enclave in North Beach is accessible from 71st street. Unlike South Beach, North Beach is much more residential and has tons of Argentinians, French, and French Canadian expats who make this little neighborhood feel like a distinct place among Miami neighborhoods.

The Normand Isle Monument is a huge fountain in the middle of a roundabout that is also reminiscent of a foreign country. Surrounding the square are lots of little restaurants, a few bars, and ice cream shops. Visit Katana (920 71st St.), a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves sushi in small portions that float by diners on little boats that go round and round the place. Different types of sushi are on different color plates, with the most expensive only setting diners back a measly $3.75! If you go, go early, or be prepared to wait; this place fills up quick and is easy to miss because it looks like a hole in the wall.

If you are in the mood for an eclectic mix of French and Moroccan food, make a reservation at Rouge (908 71st St), a lounge that features one of the most romantic patios in the city. Featuring live jazz many nights, this is a spot to go relax, enjoy a bottle of wine, and spend time with your special guy.