Gay Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale
Beautiful white sand beaches, a warm blue ocean and sunshine are what make Ft. Lauderdale an idyllic vacation spot any time of year. Located on the east coast of Florida, even the hottest days are tempered by gentle breezes off the Atlantic Ocean.
Recently, Ft. Lauderdale has grown in popularity as a GLBT vacation destination and is now recognized worldwide as a gay-friendly resort. There are several hundred gay-owned and operated businesses that offer a multitude of options for the gay traveler. With a plethora of bed and breakfasts, resorts, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, this ocean city has made its name as a separate gay mecca from its neighbors Miami, South Beach, and Key West. From the blue waves and white surf of the beaches to the Florida Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale offers sea, sun, shopping, art and entertainment for the discerning gay tourist.
Just steps from the ocean is a vast network of canals and marinas that has earned Ft. Lauderdale the nickname of the Venice of America. Here you will find spectacular millionaire homes with extensive gardens right down to the waterfront and yachts that are houseboats waiting to venture out into the open sea. The water taxi is the means of transportation for the locals, which also offers a tour of the canal with a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. For just five dollars, you can travel all day from one end of the canal system to the other, with plenty to see and visit along the way. There are no gondolas here, but it’s worth planning a full day to tour these canals. , or simply use the water taxi as a means to go to dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Between the ocean and the canals is where you’ll find a community rich in gay guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. Although bars, clubs and restaurants are close by, car hire is a must, they are very affordable and can be hired at the airport or through your hotel concierge and make it very easy to get around and visit the many attractions available to the gay traveller. .
Located three blocks from the ocean and a short walk from the gay beach is the Flamingo Inn Amongst the Flowers, a European-style boutique hotel with tropical island luxury. We highly recommend this affordable and upscale gay resort as a perfect base to enjoy all Ft. Lauderdale has to offer. All rooms and suites have been recently remodeled and renovated with comfortable four-poster beds and modern bathrooms. The patio includes fountains, a large swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers with umbrellas for the hottest moments of the day. Indulge in a relaxing poolside massage, simply soak up the sun, or enjoy a good book in this peaceful retreat. Perhaps the greatest amenity that the Flamingo has to offer is the friendly and helpful staff who will ensure you have everything you need for the perfect vacation and provide you with all the necessary knowledge about the local community. The Flamingo Inn strives and achieves perfection in gay accommodations.
Located about a ten minute drive from the beaches is the township of Wilton Manors, which is the gay community of Ft. Lauderdale similar to Greenwich Village in New York. Home to over forty gay businesses and powered by the successful George’s Alibi video bar and cafe, Wilton Manors has everything to offer in shopping and entertainment. After your first visit, you’ll probably return to try the different restaurants and bars as part of your evening delight. Dorothy’s Cafe, Hamburger Mary’s, Chardees, Tropics, and Simply Delish are just a few of the dining options sure to please this quaint and charming gay-friendly South Florida community. Shopping at Wilton Manors also offers plenty of variety at Bottoms and Tops, Gay Mart, Miguel’s, Zoo Two 4 Shoes, and Zoo Two Clothing Company, just to name a few of the fun boutiques. A trip to Ft. Lauderdale is not complete without spending some time enjoying the town of Wilton Manors for a gay community experience.
Without a doubt, Ft. Lauderdale is best known for its beautiful white sand beach with the calm clear blue ocean that stretches for miles. Not surprisingly, with a large resident and tourist gay population, there are three recognized gay beaches. These can be found in the north, on 18th Street, centrally located on Sebastion Street, and in the south at Dania Beach, with the central beach probably being the most popular and closest to most gay accommodation. These gay areas are easily identified. by the parasols of the rainbow umbrellas and the bathers they attract. With beach volleyball and other ball games, people watching in these areas can be a very enjoyable way to spend a hot sunny afternoon with cool dips in the ocean when it gets too hot. There are also plenty of beachfront cafes with spectacular views to enjoy when food becomes a priority.
Florida’s weather offers vacations year-round, but spring is probably the mildest and most popular time of year to visit. The Ft. Lauderdale Pridefest takes place in March and claims to be the largest Pride celebration in Florida. With entertainers and events, this weekend is planned for both residents and tourists to show their pride. The Gay Rodeo is also a great attraction. In addition to the rodeo events at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie (just outside of Ft. Lauderdale), there will be a country and western dance, a pool party, a nightlife tour at Wilton Manors, and a southernmost event in Ft. .lauderdale. For anyone who has experienced a gay rodeo, this is sure to be a popular gathering on the IGRA circuit.
Finding your way is easy with a fun Columbia map or the local Hotspots publication. Both are easily accessible, handy-sized reference guides to all things gay in this Florida beach paradise. There is also a comprehensive service called The Naked Concierge that uncovers the truth about Ft. Lauderdale’s gay community and is the go-to source for travel information to plan the perfect getaway in the sun and surf before you leave home.
Getting there is easy with airlines offering direct flights from Canada’s major cities and connecting flights from smaller airports. Rest assured, your flight from the north will be rewarded with a South Florida gay welcome that is second to none.