Gay Travel in Miami
I recently spent a 24 Hour GAYover in my favorite city in America, having the most amount of FUN in the SUN. In a city where the minority is the majority, there is something for everyone in Miami, Florida.
Sweet Heat Festival 2022
WHERE TO STAY
I stayed in the Miami Beach area as I wanted to be as close as possible to the ocean. For a boutique moment, check out Marseilles Hotel. It won’t break the bank and it is conveniently located in the heart of South Beach. If you want gay housing and a sense of community GET INTO Hotel GAYTHERING. It’s kitschy decor will have you beaming from ear to ear. They also have a male-only sauna that is non-pretentious.
Living my life at Hotel GAYTHERING
WHAT to see
Between the Art Deco, Museums, and water activities you will never run out of things to do. I highly recommend getting a car as there isn’t really public transportation, however, biking, running, and walking the city are excellent options. Ride share programs are always available, but Lyft is more Affordable than Uber in Miami. Also, LEAVE South Beach. Yes- the QUEER culture is heavily focused in South Beach, but leave the Island and make sure to spend time in the mainland.
The LGBTQ nightlife isn’t as large as in other cities like New York or LA, however, it has a thriving pulse and cute options for whatever you are seeking. The vegetarian food scene is OFF THE CHAIN!
For those of you looking for EPIC photoshoots, I highly recommend the lifeguard towers in South Beach for sunrise to beat the crowds. These historic lifeguard towers are vibrant and the most photographed in the world. The ones I love range from 15th street to 8th street.
Three sites that you must absolutely leave Miami Beach for are Frost Museum of Science, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
Frost Science lets your inner history and space nerd out to play. They also have a fantastic aquarium where you can pet a sting ray. (Don’t worry my paws didn’t come close to the fish!)
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a fantastic beach if you want to have a bit more privacy than the beaches in South Beach. This beach and park were once designated “colored only” during segregation and a safe space for LGBTQ folks. Today it is declared the “People’s Beach.” Bring sunscreen, snacks, a towel and lots of water. It is simply stunning.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Vizcaya museum has the most stunning and photographable gardens I have ever seen. It is located in a Gilden Age Estate on Biscayne Bay and it is surrounded by 10 acres of gardens. #justthetip get there at opening as you want to beat the lines for photos as well as the HEAT.
where to eat
As a vegetarian, I THRIVE in a destination that caters outside of carnivore land. After all, it is 2022. Miami is no exception to a booming vegetarian culinary scene. The most famous plant based restaurant in South Beach is Planta, bringing taste to the forefront. Drunken Dragon looks somewhat questionable on the outside, but nails the decor AND the Korean BBQ on the inside. Time Out Market celebrates the top chefs and most hyped restaurants IN Miami all under one roof.
Time Out Market Miami
Visit Wynwood for not only the most fabulous murals in the world, but also for Organic Food Kings, a funky vegan food truck that has baller vegan burgers. After walking the streets and gawking at all of the divine street art, make sure you hit up R House Wynwood for globally inspired food and a drag show on the weekends called YAS KWEEN.
WHERE TO PLAY
The Queer nightlife in Miami is small but mighty. Mostly everything happens in South Beach, however R House Wynwood is making the weekends POP with their YAS KWEEN drag show.
A staple that is well worth the hype is drag brunch at Palace. The line to get in will be out the door. You MUST make reservations if you want a table.
Drag Brunch at Palace
Other than the Palace, South Beach currently only offers 3 other Queer bars. Start off at Gaythering Bar, which offers a neighborhood vibe with daily shows. Then visit Nathan’s Bar, which offers music videos and a crowd of eye candy. End your night at Twist- a massive club with seven different bars to fit whatever mood you are in. I had an absolute blast closing down Twist!
JUST THE TIP
Bring sunscreen. Pound water. Leave South Beach. Bring an array of speedos. Do something outside of your comfort zone. To find out what I did check out my Vlog of Gay Travel in MIAMI below. Stay safe, Stay Proud, and ALWAYS remember to LIVE OUT LOUD!
24 Hour GAYover MIAMI Vlog