The cool weather is finally gone and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic are finally warming up to an inviting temperature.
But for LGBTs looking for summer fun on Florida's sandy shores, sometimes more is required than just a postcard-perfect view. We need like-minded crowds and welcoming cities.
According to Florida Beaches Guide, maintained by Tsavo Media out of Canada, LGBT businesses and resident
populations have major influences when it comes to how gay friendly a beach may be.
Of course, with nearly 1,200 miles of shoreline, naming every beach would be impossible in this space. However, here are a few top LGBT Florida beaches based on Tsavo Media's guide:
South Beach
With trendy restaurants, arguably the best Art Deco architecture on the continent and non-stop nightlife, South Beach is a must-visit beach for LGBTs looking for that special something on the sand. The popular tourist destination also pulls in its fair share of celebrities, trendy youth and upper crust LGBTs with money to burn.
Smathers Beach
There is an ongoing argument that Key West isn't as gay as it once was”but that doesn't mean it still doesn't have massive LGBT appeal. The wildly popular Smathers Beach is one of the island's best known beach destinations. It has shallow, warm waters, virtually no undertow and is surrounded by Caribbean-Mexican flavor. Each summer the beach is swarmed with LGBT locals and vacationers.
Haulover Beach
Of course Florida's only legal nude beach would be an LGBT destination, but remember, it's not just the LGBTs that enjoy total body tanning. Haulover Beach in Miami is one of the most beautiful and frequently-used clothing-optional beaches in the country, let alone Florida. The beach proudly declares its nude beach status and perimeters with signs. Beautiful, laidback and accepting of everyone, naturists of all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and physical build visit this beach. Florida Beaches guide says visitors shouldn't be surprised to see more than a thousand sunbathers getting all-over tans along the half-mile stretch of pure white sand. The beach also includes a gay nude section and a designated area for nude volleyball.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors are both weekend destinations for Central and West Florida LGBTs. But the city of Fort Lauderdale has an unofficial “gay beach” that is near several LGBT businesses and accommodations. The beach covers more than a block along Sebastian Street, is more laid back than Miami's offerings and eye candy is a guarantee in the right warm weather.
Pass-A-Grille
Most travel guides refer to Pinellas County's Pass-A-Grille as a “hidden treasure.” But LGBTs have known about it for years. The stretch of beach near St. Pete Beach has unique shops, an eccentric ambience and a bustling atmosphere in the summer. While the shoreline is small compared to our state's other big beaches, it's a great
place to hunt for pink shells while checking out wood-framed houses overlooking the gulf.
Sunset Beach
No LGBT beach list would be complete without Sunset Beach. This long stretch of white sandy beach on the tip of Treasure Island is a mile south of the popular straight bar Caddy's, which offers plenty of eye candy to passersby. Sunset Beach is the old home to Bedrox, which was a gay beach bar that thrived there in the 1990s. Even though the bar has been replaced with a city-run pavilion, LGBTs gather at the site every warm weekend”and especially on Sundays. Visitors bring music, drinks and offer a party atmosphere. Or, for those wanting to relax with a book, the vast expanse of beach south toward a jetty offers a quiet respite.
North Lido Beach
For those wanting some privacy on the water, North Lido Beach in Sarasota is a perfect retreat. The beach is so secluded that it used to be a well-known “topless” beach. Today the half-mile stretch of sand is behind a residential area and is ideal for those romantic strolls with your partner. North Lido is less than a mile away from St. Armands Circle, which offers outdoor shopping and restaurant choices that can complete the perfect day of sun worshipping.
Ponte Vedra Beach
About 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville sets Ponte Vedra Beach, where legend says Spanish adventurer Ponce de Leon first set foot on his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Today the beach is a golfer's paradise and home to the PGA Tour and the World Golf Hall of Fame. LGBT friendly businesses offer an inviting atmosphere in a historic district rich in Florida's Spanish heritage.
