Pride and Beyond: 8 Ways to Experience Miami Beach
Spring break is almost here, but no matter what time of year you're going on vacation, Miami Beach is an LGBTQ destination filled with spirit and pride that offers a multitude of experiences catering to queer travelers from around the globe.
From new, "hetero-friendly" hotels and must-visit drag brunch shows, to the iconic Miami Beach Pride Parade next month, Miami Beach is like no other place in the world, embracing and celebrating the LGBTQ community all year long.
"Miami Beach has a long history of welcoming gay travelers and offering a variety of events, hotels, restaurants, bars, and destinations that makes anyone in the LGBTQ community feel at home," said Steve Adkins, Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "More than 1.2 million LGBTQ travelers visit our destination each year and we are dedicated to continuing our concerted efforts to accommodate this coveted traveler segment through ongoing, city-wide initiatives."
8 Essentials for Your Next Miami Beach Getaway
Don't Miss
Winter Music Conference (March 25-28) — Check out Miami's LGBTQ Underground Panel during the city's premiere musical event, which provides the opportunity for music lovers from all over the globe to gain industry insights, and connect with other music lovers.
Miami Beach Pride (April 1-7) — A week's worth of can't-miss events descend on Miami Beach. Highlights include the rainbow pride flag raising ceremony (April 1); sunset pride celebration at Standard Spa (April 5); pride festival village in Lummus Park (April 6); and the 11th annual parade, including ally grand marshals Judy and Denis Shepard and advocate grand marshal Juan Sanchez (April 7).
OUTshine Film Festival (April 18-28 ) — The biannual film festival highlights the local LGBTQ+ community. With film screenings and events throughout the city, it's a can't miss event to celebrate contemporary and classic queer cinema.
Where to Stay
Gaythering — This iconic gay-owned hotel in Miami Beach is a boutique destination with "handsome industrial" design. Fully equipped for gay vacationers and locals alike with amenities such as an onsite gay bar with daily events and weekly specials, and clothing-optional, men-only gay sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam room.
AxelBeach Miami — The internationally renowned LGBTQ hotel brand will call Miami Beach home in 2019. The brand's first U.S. location will include a destination restaurant, spa and community experiences.
Eat and Drink
Front Porch Caf� — Stop by this beloved gay-owned institution that has been serving up the best breakfast in town for nearly 30 years. Don't miss the iconic pancakes or sweets by pastry chef Stuart Whalan.
Icebox Cafe — This gay-owned culinary destination offers up breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, and is even home to Oprah's favorite chocolate cake. Other favorites include the deep-dish key lime pie and coconut buttercream cake.
Palace Bar — The newly relocated bar and restaurant offers a legendary bottomless brunch and live drag shows. Brunch on the weekends is destination event on Ocean Drive and Palace Bar brings out all the stops with their legendary unlimited mimosas and live drag shows.