5 Reasons Why Key West is One of the Top Gay Travel Destinations for 2024
Key West, located at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, is a vibrant and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and rich history, Key West has something to offer for everyone.
Catching a redeye flight from the west coast, the trip was long but totally worth it as we descended into the aquamarine paradise. The first thing we noticed driving through the historical district was the colorful and quintessentially Caribbean architecture. Tropical pastel colors of lime and rose mixed with wooden lacework patios and awnings that sat behind charming white picket fences adorned with palm trees and heaps of bougainvillea.
1. Key West has Delicious Caribbean Cuisine & Cuban Coffee
One of my favorite things to do when traveling to a new destination, especially one so far from home, is to find a fun local spot to grab a bite to eat. Coming from the Pacific Northwest we were traveling from about as far as you can get from Key West in the continental 48. Key West, being a total of 90 miles from the coast of Cuba, is home to culinary delights such as Cuban coffee, Cuban sandwiches and more. One of my favorite things in the world is coffee, and one of my favorite combinations of flavors in the world is a Cuban sandwich… so naturally I was excited to try each of these in a place so close to their origins. Perhaps a little overly eager, as soon as we dropped our bags off at the hotel pre-check in, we immediately made our way to a cute little coffee shop right off Duval Street aptly named Cuban Coffee Queen.
The open-air Caribbean cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a variety of coffees, smoothies, sandwiches and more, all while amongst friendly roaming chickens. The chickens are all over Key West, and quite frankly the location is pretty well-known to be a haven for the fowl. Nonetheless, the chickens are on-site of Cuban Coffee Queen to clean up any messes, or make them! Beyond delicious Cuban-inspired cuisine – conch fritters, grilled lobster, and fish sandwiches are a few of the many delicious dishes you can also find on the island. But really, don’t forget to save room for Key lime pie, a local specialty that you’ll find plenty of around the historic district.
2. Duval Street is One of the Most Gay-Friendly Streets in the South!
Next it was time to head to one of the top attractions in Key West: Duval Street. The island's main thoroughfare, where we explored a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the famous Bourbon Street Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ bar that hosts drag shows and other events.
One of things that attracted us most to Key West was the fact that it’s also home to a number of LGBTQ+ landmarks and events, such as the Rainbow Flag Monument and the annual PrideFest celebration. The Rainbow Flag Monument, located in the center of the island, is a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and features a rainbow-colored mosaic walkway. PrideFest, held every June, is one of the most popular pride celebrations in the United States and consists of a week-long party that includes parades, drag shows, cocktail parties among many other fancies.
3. Key West is Lined with Popular Gay Beaches
In addition to the vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, Key West is also known for its stunning beaches. Some of the best beaches for sunbathing and swimming include Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach. Both located on the southern edge of the island, each offer unique personalities. Higgs beach has a smaller footprint but is closer to town and a little easier to park at. We saw more families at this beach as there are a few play structures for kids. Though not far away, Smather’s Beach is a longer span of seemingly endless white sand with very few amenities readily available; however, the extra space to spread out means a more relaxing experience if your goal is to just enjoy being out on the sand. And what better way to spend your first day in paradise than laying out on the beach?
Though some clouds rolled through the area, it was still dreamily pleasant on the sand. We sat under swaying palms and watched others wade out into the sea. After seeing the sun brim the horizon, we were ready to set our sights on dinner. Since this was our first time in Key West, we asked around and received many recommendations for a particular place that seemed out of the ordinary for a tiny island situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean; a tapas restaurant.
Santiago’s Bodega is an eclectic space serving Key West’s best tapas and sangria, both of which were fully enjoyed. Beef carpaccio, brussel sprouts, shrimp and chorizo, croquettas, and patatas bravas are just some of the amazing dishes on the menu. If you find yourself in Key West, put this on your list, but make sure to call ahead and make a reservation unless you’re looking for a quick bite at their bar.
4. There are Limitless Activities and Tours to Take in Key West
We typically don’t take a lot of time out of our trips to view historical sights, however with how walkable historic Key West is, we decided to take a stroll through some of the rich historical buildings and monuments. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters are just a few of the many sites worth visiting. As we made it to the island’s edge, we were greeted with a beautiful view of Sunset Key, one of the most sought after destinations on the island, particularly for a sunset cruise accompanied by a meal at Latitudes Restaurant. There are many companies that offer sunset cruises, and heading out onto the water grants the chance to perhaps spot some dolphins or whales!
5. Key West is Full of Outdoor Bars & Eateries
Our visit to Key West was short but sweet, and of course we couldn’t leave without at least trying classic fish and shrimp tacos. Again by popular recommendation we decided to try Garbo’s Grill at Hanks. This extremely popular taco truck shares an open-air patio adjacent to Hanks Hair of the Dog Saloon, which adds to the fun because not only did we enjoy incredibly zesty shrimp tacos, but we got to appreciate a few drinks along with a show as well! It’s true that Key West really comes alive at night, and starting the evening listening to live music at Hanks alongside a lively crowd was the best way I could imagine ending my trip.
Key West welcomed us with an unforgettable atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and rich culture and history. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the island's history, or party the night away, Key West has something for everyone. We can’t wait to get back to the Florida Keys to discover more of what makes this tiny set of islands so magnetic.
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