If San Francisco is the gay Mecca of the west coast, then Key West is the paradise of the east coast. Since the gay revolution in the 60's, Key West has been a home for gays & lesbians, transgenders, drag queens, and every other character in the cast. Gay authors, artists, designers, lawyers, architects, doctors, hairdressers, bartenders, waiters, actors, and just plain tourists flock to this island paradise.

Though small in size - the island spans just two miles by four miles with a population of approximately 27,000 full time residents ? Key West has evolved into a significant gay-friendly tourist town. In addition to the lush surroundings and gay friendly atmosphere, Key West's balmy weather is reason enough to come down for a visit. Key West is the only "frost-free" city in the continental U.S. The sunshine attracts gay and lesbian visitors from every state in the union and almost every country in the world. Summer temperatures rarely pass 90 degrees, cooled by ocean breezes while winter temperatures usually reach the mid to upper 70's.


Gay Guest Houses & Gay Friendly Hotels in Key West

Key West is loaded with resorts, hotels and guest houses. During the season from January through June, these lodging accommodations are mostly filled with vacationers. Accommodations range from elegant gay resorts to cozy tropical gay friendly guest houses to five star gay friendly hotels. You can stay in a renovated Victorian mansion or a secluded cottage. Many guest houses cater primarily to gay men, lesbians, or a combination of both. They're often private hideaways tucked underneath swaying palms, furnished with island wicker or rattan and museum quality antiques. It's common to find private pools, private beaches, and clothing-optional sunning decks. Many establishments offer suites or apartments that are perfect for groups of friends.

As one of the country's top rated destinations for gay and lesbian travelers and gay hotels, commitment ceremonies are a daily celebration in gay Key West. The welcoming atmosphere and beautiful courtyard or seaside settings make it the perfect place for a union and honeymoon hideaway.


Where to Go? What to Do?

Hemingway loved coming to Key West to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests and while you might not get away with tackling a local club kid, there's still plenty to do and see on this lush island. Hundreds of dive and snorkel sites are just off shore - better yet, try one of the clothing-optional excursions. Fishermen and women will be happy to know the balmy subtropical climate promises sensational fishing opportunities 365 days a year. But if you'd rather be in a lounge chair than a fishing chair, gay and lesbian sunset cruises offer spectacular views of pastel skies as the pulse of Mallory Square festivities beat in the not too distant background.

In Key West you can use convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet to see the sights. However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers.

The Key West calendar of events is filled with festivals, fishing tournaments, and yearly arts and entertainment including Power Boat Races, a nautical regatta, Pride week, and of course one of the biggest festival events, Fantasy Fest.

The azure blue waters that surround Key West and the Lower Florida Keys have much to offer for divers and fishermen. There is no place else in the country to see so many species of marine life in one place. Wrecks and reefs, both artificial and natural coral, are home to hundreds of species of tropical and game fish. Whether you choose to explore on a catamaran or take a night dive on a wreck, you will be surprised at the sea life in our waters.

A stroll down Duval street will present you with endless gay shopping opportunities. Must haves include funky native lounge wear, hand crafted jewelry, sea shells, aloe products, hand-rolled cigars, and plenty of other fun-in-the sun accessories. Find the perfect page turner for your hammock at one of the Gay bookstores. Or if you're feeling adventuresome, go wild in the adult gay "toy shops".

Key West also has many great attractions for visitors of all ages. From the Ernest Hemingway Museum to the Key West Aquarium. Key West even has a ghost tour that takes visitors on a walking tour through town and highlights all the haunted homes.

For a more low-key, historical view of the village, stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home. Highlights include the Little White House Museum, dedicated to President Harry Truman's tenure, the Audubon House, the cultural center for the Cuban exile community, and the Key West Lighthouse Museum.

Key West has a long tradition of presenting fine dramas, comedies and musicals. Today, several venues offer locally produced creations as well as hosting guest artists and road companies from around the world. Theater Venues Include: The Waterfront Playhouse, Red Barn Theater, Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center and the San Carlos Institute.

You might also want to try a wild dolphin adventure encounter on the living coral reef in Key West's beautiful shallow and mostly calm water back country & Gulf of Mexico. Experience Key West's resident pod of beautiful wild and free Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural habitat.

Or take the ORCHID GARDENS TOUR and enjoy lush, fragrant gardens - filled with blooming orchids. Truly a unique, 'one-of-a-kind' garden tour! Enjoy a leisurely, informative stroll through historic shaded streets and colorful gardens. The Orchid Lady will guide you along your orchid journey - full of facts, fiction and mystery while surrounded by the incredible beauty of Key West.


Gay Friendly Dining - and Hot Nightlife

A festival for your taste buds, Key West is home to world class chefs. Many gay friendly restaurants artfully prepare the island delicacies; succulent Key West pink shrimp, Conch, fresh fish, and Key Lime Pie with their own unique flair. Whatever the culinary theme, the ambiance is as enticing as the entree. From romantic courtyards to chic side-walk cafes, you'll soon discover why Key West is meant to be savored.

Key West's restaurants get your evening off to a perfect start by featuring locally caught seafood, Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian with an island twist - the options are extraordinary! New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants.

Whatever your taste, you'll find it in Key West. Bars, clubs, coffee houses, and late-night shopping all welcome you for the evening; dance, party, chat and meet people from all over the world. Key West clubs regularly provide some of the best entertainment anywhere south of New York City...and they're all within walking distance. Click the "Bars and Nightlife" tab under the City Directory for a full list of Key West bars and nightclubs.

Key West's warm, welcoming atmosphere is one of the main reasons for the island's popularity with gay and lesbian vacations. Key West is a safe and gay-friendly place to be open and relaxed, to make new friends, and be embraced by the small town's live and let live philosophy. It's no wonder gay men and women feel more themselves on this tropical island than anywhere else in the world.

The Key West sunshine attracts gay and lesbian visitors from every state in the union and almost every country in the world. Temperatures rarely pass 90 degrees, cooled by ocean breezes but the nights are always hot! For such a small island, Key West sure has a big dance card to fill. It hosts events and celebrations through out the year - many of them designed to appeal specifically to the gay and lesbian audience. You'll want to approach the Key West nightlife well rested and energetic because this is one city that rivals New York City in its lack of sleep. And while it may range the sheer size and scope of the big apple, Key West offers almost as much variety!

The locally owned restaurants get your evening off to a perfect start featuring locally caught seafood, Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian with an island twist - the options are extraordinary! Bars, clubs, coffee houses, and late-night shopping all welcome you for the evening; dance, party, chat and meet people from all over the world. Key West clubs regularly provide some of the best entertainment anywhere south of New York City...and they're all within walking distance.

When the evening temperature drops to the 70s, you can do likewise by dropping into a 1970s disco revival boogying and hustling your way through the decade that defined gay excess. Then kick up your heels at a gay cabaret where you can take in a spicy performance by stiletto-heeled gender illusionists. After that, you'll want to loosen your collar and grab a brew at one of the city's well-known, welcoming open-air pubs. If you are winding down the evening, kick back in a cocktail lounge or swanky gay piano bar. Or if you are heating things up, throw off your shirt and head for a throbbing high-energy dance club. The common thread: it makes no difference whether the establishments are mainstream or gay, same-sex couples are met with a welcome as warm as the balmy nights. So take a trip to Key West where the nights, the scene and the patrons are always hot.

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