It’s no secret that Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There’s a multitude of gay-owned and operated establishments here, making it a thriving hotspot for LGBT residents and visitors.
Sebastian Street is one of the queer favorite – a great place to bask in the sun. It is the place to see and be seen. The area, named for the popular gay beach nearby, is home to swanky hotels and a number of gay bed and breakfasts. A 15-minute drive from Sebastian Street Beach will bring you to Wilton Manors.
There’s also a gay ol’ time to be had outside of those two neighborhoods. You can find a full-time bear bar and a gay movie house Downtown.
On the trendy Las Olas Boulevard you’ll find Riverside Hotel, a world-class property and the only hotel on the street. Riverside Hotel offers LGBT guests beautiful accommodations, impeccable customer service, fine dining at Indigo Restaurant and great cocktails at Golden Lyon Pub and Preston’s Lobby Lounge.
Mark Semple, an employee at Riverside for seven years and long-time Fort Lauderdale resident, told us his top five reasons for checking in and checking out the Venice of America.
5. Wilton Manors
"Island City" is the place to be in South Florida. Nightlife options abound, with more than a dozen gay bars and clubs and a plethora of great things to do for the LGBT tourist. Wilton Manors has the third highest concentration of gay residents in the United States.
Mark says: “Our hotel is only about 10 minutes away from Wilton Manors. There are great dining and entertainment options there and the best part is that we’re so close!”
4. Waterfront Property
When you check into Riverside Hotel, you’re surrounded by cool sub-tropical breezeways and courtyards alive with sidewalk cafes, lively nightclubs, chic boutiques, art galleries, and world class restaurants. There’s also an outside pool and sundeck with a beautiful view of the New River.
Mark Says: “There are so many great opportunities to tour and relax. We are located in such a busy, bustling area and it’s great that it’s all so close to the water.”
3. Easy/Comfortable Travel
The Riverside Hotel is only four miles away from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Greater Fort Lauderdale & Broward County Convention Center and Port Everglades, and only two miles from Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Mark says: “The culture is unique and eclectic. The chamber of commerce and other organizations are focused on welcoming and encouraging LGBT travelers to come here.”
2. Downtown Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale’s most desirable location and it stretches from the Downtown Business District to the Atlantic Ocean and Fort Lauderdale Beach. The name “las olas,” means “the waves” in Spanish. Visitors will enjoy the flowers and shady trees that line the streets.
Mark Says: “There are always great events to check out in Las Olas. There’s a great Art Festival in October and two times a year the city hosts ‘Christmas in Las Olas.’
1. Sandy Beaches
Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach are just a few of the most popular spots but the beauty of Fort Lauderdale and Florida is that there are so many places to soak up the sun!
We could think of hundreds of other reasons to visit Fort Lauderdale, but why waste more time. Book your trip today and start by reserving your stay at the fabulous Riverside Hotel!