If it’s Memorial Day Weekend … and you’re gay … and you live in the south … you need to be in Pensacola, Florida. "The City of Five Flags" adds a sixth, gladly flying all the colors of the rainbow and welcoming all of the LGBT party-goers it can handle.
The main reason this pride is so popular, of course, is the beach. Pensacola Beach Boulevard will take you where you need to go. The first section of the beach is straight (even during Gay Pride) but keep driving and less than a mile down you will start seeing rainbow flags and "family members" parking. Most people park on the side of the road, which is fine but you may get stuck in the sand depending on what kind of vehicle you drive. If you do plan on driving to the beach, get there early or plan to walk, space quickly becomes an issue.
The scene this weekend is like no other, thousands of sexy, half-naked and bronzed guys and girls of all ages and types. Find a nice spot for yourself on the beach and enjoy the scenery. The best part of Pensacola Pride is meeting new people (alcohol and themed-tents help to this end). From drag-queen to rehab stations, you'll find miles of entertainment.
Being a small resort town, there are limited places to stay in Pensacola, and this is a HUGE event! So if you’re planning to go, and you're traveling with a group, plan early.
You'll find the odd straight family that didn't realize or care that it was Gay Pride, but for the most part, LGBT tourists take over hotels in the metro area during Memorial Day Weekend.
Wherever you end up, make sure you are close to the beach. Even if your hotel is downtown, you still have to take the toll bridge to Pensacola Beach, which can be a pain.
Just because the sun sets, the party doesn't end! After taking a rest or enjoying a great seafood meal at one of Pensacola's quaint dockside restaurants, get ready to head to Emerald City (406 East Wright Street | (850) 433-9491). Located near the Convention Center downtown, Emerald City is the city’s premier gay club. There’s a dance floor and three bars inside, plus a balcony area on the roof.
Emerald City will be hosting a series of parties, beginning on Thursday night and lasting until Monday evening. The main event is Saturday's Sweat party, featuring well-known DJs. The festivities don’t end at 2am, there will also be several after parties pumping into the early morning.
As you can imagine, the sun, booze and whatever trouble you find yourself in can take its toll. By Memorial Day, everyone is usually worn out and most take off. So if you're looking for a respite from the craziness and want a quiet day on the beach, this may be the ideal time to go.
On that Monday, when you start seeing people pack up, there’s always a feeling of sadness. It's time to go back home, back to reality. The comforting thought is that you can come back and do it all over again next year!