And when it comes to things to do for gay travellers, I could of course focus on ‘the usual’ – gay nightlife, the gay scene and relaxing at the gay beach…
But during my most recent visit to Miami, I had more time and wanted to delve a little deeper and experience more of what this destination had to offer – and I was kept busy!
Here are my personal recommendations for what gay travellers should do whilst in Miami.
Treetop Trekking Miami at Jungle Island
This is something that was right up my street!
Treetop Trekking Miami is located at Jungle Island eco-adventure park, on Watson Island (a man-made island connected to both mainland and South Beach by causeway) and is actually South Florida’s only aerial adventure park.
Strapped into a climbing harness (bit different to the harness I would wear the following week on Atlantis!), I explored the jungle canopy as I climbed, swung, navigated suspension bridges and zip-lined through the treetops.
There are a number of different treks you can do, to suit either age or experience, but naturally I had to go for the ‘’Thrill-Seeker’’ Trek – the most challenging option!
Located in the heart of the famous South Beach, this stretch of sand has become a haven for lesbian, gay, and queer locals and visitors of all kinds, with a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Just make sure you make a reservation!
I visited for lunch, where the menu consists of three courses for just $38 per person, with plenty of choice to suit me.
Classic Burger $15.00
Fresh grilled beef, sesame bun, lettuce, tomato and onion. Keep up to date on their Instagram.
Ultra Music Festival – not a gay event per se, but pair EDM with a destination like Miami and yes, it gets pretty gay. It dares visitors to discover their alter egos, transforming from an award-winning eatery on Wednesdays and Thursdays to a high-octane drag spot on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
We’ve got tips for sober activities, too. We’re ready to deliver — but we need the resources to do it right. The music is a mix of upbeat tunes that will get you dancing or just vibing with friends, and the space itself has a cool, no-fuss vibe that makes it easy to settle in and hangout with friends. Touting themselves as the #1 South Beach LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant for 36 years, there's no debating its designation as one of Miami Beach's best gay bars.
Palace Bar (South Beach)
Address: 1052 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Another South Beach staple, Palace Bar is known for its world famous drag shows and amazing food. The energy and atmosphere during the 2-hour show was incredible, exactly what I needed to wake me up after a night exploring the South Beach gay scene!
At the time of writing, the drag brunch is a fixed price, at $55 per person for the brunch menu and 2 hours of bottomless mimosas.
The drag brunch is such a popular activity in South Beach that Palace offers two seatings Friday through Sunday, at 11am and 2pm, and have even added an additional show on Mondays at 12pm.
I strongly recommend booking as far in advance as you can as this does book up – reserve your table here.
Address: 1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Walk Ocean Drive to South Pointe
This was something I did most mornings during my visit, as I found it the perfect way to start my day!
Given that the jetlag coming from the UK is just enough to cause me to wake a couple of hours earlier, I decided I may as well get up and make the most of it.
Whether you're a local or just visiting and looking for queer nightlife, here are some top-notch gay and lesbian cocktail bars, dance clubs and dive bars in Miami and its many neighborhoods like South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and Little Havana.
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And being on Ocean Drive, the hotel is also within walking distance to the shopping and dining options that Ocean Drive is well-known for.
Address: 350 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Check rates and book!
Kimpton EPIC, Downtown Miami
My most recent visit to Miami came before my annual Atlantis cruise, which is always a crazy and very exhausting week.
Whilst I loved the time I spent in South Beach, I wanted a couple of days immediately prior to sailing to switch off and relax – and Kimpton EPIC was the perfect choice to do that!
I have always loved the Kimpton hotel chain because of how supportive they are of the LGBTQ+ community; both the Kimpton brand and their parent group IHG Hotels have done some incredible work, such as being proud supporters of Trevor Project – so stepping foot in one of their properties, I immediately felt welcomed as a gay traveller!
Kimpton EPIC is a gorgeous 4-star property located in downtown Miami, away from South Beach and all its temptations, which I needed!
The hotel is a luxurious property, with two rooftop pools, two onsite restaurants, a fully equipped gym, and a poolside bar serving delicious craft cocktails.
It has even been used as a filming location for many films, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys 2, and Iron Man 3.
For more information and to book tickets you can visit their website.
Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
A meal at Giannis – the former Versace Mansion
I have been to Miami multiple times and can’t believe that this is the first time I went to eat at Giannis Restaurant – located at the former Versace Mansion!
The venue itself is stunning, as you would expect, being located in one of the most historic buildings in South Beach, but equally the service was flawless, and the food was delicious.
Giannis is open for both lunch and dinner, and it is highly recommended to make a reservation as early as possible.
I went for a lunch date, and had the 3-course lunch menu which had plenty of choice, and I was shocked to discover was just $38 per person – an absolute steal considering the setting and the quality!
I already can’t wait to return and sample their dinner menu!
Book your table here.
Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Drag Brunch at Palace Bar and Restaurant, South Beach
I’ve been to a few drag brunches in my time, but Palace South Beach has to be the best I have been to!
Gramps (Wynwood, Miami)
Address: 176 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
Although it's not exclusively a gay bar or nightclub, Gramps is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly events, including their famous Double Stubble drag nights on Thursdays. You can see the skyline of Downtown Miami, Port Miami and the cruise ships docked here, as well as the shoreline of South Beach stretching north.
South Pointe Park itself is relatively small but lovely to walk around – there is a small playground, picnic and barbeque facilities, a jungle gym, and if you have come down here to exercise, there are several winding paths throughout the park for running, cycling or roller skating.
There is also direct beach access from South Pointe Park, with chairs and umbrellas available for rental.
Check out Muscle Beach, I mean, Lummus Park
Okay, I had to include this one.
You would just walk down 12th Street until you hit Ocean Drive, cross over onto the beach, and look out for the rainbow painted lifeguard tower, which is even numbered ‘12’.
Haulover Gay Beach is a little further away, roughly 12 miles north of South Beach, and so you would need to use public transport or have access to a car to get here.
It’s wise to make sure you have a reservation for the bottomless brunches and evening shows.
