Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Beaches in the World

We’ve all heard of Miami’s South Beach. Featured heavily in iconic films such as Scarface, Miami Vice, Baywatch, Goldfinger, and Ride Along, it’s one of the world’s most famed and instantly recognizable beaches. With its iconic Ocean Drive, renowned restaurants, luxury shopping, opulent hotels and resorts, and bustling nightclubs, South Beach is possibly the world’s most popular beach destination. Additionally, Miami Beach – South was named theBest Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”

When you arrive at South Beach, you’ll immediately notice the beach’s incredible views. From the sand, beachgoers marvel at Miami Beach’s skyline. With its art-deco architecture, dramatic modern high-rises, and sky-scraping palm trees, the skyline is arguably South Florida’s most iconic sight.

Once you walk onto South Beach’s glistening golden sand, you’ll see that South Beach is more than just a tourist destination. It’s a naturally stunning beach in its own right. With vibrant turquoise water and glistening golden, it’s the perfect place to lounge and enjoy nature while just steps from the big city. While you’re there, be sure to catch South Beach’s vibrant sunsets, which peak at around 7 pm.

Located in the Westside region of Los Angeles County, Will Rogers State Beach - sometimes also known as Will Rogers Beach - is a large and three miles long beach with light brown sand, a few rocky breakwaters, and a few rocks.  The approximate area of this beach is around 103 acres.  This beach is located in the neighborhood of Pacific Palisades - it is important to note that despite this beach’s name, Will Rogers State Beach is actually managed by the County of Los Angeles.  The southern portion of this beach is wide and sandy and the central portion of this beach has a series of short rocky breakwaters.  The northern portion of this beach is significantly narrow and this portion is also rockier than other parts of Will Rogers State Beach.  The northernmost portion of this beach is named Sunset Point Beach and it is also known as Sunset Beach.  In addition, there is also another portion of Will Rogers State Beach that is known as Ginger Rogers Beach - this beach is located near the southernmost portion of Will Rogers State Beach.  Ginger Rogers Beach is located just south of the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Entrada Drive - this beach is popular with the local LGBTQ+ community.  Will Rogers State Beach is named after famous Hollywood actor and cowboy Will Rogers - Will Rogers initially owned a portion of this beach area and he also owned an estate nearby.  After Rogers’ death in a plane crash in 1935, his wife Betty inherited his estate and properties.  Betty in turn donated Rogers’ coastal land to the State of California.  Will Rogers State Beach was dedicated to the public by the State of California in 1942.  In 1975, the County of Los Angeles took over the management of this beach from the State of California.  There is a rock on Will Rogers State Beach that has a bronze plaque commemorating Will Rogers.  Will Rogers State Beach should not be confused with another separate state park named Will Rogers State Historic Park- this state park is located near Will Rogers State Beach.  As an interesting fact, many movies and television shows have been shot on Will Rogers State Beach including the popular television show Baywatch, the 1954 movie Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the 1950Humphrey Bogartmovie In a Lonely Place.  A creek named Rustic Creek flows in the southern portion of Will Rogers State Beach - once this creek passes the beach, it flows into the Pacific Ocean.  Will Rogers State Beach has lifeguards - the lifeguards here are deployed from sunrise to sunset.  In addition to lifeguards, Will Rogers State Beach also has many other amenities including picnic tables, a children’s playground, concession stands, restrooms, a walking path, showers, volleyball courts, and a biking path.  Dogs are not allowed in Will Rogers State Beach.  Beach wheelchairs for visitors with disabilities are available at Will Rogers State Beach on a first-come-first-serve basis.  If you want a beach wheelchair, you can contact the lifeguards posted at Will Rogers State Beach for more information regarding the wheelchair booking process.

Sebastian Beach is one of the most popular beaches for gay beachgoers and recently named the “Hottest U.S. Gay Beach” by Out Traveler. Located across the Ritz Carlton and at the corner of Sebastian Street and A1A, Sebastian Street Beach is often frequented by gay men and is surrounded by guesthouses. Beachgoers rave about how clean the water and sand is. The waves aren’t calm, but the water is warm enough to enjoy a swim. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, and the presence of lifeguards makes for a relaxing atmosphere.

Elia Beach is what the locals consider the only real beach in Mykonos. Its beautiful beige sand beaches and blue water are the perfect places to unwind and mingle with other tourists over a cool cocktail.

Located in the town of Ogunquit on Maine’s southern coast, Ogunquit Beach – also known as Main Beach and Ogunquit Main Beach – is a large beach with soft white sand.  The Ogunquit River also flows near this beach – once this river passes the beach, it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.  This beach has been named the 38th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as “Mr. Beach.”  The beach was also named one of the best beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice awards in 2023, and was also listed as one of the “Best Beaches in New England” by Condé Nast Traveller in 2020.

Located in the affluent suburb of Mosman, Obelisk Beach – also called Georges Beach – is a small curve-shaped beach with light brown sand and large nearby sandstone rocks. This beach is part of a national park named Sydney Harbor National Park and it is known to be popular with members of the Gay community. This beach is an official nude beach – if you are planning a clothing-optional visit at Obelisk Nude Beach, please note that there is not much sunlight here in the afternoon, making the temperature here cold if you’re going to be naked. 

Located in the eastern part of the Kauai shoreline, Lydgate Beach Park - also called Lydgate Park - is a large and immensely popular recreational park that has a large and two-and-a-half-mile long beach with a large amount of driftwood, a few pebbles, and many nearby trees. This beach is called Lydgate Beach and it is situated near the mouth of the Wailua River. The ocean water near the northern part of Lydgate Beach Park is enclosed by multiple artificial rocky breakwaters - this enclosed double-section pool of ocean water is locally known as the Lydgate Pools (it is also alternatively known as Morgan’s Ponds) and it was built during the 20th century. The idea for a double-sectioned pool (a pool that has two portions) near Lydgate Beach was originally envisioned by Albert S. Morgan Sr. and there is a plaque around the beach that recognizes his contribution to the construction of the pool - Albert was a local resident who became inspired to build a protected swimming pool near Lydgate Beach Park when he encountered a similarly protected saltwater pool during his trip to Italy in 1958. 

It is important to note that while some people may refer to this park as Lydgate State Park, this name is misleading and incorrect because the park is not managed by the Division of State Parks (which is a part of the State of Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources). Lydgate Beach Park is named in honor of Reverend John M. Lydgate, who was a prominent local community leader and the former pastor of the Lihu’e United Church and the Koloa Union Church. Reverend Lydgate was also the managing director of the McBryde Sugar Company and the Garden Island newspaper before his death in 1922. Lydgate Beach Park has been featured in many movies including the 1962 movie Diamond Head and the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Blue Hawaii. 

Located in the southern part of the island-city of Key West, Higgs Beach is a popular two-mile long beach with white sand. This beach is a part of a larger recreational county-managed park named Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park. Higgs Beach is not a natural beach - this beach has been created from sand sourced from the Caribbean. 

The bright turquoise waters at Clifton Beach are cold but also calm due to mountains and boulders that block the notorious southeast winds. By late summer, this unique wind condition causes extra sand to be redeposited onto the shoreline. During this time, the shore is wider and pedestrians can easily walk along the waterline from 1st Beach to 4th Beach. Clifton Beach is only accessible by stepped pathways and narrow staircases. There is a small parking lot located near 4th Beach and limited free parking along Victoria Road. During summer days, these parking options fill up quickly so make sure to plan ahead.

Each section of Clifton Beach attracts a diverse group of people of all ages. 1st Beach is laid-back and dog-friendly so you will usually find a more easygoing crowd. It has the strongest current and is a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. 2nd Beach tends to be filled with a younger crowd, particularly college students, while 3rd Beach is usually lively and welcoming to all types of beachgoers and activities. Finally, 4th Beach is most popular among families, locals, and vacationers. It is the only beach in Clifton with Blue Flag status and has the weakest current perfect for casual swimming.

If you need a break from the sand, Table Mountain offers plenty of daily activities and hikes to enjoy amazing views. You can take a cable car 1,000 meters up the mountain to get a 360-degree view of Cape Town and all of its neighboring suburbs. You can easily buy cable car tickets online or at the on-site box office where prices range from $10-$20 (R200-R360).

After your busy day, head to The Bungalow to enjoy a meal while overlooking a view of Clifton Beach and a paragliding landing spot. The Bungalow is also a trendy spot for Sunday brunch where the energetic crowd could fool anyone into thinking it was a Saturday night. Clifton is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, so you’ll find amazing Airbnb and hotel options. 21 Nettleton is a highly recommended boutique luxury hotel that offers spectacular views and a secluded atmosphere.

Playa Los Muertos, meaning Deadman's Beach or the Beach of the Dead, is a popular family-friendly beach in Puerto Vallarta. Though some local legends claim the beach as a site of bloody ambushes during colonial times, many believe that the beach's name is derived from its historic use as a burial site for local indigenous cultures. Los Muertos Beach is centrally located in Puerto Vallarta by the iconic and recently renovated Los Muertos Pier. As Puerto Vallarta's most-visited tourist beach, there's lots to do and enjoy on this beach. Los Muertos beach offers great swimming and water sport conditions. There are always people fishing off the pier or from the beach, boats traveling in the surrounding waters, people paddling around in banana boats, and people parasailing.

Playa Los Meurtos is home to a wide variety of beachfront vendors and concession offerings like fish on a stick, fresh oysters, fresh fruit on a stick, silver, and even massages. There are restaurants and hotels lining this stretch of beach where you can sit for hours enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing. Some local favorites are La Palapa, El Arrayán, El Dorado, and The Blue Shrimp. Playa Los Meurtos is the centerpiece of much of the town's history, you can visit Las Pilitas, The Old Town, and the Original Seahorse Statue. Getting to Los Muertos is easy, you will find it south of the Malecon and the Cuale River Island, by following the edge of the sea from the main square until you see Venustiano Carranza street, where Los Muertos beach starts. In fact, all streets off of Olas Altas street end on the beach.

Eagle Beach is the epitome of that Caribbean paradise we all dream of. With powder-white sand, bright, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, this paradise is an absolute dream. Don't let its relaxing appearance fool you - this vibrant beach thrives on lazy cabanas and motorized water sports alike. Adrenaline-seekers won't have a difficult time finding something to get their blood pumping; with scuba diving, kitesurfing, parasailing, and more, Eagle Beach is the place to be. Dynamic snorkeling and diving excursions are available as well, such as banana boat rides to the famous Antilla shipwreck, Pedernales.

These water activities can be booked through the nearby hotels and resorts as well as on the beach itself. The beach is lined with high-end resorts right on the sand, such as La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino, which offer an array of accommodations that will leave you feeling suntanned and spoiled. If your family is looking for a more rustic experience, come to Eagle Beach during the week of Easter, and join in on the locals' camping tradition! Every year, locals pitch tents along the shoreline and enjoy the holiday, creating a unique, down-to-earth atmosphere at such a sophisticated paradise.

Eagle Beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Aruba, and one of the biggest. Eagle beach boasts its photogenic quality with the two most photographed and widely-known Fofoti trees in Aruba, featured in various advertising campaigns for the island. The trees make for the perfect backdrop for wedding photos or family Christmas cards. Another sight to behold are the turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean; the turtles hatch mostly around sunset or later at night, and offer such a unique vacation experience to beachgoers. Overall, Eagle Beach has it all -- from beachside cocktails to amazing scuba diving, Eagle Beach is the place to be.

Located near the Golden Gate Bridge and just minutes away from Downtown San Francisco, Baker Beach is one of San Francisco’s most popular local beaches. Baker Beach’s picturesque setting and central location make it a great escape for urbanites who are fed up with the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. With rugged cliffs, clear water, smooth beige sand, and a backdrop of hillside greenery, Baker Beach feels like it is worlds away. The only reminder you’re still in San Francisco is the beach’s panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The beach’s stunning setting and central location make it incredibly popular, so during peak hours, you might have to wait for a spot in one of Baker’s two large free parking lots.

Located in the village of Bondi Beach, just four miles east of the Sydney central business district in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Bondi Beach is a one-kilometer-long, world-famous, immensely popular crescent-shaped golden sand beach with many rocky portions. The beach is positioned between two rocky headlands and has a beautiful backdrop of renowned Bondi Beach Park, Bondi Skate Park, Bondi Pavilion, Campbell Parade, beachfront bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, a shopping center, and a nearby supermarket, namely Woolworths Metro Bondi Beach, which together offer incredible views. The beach is home to the world's first lifesaving club, the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club, and the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club, which is a federation club. These clubs were involved in the largest rescue ever on February 6th, 1938, in a single day, known as 'Black Sunday.'of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.