Beach Bliss: Where to Find the Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Shores in the U.S.

Planning a beach vacation where you can be yourself, feel safe, and just soak in all the good vibes? I've got you covered! There are so many amazing LGBTQ+-friendly beaches across the U.S. where you can find everything from wild parties to chill, secluded spots. I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these gems, and let me tell you, they offer more than just sun and sand—they're total safe havens for our community. If you’re ready to pack your bags and escape, here’s a little guide to some of my faves!

1. Fire Island Pines & Cherry Grove, New York

Ah, Fire Island—this place is legendary. If you’ve never been, it’s like a gay paradise that’s been thriving for decades. Picture this: two communities, Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, linked by a dreamy boardwalk and both serving some serious LGBTQ+ culture.

Fire Island Pines has a more luxurious vibe—think fancy beach houses and bougie pool parties. But don’t sleep on Cherry Grove, where the energy is laid-back, artsy, and always welcoming. The beaches here are straight-up stunning, with soft sands and clear water that’s perfect for chilling or hitting up some water sports. The fact that you have to take a ferry to get here just adds to the magic.

Insider tip: Rent a beach house and join one of the famous “Tea Dance” parties in Cherry Grove. It’s a must.

2. South Beach, Miami, Florida

If you’re all about the party life, South Beach is where it’s at. Every time I’ve been to South Beach, I’ve been hit with pure tropical vibes—warm weather, palm trees, and that iconic art deco style everywhere you look. But the real star? The LGBTQ+ hotspot at 12th Street Beach, marked by rainbow flags so you know you’re in the right place.

This beach is packed with energy—locals, tourists, you name it. Everyone’s there to have fun, whether it's tanning, chatting, or prepping for a night out. South Beach is also home to some of the best gay bars and clubs, and you’ll never run out of options. I’ve gone to Miami Beach Pride, and it was like the whole city turned into one giant rainbow celebration.

Insider tip: Get to 12th Street Beach early to grab a good spot—it fills up fast.

3. Laguna Beach, California

For those of you looking for a more peaceful, yet equally fabulous beach escape, Laguna Beach in SoCal is a vibe. This place is like a mix of gorgeous natural beauty, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and artsy charm. I spent a whole week exploring Main Beach, Laguna’s central hangout spot, and I’m not even exaggerating when I say it’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been.

The art galleries, the cute cafes, the friendly atmosphere—everything about Laguna screams “relax and be yourself.” Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are tons of smaller, secluded coves nearby where you can escape the crowds and soak in the serenity.

Insider tip: Time your trip with Laguna Beach Pride. The entire town goes full rainbow.

4. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is the East Coast's best-kept secret for LGBTQ+ travelers. Seriously, the vibe here is unmatched. It’s got this small-town charm mixed with big LGBTQ+ energy, and it draws people from all over, especially in the summer. If you’re in the mood for a chill beach day with friendly faces, head to Poodle Beach—it’s kind of the unofficial LGBTQ+ spot, and I love how easygoing it feels.

Rehoboth also has a mile-long boardwalk, which is perfect for some casual strolling, people-watching, and stopping for snacks. Oh, and the town’s LGBTQ+ events? Next level. Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend and Women’s FEST are major highlights.

Insider tip: Poodle Beach gets busy, so get there early during the summer to secure a prime spot on the sand.

5. Provincetown, Massachusetts

There’s no way I could talk about LGBTQ+-friendly beaches without mentioning Provincetown, or P-Town as everyone calls it. If you’re looking for an inclusive, artsy, and fun beach destination, this is it. P-Town’s vibe is pure magic—seriously, the second you get there, you feel like you’ve stepped into this utopia where everyone is accepted for who they are.

The beaches, like Herring Cove and Race Point, are gorgeous and peaceful. But the best part? P-Town’s community. You’ve got LGBTQ+-owned shops, bars, and restaurants on every corner. Plus, P-Town throws some of the best parties I’ve ever been to—Carnival and Bear Week are absolute musts if you’re there at the right time.

Insider tip: Head to Herring Cove Beach at sunset—it’s a whole mood.

6. Will Rogers Beach, Los Angeles, California

I can’t forget about Will Rogers Beach, also lovingly called "Ginger Rogers Beach" by the locals. It’s just a short drive from West Hollywood, so if you’re in the LA area, you’ve got to hit this spot. The beach itself is pretty low-key, which I love. It’s less about parties and more about soaking up the California sun in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

Since it’s LA, you’re not far from some awesome attractions like Santa Monica Pier or the Getty Villa. And, being so close to WeHo, you’re also a quick trip away from some of the best gay bars and nightlife in the city.

Insider tip: Arrive early if you’re coming on the weekend. Parking can get wild, especially in the summer.

7. Asbury Park, New Jersey

Asbury Park may not be the first beach you think of, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem for the LGBTQ+ community. What I love about Asbury is how much character this place has—it’s got a real artistic vibe mixed with a deep connection to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s more than just a beach town; it’s a cultural hotspot with live music, quirky cafes, and LGBTQ+-friendly spots everywhere you look.

The beach itself is clean and perfect for a day of lounging, but once the sun sets, the nightlife comes alive with LGBTQ+ bars and clubs that are always buzzing.

Insider tip: Stay after sunset and check out the local LGBTQ+ bars—so much fun!

8. East Beach, Galveston, Texas

East Beach in Galveston might not be as famous as some of the others on this list, but it’s a serious hidden gem, especially if you’re craving a fun, lively vibe. The energy here is unmatched—there are beach festivals, live music, and even dancing right on the sand! Texas can sometimes feel a little conservative, but trust me, Galveston is a different world. East Beach is super welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and just has a fun, laid-back feel.

The beach itself is huge, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. You can hang out at the beach bars, grab a bite from one of the food vendors, or just lounge and soak in the sun.

Insider tip: Keep an eye on the event calendar, especially during the summer. Festivals and concerts are happening all the time, and they add to the fun, inclusive vibe of East Beach.

9. Will Rogers Beach, Los Angeles, California

Will Rogers Beach, aka "Ginger Rogers Beach," is one of LA's LGBTQ+ go-to spots, and for good reason. Just off the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s super accessible and perfect for a laid-back beach day. Whether you want to sunbathe, splash in the waves, or just people-watch, Will Rogers has this calm, friendly vibe that feels super welcoming. It’s pretty close to West Hollywood too, so it’s easy to switch from beach mode to nightlife mode in no time.

The best part? You get all those classic California beach vibes with the Pacific Ocean views. And when you’re done with the sun, Santa Monica is just down the road for even more fun.

Insider tip: Get there early on weekends because parking fills up fast. Also, hit the nearby Santa Monica Pier after a day in the sun—such a good way to wrap up the day!

10. North Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is pretty much legendary when it comes to LGBTQ+-friendly cities, and North Beach is its crown jewel for beach lovers. The sand is soft, the water’s calm, and the LGBTQ+ scene is poppin’. It’s got a chill vibe during the day—perfect for laying out, swimming, or just vibing with your crew—but the real magic happens at night. The area is packed with gay resorts, bars, and restaurants, so there’s never a shortage of things to do once the sun goes down.

Fort Lauderdale Pride is a massive event here, and North Beach becomes the epicenter of all the fun. If you can plan your visit around that, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Insider tip: Make sure to hit up Fort Lauderdale during Pride. The beach parties and celebrations are next-level and draw LGBTQ+ folks from all over.

Embrace Your True Self at These LGBTQ+ Beach Havens

No matter what kind of beach experience you’re craving, these LGBTQ+-friendly destinations have something for everyone. Whether you want to party it up in South Beach, get artsy in Provincetown, or chill in Laguna, these spots offer more than just a sandy retreat—they’re places where you can truly be yourself. So grab your sunscreen, your favorite shades, and hit the waves—these beaches are calling your name, and trust me, you don’t want to miss them!

Stay connected with more travel tips from the LGBTQ+ world at Woke Waves Magazine, where adventure meets acceptance.

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