5 Great Destinations on An LBGTQ-Friendly Road Trip

When you're thinking about where to head in the States for a vacation, you're literally spoilt for choice. Almost everywhere you go you'll find plenty to see and do, as well as lots of good old U.S. hospitality. This means that compiling this guide hasn't been easy, but the five cities we've chosen have lots to recommend them, especially for the LBGTQ traveller. So while the brief guides aren't exclusively LBGTQ-focused, they will point you in the direction of where you can find some of the best entertainment and nightlife.

Plan for your post-covid travel by considering some of these destinations!

San Francisco

Let's start our trip in the Californian city that, arguably, is the most idiosyncratic of all the major population centers in the country and a place that has always danced to its own tune. Obviously, there are all the classic touristy things to do, like riding the cable cars that take the city's many hills in their stride, and the obligatory trip to the prison island of Alcatraz. Then there's the chance to soak up some of the city's unique subculture that has seen it play a leading role in so many social revolutions from the Gold Rush onwards. Sticking up like a thumb from the mainland, the peninsula also benefits from a number of so-called micro climates so while the fog may be rolling in on Golden Gate Park, other parts of the city may be basking in sunshine.

The gay mecca for visitors to San Francisco is the legendary Castro district, and it's here that you'll find both the GLBT History Museum and the Rainbow Walk of Fame. The SOMA area is great for clubs and bars.

Las Vegas

It's hard to think of a single city in the States that has higher camp credentials than Las Vegas. The bright lights, the glitter, Celine Dion in an almost permanent residency make the years when Liberace ruled the stage there seem almost subdued. Of course, wherever you go in Vegas it's almost impossible to avoid gambling and they say that you just haven't lived until you've played poker in Vegas. And if you fancy taking your chances on any other games like roulette, blackjack or craps, you'll never have a better opportunity than this. The big casinos to head for include Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the MGM Grand, and they all promise experience that you'll never forget.

There's plenty of LGBTQ-friendly nightlife to enjoy in and around the famous Strip with a real favorite being Charlies Las Vegas which is famous for its karaoke country and western nights. If it's more of a dance club that you're looking for then Piranha, on The Strip itself, promises a wild time seven nights a week.

New Orleans

The Deep South may have something of a mixed reputation for a liberal approach to life, but this is where New Orleans bucks the trend – it's not called "The Big Easy" for nothing. As one of the country's oldest cities, the architecture is sublime – and the welcome is as warm as a big bowl of Louisiana gumbo. Head for Bourbon Street to catch some of the music that the city's so famous for or head for the artistic Bywater district, where you'll be knocked out by some of the stunning murals on display. New Orleans is also a city renowned for its love of a party, and not just round Mardi Gras time. Specific gay events to look out for include include Southern Decadence, New Orleans Pride, Saints & Sinners LGBT Festival, and LGBT Halloween.

New York

We couldn't possibly have a rundown of must-see cities without giving a very notable mention to NYC. It's been called the most exciting and vibrant city not just in the U.S., but in the whole world. And, however long you stay, there won't be nearly long enough to fit in everything you want to do. This means you're going to have to be selective and focus on the essentials. One of these must be to visit the newly reopened Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) following its multi-million dollar refurbishment. You'll find all the greats of modern art there from Basquiat to Warhol, plus temporary exhibitions too. Then there are Broadway shows to enjoy. Yes, the ticket prices are sky high, but you can get some good last minute deals if you queue up at one of the TKTS booths that you'll find in and around Times Square.

Anyone with an interest in the history of gay rights in the U.S. must also make a trip downtown to visit the site of the Stonewall Inn. It was here that the 1969 riots protesting at police victimization sparked a whole movement that has led to today's more liberal world.

Miami

Our final destination is one for anyone who wants some sunshine at any time of the year. Miami has long been a melting pot of Latin and U.S. culture, so expect a lively time when you're there. Check out the stunning art deco buildings and work on that tan on the famous beach. Then, head for Ocean Drive which is at the epicenter of the city's gay scene with clubs, bars and restaurants that welcome the estimated million LBGTQ visitors that visit Miami each year.

Taken together, these five destinations make for a brilliant road trip around the States. Now, the only issue is to find the time to visit them all!