Exploring the 10 Best Gay Beaches in the USA

There are hundreds all over the world, but some of the best of the best gay travel destinations are right here in the good old U.S. of A. Whether they’re gorgeous year-round, like in Miami, or better during certain seasons, there’s always a gay beach with white sand and rainbow flags waiting for you to dive in (with or without a speedo). Here are the 12 best gay beaches in the United States.

Popular gay beaches in the U.S.

Realistically, gay travelers could spend their entire year traveling from gay beach to gay beach (and it really feels like some of them do) and still not make it through all of them. It makes sense, given that 22% of Grindr users said hitting the beach is their top pastime. Although it’s nice to have so many vacation options, some of us can’t spend our entire year on the beach. We have to be a little discerning.

Don’t worry; we’ve done the hard work for you. 

1. Baker Beach — San Francisco, California

Arguably the gayest city in the world, it’s no surprise San Francisco is home to one (or two) of the country’s best gay beaches. Located in the Presidio, Baker Beach sits in perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge, meaning you’ll have plenty of other sights to see if there’s not enough eye candy on the beach.

Although the LGBTQ community takes over the entire beach, most congregate up toward the northern end and drop trou as they do. The water may be cold, but up on the sand, Baker Beach visitors keep things hot, hot, hot. 

2. Marshall’s Beach — San Francisco, California

Yes, there are two San Francisco beaches in a row, but you can’t talk about Baker Beach without mentioning its sexy little brother, Marshall’s Beach. We say little brother because Marshall’s Beach is tiny and separated from Baker Beach by just a few (big) rocks. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charisma.

Like Baker, Marshall’s Beach is clothing optional — a place where tourists and locals alike go to get in on some good old-fashioned cruising. If you’ve ever dreamed of hooking up in the shadow of a national monument, the Golden Gate Bridge ain’t no snitch.

Be warned: It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but we’ve gotta say, it’s definitely worth it. 

3. 12th Street Beach — Miami, Florida

Although we can’t say the same for the rest of the state, 12th Street Beach in Miami, Florida, is a haven for LGBT people — and a really good time. Located in Lummus Park along Ocean Drive, 12th St. Beach is the go-to gay beach in Miami. It’s got everything a gay beachgoer could want: volleyball courts, outdoor weightlifting equipment, bumpin’ gay bars, restaurants — the list goes on. 

But 12th Street isn’t just a spot for sunbathing in your tiniest suit; it’s also home to some of the best gay parties around. Winter Party, Miami Beach Pride, Circuit Party — there’s always a reason to be there. Thank you, 12th Street, for keeping South Beach (and Florida) gay. 

4. Poodle Beach — Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Moving north for a bit, Poodle Beach — located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware — is a premier destination for the Atlantic coast girlies. Most of the gay men hang out on Poodle Beach, whereas lesbians tend to head toward North Shores Beach. 

Rehoboth gets extremely busy during peak season, but that’s not a bad thing. The beach town has a booming social scene — over 200 LGBTQ-owned businesses and plenty of gay bars. There’s no shortage of gay stuff to get into. 

5. Herring Cove Beach — Provincetown, Massachusetts

Although Herring Cove isn’t technically a clothing-optional beach, it sure gets treated like one (and the local law enforcement tends to look the other way), making it a prime location for getting rid of those pesky tan lines.

Provincetown, better known as P-Town, has long been a gay vacation mecca, and that reputation ain’t going anywhere. The beach is obviously always there, but primetime in P-Town is typically July through August. Check out the dunes if you’re interested in some oceanfront cruising. 

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6. Sebastian Beach — Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Heading back down to Florida (aka America’s Penis), we’ve got Sebastian Beach in Fort Lauderdale. Right outside Wilton Manors, home to some of the state’s gayest nightlife, Sebastian Beach is a gay little slice of paradise.

Whereas 12th Street Beach in Miami is the go-to destination for glitz and glam, Sebastian Beach is a little more lowkey (although it’s still in Florida, so nothing is that lowkey). Enjoy the calmer side of gay beach life on Sebastian Beach while still having an unforgettable time. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. 

7. Higgs Beach — Key West, Florida

Our final stop in Florida (we promise), and by far the furthest south, Higgs Beach, offers more to do than sunbathe. Volleyball, windsurfing, jet skiing — sure, you can go to the beach to relax, but a gay beach should get your heart rate up.

When you’re ready for some downtime, you can walk along the shallow beach’s white sands or pay your respects at the nearby Key West AIDS Memorial.

8. Ginger Rogers Beach — Los Angeles, California

Technically, it’s Will Rogers State Park Beach, but we all know it’s really Ginger Rogers Beach. Named for the Hollywood starlet of the 1930s and ’40s, this beach is proof gay people have been flocking to the seaside since movies were in black and white.

Although you’d be hard-pressed to find a single beach in Los Angeles without a gay person on it, Ginger Rogers Beach is actually Los Angeles’ only official gay beach. Just 15 miles outside of West Hollywood (a hop, skip, and a jump by LA standards), Ginger Rogers Beach is where you go to see and be seen in your skimpiest suit.

9. Little Beach — Maui, Hawaii

Getting to Hawaii might be the easiest part of getting to Little Beach in Makena State Park. The beach is only accessible via a steep lava flow trail, but the journey is well worth it. Although it’s not exactly a gay nudist beach, plenty of beachgoers take the clothing-optional route here. 

The gay part of Little Beach is down at the end, so once you make it over the lava trail, you’ve got just a bit more to go. If you plan on spending a whole day there (which you should), make sure you bring everything you need — no little beach shops or restaurants to pop into on Little Beach. 

10. Pines Beach — Fire Island, New York

Last but not least, no list of gay beaches would be complete without Pines Beach in Fire Island — perhaps the most well-known gay beach in America (maybe even the world). Fire Island is an LGBTQ haven where thousands of gay people go every year to let loose, have fun, and revel in all that it means to be gay.  

Pines is where the gay guys go, whereas Cherry Grove is more of a lesbian hangout. Still, no matter where you are in Fire Island, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. At night, the party continues across the island, but perhaps nowhere more so than Sip ’n’ Swirl. Gay Paradise is just a ferry ride away.

Get more than just sand between your cheeks

Whether you’re looking for a beach buddy or someone to spread aloe on your back after a day in the sun, look no further than your Grindr grid. We bet there’s more than one person willing to give you a rub down there. Download the Grindr app today.