This is an extremely private gated community with resort-style living.
Sea Ranch Lakes surprisingly has no public property; it’s all owned by The Sea Ranch Beach Club. Ramrod Leather Bar on Wilton Drive is a world-famous gay leather-fetish bar with rotating DJs, theme nights, and a wild atmosphere. The Florida Everglades(30 min west)
Take an airboat ride at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Wilton Manors, an area just northwest of downtown, is where you’ll find most of the LGBTQ+-specific venues in town. Coconuts
This casual waterfront gem sits right on the Intracoastal, serving up fresh-caught fish and their famous Scoobies (chargrilled oysters). It’s got:
A beachfront pool
Ocean views
And easy access to Fort Lauderdale’s hotspots
A great choice if you want affordable comfort.
This one’s not directly on the beach, but a short walk from Sebastian Street Beach (Fort Lauderdale’s popular gay beach).
Stonewall National Museum and Archives also seeks to preserve the story of the queer BIPOC communities in Florida and beyond. We work on behalf of all our clients regardless of their race, sex, gender identity, or other identities, ensuring that everyone can achieve homeownership no matter their background. You can hop on and off at different stops, too.
5.
Most people go nude, though it’s optional.
Gay Events in Fort Lauderdale
Wicked Manors Halloween celebration – Likely the most popular event of the year, held in Wilton Manors. OUTshine Film Festival
📅 October
This critically acclaimed festival showcases the best in LGBTQ+ storytelling—from indie gems to international blockbusters.
In 1991, the city’s first gay bar, Streetbar, opened on Arenas Road. You’ll get East Coast views, roomy seats, and even sleeper car options if you want to turn the trip into an adventure.
💡 Pro tip:Book a roomette if you want extra comfort—it’s a tiny hotel on rails.
Drive (Road Trip, Anyone?)
Time: ~21 hours (1,270 miles)
Cost: Gas + tolls (~$200-$300 total)
Driving from NYC to Fort Lauderdale is a great way to see the East Coast, from Savannah’s charm to Florida’s beaches.
💡 Pro tip: Break it up!
This country-inspired gay bar serves up bourbon cocktails, line dancing, and a dance floor that stays packed.
3. IGNITE Browardis Burning Man meets Art Basel—without the desert heat.
How to Get to Fort Lauderdale from NYC
Ready to swap skyscrapers for palm trees swaying in the breeze?
The Gallery at Beach Place
Need a last-minute swimsuit or souvenir? This is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities and scores a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for its protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
In 2018, the city elected its first all-LGBTQ+ city council, a landmark moment in LGBT history.
America’s Favorite Spot for Gay Retirees
As a welcoming town for Hollywood entertainers while under contract, it makes sense that many would retire here after leaving the spotlight.
By the 1970s, the gay retiree demographic exploded because it was cheaper to live here than in popular San Francisco or New York City.
The menu leans creative and globally inspired—think elevated comfort food, inventive small plates, fresh pastas, seasonal entrées, beautifully presented brunch dishes, and crafty cocktails to go with them.
Rosie’s Bar and Grill – Located in the heart of Wilton Manors, Rosie’s is a staple of the LGBTQ+ community. Dania Pointe
Dania Pointe in nearby Dania Beach has a mix of popular brands like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
The city consistently scorestop marks for equality and embracing diversity. How could you not check it out while you’re here? An Uber or Lyft ride from Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale costs around $25–$35 and takes 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
It’s worth noting that Fort Lauderdale isn’t particularly walkable, so you’ll likely need transportation to get around.
If you’re more in the mood for an award-winning restaurant, drag brunch, and happy hour karaoke, check out Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, voted one of the top gay bars in the country.