Double Stubble drag is worth the trip to Wynwood, whether you are a gay tourist in South Beach or a lesbian local in Miami, it's sure to provide a good time for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
9. There is a reason local figures like Karla Croqueta and DJ Hottpants collaborate with Gramps often: It has become a second home for Miami’s queer community and greater Miami.
Just make sure you make a reservation!
I visited for lunch, where the menu consists of three courses for just $38 per person, with plenty of choice to suit me.
Twist South Beach
1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach 305-538-9478 twistsobe.com “Never a cover. And when it comes to things to do for gay travellers, I could of course focus on ‘the usual’ – gay nightlife, the gay scene and relaxing at the gay beach…
But during my most recent visit to Miami, I had more time and wanted to delve a little deeper and experience more of what this destination had to offer – and I was kept busy!
Here are my personal recommendations for what gay travellers should do whilst in Miami.
Treetop Trekking Miami at Jungle Island
This is something that was right up my street!
Treetop Trekking Miami is located at Jungle Island eco-adventure park, on Watson Island (a man-made island connected to both mainland and South Beach by causeway) and is actually South Florida’s only aerial adventure park.
Strapped into a climbing harness (bit different to the harness I would wear the following week on Atlantis!), I explored the jungle canopy as I climbed, swung, navigated suspension bridges and zip-lined through the treetops.
There are a number of different treks you can do, to suit either age or experience, but naturally I had to go for the ‘’Thrill-Seeker’’ Trek – the most challenging option!
But I can’t recommend Palace South Beach highly enough.
I have already introduced you to their drag brunch, recommended it as one of South Beach’s top gay bars, but it is also a brilliant dining venue to add to your list.
Of course, you can dine here if you visit for one of their weekend/Monday drag brunches – just take your pick from a menu with traditional brunch fare – pancakes, steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, French toast etc.
But actually, when visiting for lunch or dinner, Palace has an extensive menu, with everything from tacos, to burgers, to pasta dishes – and of course, all accompanied by a big serving of drag!
Being so popular with its Ocean Drive location, I highly recommend booking a table if you want to visit and dine and watch the shows, even if coming midweek.
Address: 1052 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Clearly, Miami has a lot to offer gay travellers – and it’s easy to see why I have fallen in love with Miami!
I will be back in Miami for my Atlantis gay cruise in 2025 and already can’t wait to explore more of this iconic gay friendly destination!
Despite being a lot more work, and aching head to toe the following day, it was worth it for the views I had of the Miami skyline!
And being located at Jungle Island, either before or after your treetop-trek you are invited to explore Jungle Island too, and see the various wildlife such as flamingos, lemurs, and capybaras.
Yet another thrill-seeking activity – this time on the water.
After my morning amongst the treetop canopies, I headed to downtown Miami to depart on my ‘’Thriller Speedboat’’ tour.
The tour departs from Bayside Marketplace and is a 45-minute sightseeing cruise onboard the Thriller Miami Speedboats.
Since the 1990s, Twist has been a mainstay of Miami nightlife, and for good reason. With drag show performances by Drag Race alums, it's easy to see how this has quickly become a beloved space for gay community in Wynwood.
7. Located in the heart of the famous South Beach, this stretch of sand has become a haven for lesbian, gay, and queer locals and visitors of all kinds, with a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.
The sauna is open daily, but operating hours vary depending on weekday and weekend, as well as entry hours varying depending on if you are a hotel guest or a visit so it’s best to check locally before arrival.
Address: 1409 Lincoln Rd F1, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Club Aqua, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami
Club Aqua is the other main sauna in Miami, located downtown, and is actually more of a ‘health-club’ with its wide range of amenities:
Fully equipped gym
Steam room
Dry sauna
Outdoor pool
Sundeck
Video lounge
Despite all the above offerings, Club Aqua is actually very reasonably priced, with a one-off visit costing just $12 on a weekday, and $15 on a weekend, (both plus tax).
Whilst it’s technically ‘not legal’ to be nude in Florida, Haulover Beach has an officially designated clothing-optional area, the only one in the entire state.
I have written a detailed guide to both of these Miami gay beaches and how to find them, as well as a couple of other beaches you may wish to visit, here.
Gay Saunas in Miami
Despite being such a gay-friendly destination, there are actually not many gay saunas in Miami.
It is here where the two popular gay hotels are located, as well as the majority of the gay nightlife.
It’s not uncommon at all to see fellow LGBTQ+ travellers out and about holding hands with their significant others, which is always great to see.
Things to do in Miami for Gay Travellers
There are countless things to do in Miami, both beach based in and around the iconic South Beach as well as in downtown Miami.
Beyond the entertainment, an impressive and expansive menu of food and beverages keeps the place very busy. And being on Ocean Drive, the hotel is also within walking distance to the shopping and dining options that Ocean Drive is well-known for.
Address: 350 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Check rates and book!
Kimpton EPIC, Downtown Miami
My most recent visit to Miami came before my annual Atlantis cruise, which is always a crazy and very exhausting week.
Whilst I loved the time I spent in South Beach, I wanted a couple of days immediately prior to sailing to switch off and relax – and Kimpton EPIC was the perfect choice to do that!
I have always loved the Kimpton hotel chain because of how supportive they are of the LGBTQ+ community; both the Kimpton brand and their parent group IHG Hotels have done some incredible work, such as being proud supporters of Trevor Project – so stepping foot in one of their properties, I immediately felt welcomed as a gay traveller!
Kimpton EPIC is a gorgeous 4-star property located in downtown Miami, away from South Beach and all its temptations, which I needed!
The hotel is a luxurious property, with two rooftop pools, two onsite restaurants, a fully equipped gym, and a poolside bar serving delicious craft cocktails.
You would just walk down 12th Street until you hit Ocean Drive, cross over onto the beach, and look out for the rainbow painted lifeguard tower, which is even numbered ‘12’.
Haulover Gay Beach is a little further away, roughly 12 miles north of South Beach, and so you would need to use public transport or have access to a car to get here.
Take charge and make your own! The queens performing are top of their game, and they certainly know how to work a crowd. From Orlando International Airport (airport code: MCO), you can now quickly travel to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Tips
What’s the best time of year to visit Miami?
The best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is warm but not too humid.
I mean, it’s an iconic location within South Beach, and so of course I had to stop by and check it out – and not just for the eye candy.
Muscle Beach is located within Lummus Park, which is itself found between 5th Street and 14th Place and nestled between Ocean Drive and the actual beach. If Miami New Times matters to you, please contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.
It has even been used as a filming location for many films, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys 2, and Iron Man 3.
For more information and to book tickets you can visit their website.
Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
A meal at Giannis – the former Versace Mansion
I have been to Miami multiple times and can’t believe that this is the first time I went to eat at Giannis Restaurant – located at the former Versace Mansion!
The venue itself is stunning, as you would expect, being located in one of the most historic buildings in South Beach, but equally the service was flawless, and the food was delicious.
Giannis is open for both lunch and dinner, and it is highly recommended to make a reservation as early as possible.
I went for a lunch date, and had the 3-course lunch menu which had plenty of choice, and I was shocked to discover was just $38 per person – an absolute steal considering the setting and the quality!
I already can’t wait to return and sample their dinner menu!
Book your table here.
Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Drag Brunch at Palace Bar and Restaurant, South Beach
I’ve been to a few drag brunches in my time, but Palace South Beach has to be the best I have been to!
Lex's Guide to Queer Miami Nightlife Hot Spots | LGBTQ+ Bars and Clubs
Welcome to our queer city guide series by Lex! Miami and Miami Beach are known for their colorful nightlife and boasts a rich and diverse LGBTQ+ community. Expect a mix of chill beach days with the occasional festive energy, especially during Miami Beach Pride celebrations.
Find your perfect Miami plans on Lex
There’s always something queer happening on Lex.
Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see everything happening in your area. Nothing speaking to you? A friendly staff and robust calendar featuring Karaoke Mondays, Trivia Wednesdays, and Bingo Thursdays match entertainment with libations. In the meantime, a collection of decades-old establishments and newly minted bars continues to serve the community.
Check out New Times‘ list of gay bars in Wilton Manors, South Florida’s LGBTQ+ mecca, here.
